A Direct Method for Mapping the Center of Pressure Measured by an Insole Pressure Sensor System to the Shoe's Local Coordinate System.

PubMed

Weaver, Brian T; Braman, Jerrod E; Haut, Roger C

2016-06-01

A direct method to express the center of pressure (CoP) measured by an insole pressure sensor system (IPSS) into a known coordinate system measured by motion tracking equipment is presented. A custom probe was constructed with reflective markers to allow its tip to be precisely tracked with motion tracking equipment. This probe was utilized to activate individual sensors on an IPSS that was placed in a shoe fitted with reflective markers used to establish a local shoe coordinate system. When pressed onto the IPSS the location of the probe's tip was coincident with the CoP measured by the IPSS (IPSS-CoP). Two separate pushes (i.e., data points) were used to develop vectors in each respective coordinate system. Simple vector mathematics determined the rotational and translational components of the transformation matrix needed to express the IPSS-CoP into the local shoe coordinate system. Validation was performed by comparing IPSS-CoP with an embedded force plate measured CoP (FP-CoP) from data gathered during kinematic trials. Six male subjects stood on an embedded FP and performed anterior/posterior (AP) sway, internal rotation, and external rotation of the body relative to a firmly planted foot. The IPSS-CoP was highly correlated with the FP-CoP for all motions, root mean square errors (RMSRRs) were comparable to other research, and there were no statistical differences between the displacement of the IPSS-CoP and FP-CoP for both the AP and medial/lateral (ML) axes, respectively. The results demonstrated that this methodology could be utilized to determine the transformation variables need to express IPSS-CoP into a known coordinate system measured by motion tracking equipment and that these variables can be determined outside the laboratory anywhere motion tracking equipment is available.

Radio-frequency tracking of respiratory equipment: rationale and early experience at the Cleveland Clinic.

PubMed

Stoller, James K; Roberts, Vincent; Matt, David; Chom, Leslie; Sasidhar, Madhu; Chatburn, Robert L

2013-12-01

When respiratory therapists (RTs) seek respiratory care equipment, finding it quickly is desirable, both to expedite patient care and to avert RTs wasting time. To optimize RTs' ability to quickly locate ventilators, we developed and implemented a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tagging system called eTrak. The Clinical Engineering and Information Technology groups at Cleveland Clinic collaboratively developed a Wi-Fi-based RFID program that used active RFID tags. Altogether, 218 ventilators, 82 noninvasive ventilators, and various non-respiratory equipment were tagged, beginning in March 2010. We calculated the difference in time required to locate equipment before versus after implementation. The eTrak system had a mean 145 log-ons per week over the first year of use, and was associated with a decreased time required for RTs to locate ventilators: median 18 min (range 1-45 min) versus 3 min (range 1-6 min) (P < .001). Surveys of RTs regarding whether equipment was hard to find before versus after implementing eTrak showed a non-significant trend toward improvement. An RFID tracking system for respiratory equipment shortened the time to locate ventilators and non-significantly improved RT satisfaction with finding equipment. RFID tagging of equipment warrants further investigation.

A preliminary demonstration of "virtual warehousing" and cross-docking technique with active RFID combined with asset tracking equipment.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-11-01

The University of Denvers Intermodal Transportation Institute and System Planning : Corporations GlobalTrak system have successfully demonstrated the integration of GPS : tracking and active RFID monitoring of simulated cargo of pallet and cart...

Design analysis tracking and data relay satellite simulation system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

The design and development of the equipment necessary to simulate the S-band multiple access link between user spacecraft, the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, and a ground control terminal are discussed. The core of the S-band multiple access concept is the use of an Adaptive Ground Implemented Phased Array. The array contains thirty channels and provides the multiplexing and demultiplexing equipment required to demonstrate the ground implemented beam forming feature. The system provided will make it possible to demonstrate the performance of a desired user and ten interfering sources attempting to pass data through the multiple access system.

Feasibility of real-time location systems in monitoring recovery after major abdominal surgery.

PubMed

Dorrell, Robert D; Vermillion, Sarah A; Clark, Clancy J

2017-12-01

Early mobilization after major abdominal surgery decreases postoperative complications and length of stay, and has become a key component of enhanced recovery pathways. However, objective measures of patient movement after surgery are limited. Real-time location systems (RTLS), typically used for asset tracking, provide a novel approach to monitoring in-hospital patient activity. The current study investigates the feasibility of using RTLS to objectively track postoperative patient mobilization. The real-time location system employs a meshed network of infrared and RFID sensors and detectors that sample device locations every 3 s resulting in over 1 million data points per day. RTLS tracking was evaluated systematically in three phases: (1) sensitivity and specificity of the tracking device using simulated patient scenarios, (2) retrospective passive movement analysis of patient-linked equipment, and (3) prospective observational analysis of a patient-attached tracking device. RTLS tracking detected a simulated movement out of a room with sensitivity of 91% and specificity 100%. Specificity decreased to 75% if time out of room was less than 3 min. All RTLS-tagged patient-linked equipment was identified for 18 patients, but measurable patient movement associated with equipment was detected for only 2 patients (11%) with 1-8 out-of-room walks per day. Ten patients were prospectively monitored using RTLS badges following major abdominal surgery. Patient movement was recorded using patient diaries, direct observation, and an accelerometer. Sensitivity and specificity of RTLS patient tracking were both 100% in detecting out-of-room ambulation and correlated well with direct observation and patient-reported ambulation. Real-time location systems are a novel technology capable of objectively and accurately monitoring patient movement and provide an innovative approach to promoting early mobilization after surgery.

Using technology to improve and support communication and workflow processes.

PubMed

Bahlman, Deborah Tuke; Johnson, Fay C

2005-07-01

In conjunction with a large expansion project, a team of perioperative staff members reviewed their workflow processes and designed their ideal patient tracking and communication system. Technologies selected and deployed included a passive infrared tracking system, an enhanced nurse call system, wireless telephones, and a web-based electronic grease board. The new system provides staff members with an easy way to obtain critical pieces of patient information, as well as track the progress of patients and locate equipment.

Evolution of the SOFIA tracking control system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fiebig, Norbert; Jakob, Holger; Pfüller, Enrico; Röser, Hans-Peter; Wiedemann, Manuel; Wolf, Jürgen

2014-07-01

The airborne observatory SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) is undergoing a modernization of its tracking system. This included new, highly sensitive tracking cameras, control computers, filter wheels and other equipment, as well as a major redesign of the control software. The experiences along the migration path from an aged 19" VMbus based control system to the application of modern industrial PCs, from VxWorks real-time operating system to embedded Linux and a state of the art software architecture are presented. Further, the concept is presented to operate the new camera also as a scientific instrument, in parallel to tracking.

Instrumentation Techniques for Tracking Low-Flying Vehicles

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-07-15

feet long (Appendix C). The weight budget could be 1000 pounds. The equip- ment in the pod would include (1) range and range rate measuring devices, (2...advantages would probably outweigh the drawback of beam spreading and loss of resolution as the beam is deflected from normal to the array plane. However...necessitates minimizing size and weight of the airborne equipment. .It is suggested that the data generated by the airborne tracking system be

Role of TDRSS in tracking and data acquisition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spearing, R. E.

1980-01-01

The integration and operation of the Tracking Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) into the NASA Communications Network (NASCOM) equipment and services is described. The system concept employs spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit, operating as communications front-ends, and a single ground terminal, which provides primary tracking and data acquisition services for earth-orbiting user satellites and for the Space Shuttle. The TDRSS system is further characterized by real-time throughput of user data and a high degree of automation.

Implementing Electronic Data Interchange to Provide In-Transit Visibility

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-06-01

As a source system for GTN, DTTS-E will interface with GTN to provide satellite-tracking data from the QualComm Regional Dispatch/Monitor Station...DTTS-E data (subject to data quality constraints and the extent of the QualComm Satellite Tracking application) provides the location of organic...vehicle assets equipped with the European QualComm Satellite Tracking transponders. GATES = Global Air Transportation Execution System (AMC) A

Enhancement of tracking performance in electro-optical system based on servo control algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, WooJin; Kim, SungSu; Jung, DaeYoon; Seo, HyoungKyu

2017-10-01

Modern electro-optical surveillance and reconnaissance systems require tracking capability to get exact images of target or to accurately direct the line of sight to target which is moving or still. This leads to the tracking system composed of image based tracking algorithm and servo control algorithm. In this study, we focus on the servo control function to minimize the overshoot in the tracking motion and do not miss the target. The scheme is to limit acceleration and velocity parameters in the tracking controller, depending on the target state information in the image. We implement the proposed techniques by creating a system model of DIRCM and simulate the same environment, validate the performance on the actual equipment.

Ultra-Wideband Angle-of-Arrival Tracking Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arndt, G. Dickey; Ngo, Phong H.; Phan, Chau T.; Gross, Julia; Ni, Jianjun; Dusl, John

2010-01-01

Systems that measure the angles of arrival of ultra-wideband (UWB) radio signals and perform triangulation by use of those angles in order to locate the sources of those signals are undergoing development. These systems were originally intended for use in tracking UWB-transmitter-equipped astronauts and mobile robots on the surfaces of remote planets during early stages of exploration, before satellite-based navigation systems become operational. On Earth, these systems could be adapted to such uses as tracking UWB-transmitter-equipped firefighters inside buildings or in outdoor wildfire areas obscured by smoke. The same characteristics that have made UWB radio advantageous for fine resolution ranging, covert communication, and ground-penetrating radar applications in military and law-enforcement settings also contribute to its attractiveness for the present tracking applications. In particular, the waveform shape and the short duration of UWB pulses make it possible to attain the high temporal resolution (of the order of picoseconds) needed to measure angles of arrival with sufficient precision, and the low power spectral density of UWB pulses enables UWB radio communication systems to operate in proximity to other radio communication systems with little or no perceptible mutual interference.

Titan 3E/Centaur D-1T Systems Summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

A systems and operational summary of the Titan 3E/Centaur D-1T program is presented which describes vehicle assembly facilities, launch facilities, and management responsibilities, and also provides detailed information on the following separate systems: (1) mechanical systems, including structural components, insulation, propulsion units, reaction control, thrust vector control, hydraulic systems, and pneumatic equipment; (2) astrionics systems, such as instrumentation and telemetry, navigation and guidance, C-Band tracking system, and range safety command system; (3) digital computer unit software; (4) flight control systems; (5) electrical/electronic systems; and (6) ground support equipment, including checkout equipment.

Autonomous antenna tracking system for mobile symphonie ground stations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ernsberger, K.; Lorch, G.; Waffenschmidt, E.

1982-01-01

The implementation of a satellite tracking and antenna control system is described. Due to the loss of inclination control for the symphonie satellites, it became necessary to equip the parabolic antennas of the mobile Symphonie ground station with tracking facilities. For the relatively low required tracking accuracy of 0.5 dB, a low cost, step track system was selected. The step track system developed for this purpose and tested over a long period of time in 7 ground stations is based on a search step method with subsequent parabola interpolation. As compared with the real search step method, the system has the advantage of a higher pointing angle resolution, and thus a higher tracking accuracy. When the pilot signal has been switched off for a long period of time, as for instance after the eclipse, the antenna is repointed towards the satellite by an automatically initiated spiral search scan. The function and design of the tracking system are detailed, while easy handling and tracking results.

The interplanetary Pioneers. Volume 2: System design and development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Corliss, W. R.

1972-01-01

The Pioneer systems, subsystems, and ground support activities are described. Details are given on the launch trajectory and solar orbit plans, spacecraft design approach and evolution, scientific instrument, test and ground support equipment, Delta launch vehicle, tracking and communication, and data processing equipment. Pioneer specifications, and reliability and quality assurance are also included.

Tracking and data relay satellite system configuration and tradeoff study. Volume 5: User impact and ground station design, part 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hill, T. E.

1972-01-01

The configuration of the user transponder on the Tracking and Data Relay satellite is described. The subjects discussed are: (1) transponder concepts and trades, (2) ground station design, (3) antenna configurations for ground equipment, (4) telemetry facilities, (5) signal categories, and (6) satellite tracking.

Measurement of electromagnetic tracking error in a navigated breast surgery setup

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harish, Vinyas; Baksh, Aidan; Ungi, Tamas; Lasso, Andras; Baum, Zachary; Gauvin, Gabrielle; Engel, Jay; Rudan, John; Fichtinger, Gabor

2016-03-01

PURPOSE: The measurement of tracking error is crucial to ensure the safety and feasibility of electromagnetically tracked, image-guided procedures. Measurement should occur in a clinical environment because electromagnetic field distortion depends on positioning relative to the field generator and metal objects. However, we could not find an accessible and open-source system for calibration, error measurement, and visualization. We developed such a system and tested it in a navigated breast surgery setup. METHODS: A pointer tool was designed for concurrent electromagnetic and optical tracking. Software modules were developed for automatic calibration of the measurement system, real-time error visualization, and analysis. The system was taken to an operating room to test for field distortion in a navigated breast surgery setup. Positional and rotational electromagnetic tracking errors were then calculated using optical tracking as a ground truth. RESULTS: Our system is quick to set up and can be rapidly deployed. The process from calibration to visualization also only takes a few minutes. Field distortion was measured in the presence of various surgical equipment. Positional and rotational error in a clean field was approximately 0.90 mm and 0.31°. The presence of a surgical table, an electrosurgical cautery, and anesthesia machine increased the error by up to a few tenths of a millimeter and tenth of a degree. CONCLUSION: In a navigated breast surgery setup, measurement and visualization of tracking error defines a safe working area in the presence of surgical equipment. Our system is available as an extension for the open-source 3D Slicer platform.

Three-dimensional analysis of the surface registration accuracy of electromagnetic navigation systems in live endoscopic sinus surgery.

PubMed

Chang, C M; Fang, K M; Huang, T W; Wang, C T; Cheng, P W

2013-12-01

Studies on the performance of surface registration with electromagnetic tracking systems are lacking in both live surgery and the laboratory setting. This study presents the efficiency in time of the system preparation as well as the navigational accuracy of surface registration using electromagnetic tracking systems. Forty patients with bilateral chronic paranasal pansinusitis underwent endoscopic sinus surgery after undergoing sinus computed tomography scans. The surgeries were performed under electromagnetic navigation guidance after the surface registration had been carried out on all of the patients. The intraoperative measurements indicate the time taken for equipment set-up, surface registration and surgical procedure, as well as the degree of navigation error along 3 axes. The time taken for equipment set-up, surface registration and the surgical procedure was 179 +- 23 seconds, 39 +- 4.8 seconds and 114 +- 36 minutes, respectively. A comparison of the navigation error along the 3 axes showed that the deviation in the medial-lateral direction was significantly less than that in the anterior-posterior and cranial-caudal directions. The procedures of equipment set-up and surface registration in electromagnetic navigation tracking are efficient, convenient and easy to manipulate. The system accuracy is within the acceptable ranges, especially on the medial-lateral axis.

Communications and Tracking Distributed Systems Evolution Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Culpepper, William

1990-01-01

The Communications and Tracking (C & T) techniques and equipment to support evolutionary space station concepts are being analyzed. Evolutionary space station configurations and operational concepts are used to derive the results to date. A description of the C & T system based on future capability needs is presented. Included are the hooks and scars currently identified to support future growth.

Development of the U.S. Army Railroad Track Maintenance Management System (RAILER).

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-05-01

availability is both feasible and desirable. Section 5 of this study discusses measurement and analysis equipment. .5 *- Sample Deduct Value Calculations... Sample of Five Groups of 50 Ties From Same Mile on Track 72 C2 Bad Tie Count Adjustment Factors 80 C3 Adjusted Badtie Count Factors Under Conservative...economic analysis developed as part of the PAVER system 3 can be used for RAILER; however, guidelines for providing track information inputs to the

Implementation plan for HANDI 2000 TWRS master equipment list

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

BENNION, S.I.

This document presents the implementation plan for an additional deliverable of the HANDI 2000 Project. The PassPort Equipment Data module processes include those portions of the COTS PassPort system required to support tracking and management of the Master Equipment List for Lockheed Martin Hanford Company (LMHC) and custom software created to work with the COTS products.

Automatic weld torch guidance control system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smaith, H. E.; Wall, W. A.; Burns, M. R., Jr.

1982-01-01

A highly reliable, fully digital, closed circuit television optical, type automatic weld seam tracking control system was developed. This automatic tracking equipment is used to reduce weld tooling costs and increase overall automatic welding reliability. The system utilizes a charge injection device digital camera which as 60,512 inidividual pixels as the light sensing elements. Through conventional scanning means, each pixel in the focal plane is sequentially scanned, the light level signal digitized, and an 8-bit word transmitted to scratch pad memory. From memory, the microprocessor performs an analysis of the digital signal and computes the tracking error. Lastly, the corrective signal is transmitted to a cross seam actuator digital drive motor controller to complete the closed loop, feedback, tracking system. This weld seam tracking control system is capable of a tracking accuracy of + or - 0.2 mm, or better. As configured, the system is applicable to square butt, V-groove, and lap joint weldments.

77 FR 26356 - Petition for Waiver of Compliance

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-03

... Order Procedures: Railroad Track, Locomotive and Equipment; 217, Railroad Operating Rules; 218, Railroad Operating Practices; 229, Railroad Locomotive Safety Standards; 233, Signal Systems Reporting Requirements... requiring special notice for repairs. Waiver is also sought for non-I-ETMS-equipped locomotives operating in...

New generation of naval IRST: example of EOMS NG

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maltese, Dominique; Deyla, Olivier; Vernet, Guillaume; Preux, Carole; Hilt, Gisèle; Nougues, Pierre-Olivier, II

2010-04-01

Modern warships ranging from Air Warfare Destroyers to Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) and Fast Patrol Boats have to deal with an ever increasing variety of threats, both symmetric and asymmetric, for self-protection. This last category has introduced new requirements for combat systems sensors and effectors: situation awareness in proximity of the own ship has become a priority, as well as the need for new, lethal or non-lethal effectors for timely and proportional response. Naval Combat Systems (CS) architects are then faced with an alternative: they can either use existing CS sensors, C2 and weapons, or else rely on new, specialized equipments. Both approaches have their pros and cons, with the cost issue not necessarily trivial to assess. In this paper, we present a multifunction system that is both a passive IRST (InfraRed Search and Track) sensor, designed to automatically detect and track air and surface threats, and an Electro Optical Director (EOD), capable of providing identification of objects as well as accurate 3D tracks. Following an introduction reviewing the design goals for the equipment, the EOMS NG processing architecture is described (Image & Tracking Processes). Then, system performances are presented for different scenarios provided from Field Tests.

Relationship Between Site Disturbance and Forest Harvesting Equipment Traffic

Treesearch

Tim McDonald; Emily Carter; Steve Taylor; John Tobert

1998-01-01

A study was done to evaluate the use of global positioning systems (GPS) to track the position of forest harvesting equipment and use the information to assess site impacts. GPS units were attached to tree-length harvesting machinery in two clearcuts (1 feller-buncher, 2 skidders). Position of the equipment was recorded at 2-second intervals throughout the harvest of...

Ultra-Wideband Tracking System Design for Relative Navigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ni, Jianjun David; Arndt, Dickey; Bgo, Phong; Dekome, Kent; Dusl, John

2011-01-01

This presentation briefly discusses a design effort for a prototype ultra-wideband (UWB) time-difference-of-arrival (TDOA) tracking system that is currently under development at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC). The system is being designed for use in localization and navigation of a rover in a GPS deprived environment for surface missions. In one application enabled by the UWB tracking, a robotic vehicle carrying equipments can autonomously follow a crewed rover from work site to work site such that resources can be carried from one landing mission to the next thereby saving up-mass. The UWB Systems Group at JSC has developed a UWB TDOA High Resolution Proximity Tracking System which can achieve sub-inch tracking accuracy of a target within the radius of the tracking baseline [1]. By extending the tracking capability beyond the radius of the tracking baseline, a tracking system is being designed to enable relative navigation between two vehicles for surface missions. A prototype UWB TDOA tracking system has been designed, implemented, tested, and proven feasible for relative navigation of robotic vehicles. Future work includes testing the system with the application code to increase the tracking update rate and evaluating the linear tracking baseline to improve the flexibility of antenna mounting on the following vehicle.

Long distance tracking of birds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cochran, W. W.

1972-01-01

The application of radio telemetry techniques to the long distance tracking of birds is discussed. The types of equipment developed and methods for attachment to a bird are described. The operating range of the radio transmitter receiver system is examined, and methods for acquiring and analyzing the data are explained.

Anti-Runaway Prevention System with Wireless Sensors for Intelligent Track Skates at Railway Stations.

PubMed

Jiang, Chaozhe; Xu, Yibo; Wen, Chao; Chen, Dilin

2017-12-19

Anti-runaway prevention of rolling stocks at a railway station is essential in railway safety management. The traditional track skates for anti-runaway prevention of rolling stocks have some disadvantages since they are operated and monitored completely manually. This paper describes an anti-runaway prevention system (ARPS) based on intelligent track skates equipped with sensors and real-time monitoring and management system. This system, which has been updated from the traditional track skates, comprises four parts: intelligent track skates, a signal reader, a database station, and a monitoring system. This system can monitor the real-time situation of track skates without changing their workflow for anti-runaway prevention, and thus realize the integration of anti-runaway prevention information management. This system was successfully tested and practiced at Sunjia station in Harbin Railway Bureau in 2014, and the results confirmed that the system showed 100% accuracy in reflecting the usage status of the track skates. The system could meet practical demands, as it is highly reliable and supports long-distance communication.

Anti-Runaway Prevention System with Wireless Sensors for Intelligent Track Skates at Railway Stations

PubMed Central

Jiang, Chaozhe; Xu, Yibo; Chen, Dilin

2017-01-01

Anti-runaway prevention of rolling stocks at a railway station is essential in railway safety management. The traditional track skates for anti-runaway prevention of rolling stocks have some disadvantages since they are operated and monitored completely manually. This paper describes an anti-runaway prevention system (ARPS) based on intelligent track skates equipped with sensors and real-time monitoring and management system. This system, which has been updated from the traditional track skates, comprises four parts: intelligent track skates, a signal reader, a database station, and a monitoring system. This system can monitor the real-time situation of track skates without changing their workflow for anti-runaway prevention, and thus realize the integration of anti-runaway prevention information management. This system was successfully tested and practiced at Sunjia station in Harbin Railway Bureau in 2014, and the results confirmed that the system showed 100% accuracy in reflecting the usage status of the track skates. The system could meet practical demands, as it is highly reliable and supports long-distance communication. PMID:29257108

Dual S and Ku-band tracking feed for a TDRS reflector antenna

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pullara, J. C.; Bales, C. W.; Kefalas, G. P.; Uyehara, M.

1974-01-01

The results are presented of a trade study designed to identify a synchronous satellite antenna system suitable for receiving and transmitting data from lower orbiting satellites at both S- and K sub u-bands simultaneously as part of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System. All related problems associated with maintaining a data link between two satellites with a K sub u-band half-power beamwidth of 0.4 db are considered including data link maintenance techniques, beam pointing accuracies, gimbal and servo errors, solar heating, angle tracking schemes, acquisition problems and aids, tracking accuracies versus SNR, antenna feed designs, equipment designs, weight and power budgets, and detailed candidate antenna system designs.

Tracking and Data System Support for the Mariner Venus/Mercury 1973 Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, E. K.; Traxler, M. R.

1977-01-01

The Tracking and Data System, which provided outstanding support to the Mariner Venus/Mercury 1973 project during the period from January 1970 through March 1975 are chronologically described. In the Tracking and Data System organizations, plans, processes, and technical configurations, which were developed and employed to facilitate achievement of mission objectives, are described. In the Deep Space Network position of the tracking and data system, a number of special actions were taken to greatly increase the scientific data return and to assist the project in coping with in-flight problems. The benefits of such actions were high; however, there was also a significant increase in risk as a function of the experimental equipment and procedures required.

The ship-borne infrared searching and tracking system based on the inertial platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yan; Zhang, Haibo

2011-08-01

As a result of the radar system got interferenced or in the state of half silent ,it can cause the guided precision drop badly In the modern electronic warfare, therefore it can lead to the equipment depended on electronic guidance cannot strike the incoming goals exactly. It will need to rely on optoelectronic devices to make up for its shortcomings, but when interference is in the process of radar leading ,especially the electro-optical equipment is influenced by the roll, pitch and yaw rotation ,it can affect the target appear outside of the field of optoelectronic devices for a long time, so the infrared optoelectronic equipment can not exert the superiority, and also it cannot get across weapon-control system "reverse bring" missile against incoming goals. So the conventional ship-borne infrared system unable to track the target of incoming quickly , the ability of optoelectronic rivalry declines heavily.Here we provide a brand new controlling algorithm for the semi-automatic searching and infrared tracking based on inertial navigation platform. Now it is applying well in our XX infrared optoelectronic searching and tracking system. The algorithm is mainly divided into two steps: The artificial mode turns into auto-searching when the deviation of guide exceeds the current scene under the course of leading for radar.When the threshold value of the image picked-up is satisfied by the contrast of the target in the searching scene, the speed computed by using the CA model Least Square Method feeds back to the speed loop. And then combine the infrared information to accomplish the closed-loop control of the infrared optoelectronic system tracking. The algorithm is verified via experiment. Target capturing distance is 22.3 kilometers on the great lead deviation by using the algorithm. But without using the algorithm the capturing distance declines 12 kilometers. The algorithm advances the ability of infrared optoelectronic rivalry and declines the target capturing time by using semi-automatic searching and reliable capturing-tracking, when the lead deviation of the radar is great.

49 CFR 571.121 - Standard No. 121; Air brake systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... inches with extendable equipment in the fully retracted position and is equipped with two short track... construction that accommodates harvest containers, a maximum length of 28 feet, and an arrangement of air.... Container chassis trailer means a semitrailer of skeleton construction limited to a bottom frame, one or...

49 CFR 571.121 - Standard No. 121; Air brake systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... inches with extendable equipment in the fully retracted position and is equipped with two short track... construction that accommodates harvest containers, a maximum length of 28 feet, and an arrangement of air.... Container chassis trailer means a semitrailer of skeleton construction limited to a bottom frame, one or...

49 CFR 571.121 - Standard No. 121; Air brake systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... inches with extendable equipment in the fully retracted position and is equipped with two short track... construction that accommodates harvest containers, a maximum length of 28 feet, and an arrangement of air.... Container chassis trailer means a semitrailer of skeleton construction limited to a bottom frame, one or...

Development of a Remotely Operated Autonomous Satellite Tracking System

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

ability of Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) optical observation equipment to track and image Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellites. Using radar data in...SOR operates one of the world’s premier adaptive-optics telescopes capable of tracking low -earth orbiting satellites. The telescope has a 3.5-meter...student) published his thesis Initial Determination of Low Earth Orbits Using Commercial Telescopes. According to this document’s Problem Statement

IRLooK: an advanced mobile infrared signature measurement, data reduction, and analysis system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cukur, Tamer; Altug, Yelda; Uzunoglu, Cihan; Kilic, Kayhan; Emir, Erdem

2007-04-01

Infrared signature measurement capability has a key role in the electronic warfare (EW) self protection systems' development activities. In this article, the IRLooK System and its capabilities will be introduced. IRLooK is a truly innovative mobile infrared signature measurement system with all its design, manufacturing and integration accomplished by an engineering philosophy peculiar to ASELSAN. IRLooK measures the infrared signatures of military and civil platforms such as fixed/rotary wing aircrafts, tracked/wheeled vehicles and navy vessels. IRLooK has the capabilities of data acquisition, pre-processing, post-processing, analysis, storing and archiving over shortwave, mid-wave and long wave infrared spectrum by means of its high resolution radiometric sensors and highly sophisticated software analysis tools. The sensor suite of IRLooK System includes imaging and non-imaging radiometers and a spectroradiometer. Single or simultaneous multiple in-band measurements as well as high radiant intensity measurements can be performed. The system provides detailed information on the spectral, spatial and temporal infrared signature characteristics of the targets. It also determines IR Decoy characteristics. The system is equipped with a high quality field proven two-axes tracking mount to facilitate target tracking. Manual or automatic tracking is achieved by using a passive imaging tracker. The system also includes a high quality weather station and field-calibration equipment including cavity and extended area blackbodies. The units composing the system are mounted on flat-bed trailers and the complete system is designed to be transportable by large body aircraft.

Job Grading Standard for Locomotive Engineer WG-6004.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Civil Service Commission, Washington, DC. Bureau of Policies and Standards.

The standard is used to grade the nonsupervisory work of operating all types of locomotives and trains to transport supplies, equipment, conveyances, and personnel. The work involves skill in operating locomotives under various conditions, and knowledge of the layout of a track system and the safety, signalling, and track use requirements or…

MASCAL: RFID Tracking of Patients, Staff and Equipment to Enhance Hospital Response to Mass Casualty Events

PubMed Central

Fry, Emory A.; Lenert, Leslie A.

2005-01-01

Most medical facilities practice managing the large numbers of seriously injured patients expected during catastrophic events. As the demands on the healthcare team increase, however, the challenges faced by managers escalate, workflow bottlenecks develop and system capacity decreases. This paper describes MASCAL, an integrated software–hardware system designed to enhance management of resources at a hospital during a mass casualty situation. MASCAL uses active 802.11b asset tags to track patients, equipment and staff during the response to a disaster. The system integrates tag position information with data from personnel databases, medical information systems, registration applications and the US Navy’s TACMEDCS triage application in a custom visual disaster management environment. MASCAL includes interfaces for a hospital command center, local area managers (emergency room, operating suites, radiology, etc.) and registration personnel. MASCAL is an operational system undergoing functional evaluation at the Naval Medical Center, San Diego, CA. PMID:16779042

49 CFR 218.101 - Leaving rolling and on-track maintenance-of-way equipment in the clear.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... switching lead track on which the equipment is standing; or (4) The equipment is on an industry track beyond the clearance point of the switch leading to the industry. (c) Each railroad shall implement... clearance points will not permit a person to safely ride on the side of a car. ...

49 CFR 218.101 - Leaving rolling and on-track maintenance-of-way equipment in the clear.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... switching lead track on which the equipment is standing; or (4) The equipment is on an industry track beyond the clearance point of the switch leading to the industry. (c) Each railroad shall implement... clearance points will not permit a person to safely ride on the side of a car. ...

49 CFR 218.101 - Leaving rolling and on-track maintenance-of-way equipment in the clear.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... switching lead track on which the equipment is standing; or (4) The equipment is on an industry track beyond the clearance point of the switch leading to the industry. (c) Each railroad shall implement... clearance points will not permit a person to safely ride on the side of a car. ...

49 CFR 218.101 - Leaving rolling and on-track maintenance-of-way equipment in the clear.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... switching lead track on which the equipment is standing; or (4) The equipment is on an industry track beyond the clearance point of the switch leading to the industry. (c) Each railroad shall implement... clearance points will not permit a person to safely ride on the side of a car. ...

49 CFR 218.101 - Leaving rolling and on-track maintenance-of-way equipment in the clear.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... switching lead track on which the equipment is standing; or (4) The equipment is on an industry track beyond the clearance point of the switch leading to the industry. (c) Each railroad shall implement... clearance points will not permit a person to safely ride on the side of a car. ...

Sand and Dust Testing of Wheeled and Tracked Vehicles and Stationary Equipment

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-11-18

early stages of development of an automotive system or stationary equipment there may be components and sub-systems that need to be tested for...suitability to operate in dust before final prototypes are available for end item or system-level testing. At this stage of development, component or...Method 510, or TOP 1-2-621 does not include functional operation during active testing. Additionally, testing by using either of these two documents is

30 CFR 56.14218 - Movement of equipment on adjacent tracks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Movement of equipment on adjacent tracks. 56.14218 Section 56.14218 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR... Machinery and Equipment Safety Practices and Operational Procedures § 56.14218 Movement of equipment on...

10 CFR 70.72 - Facility changes and change process.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... management system to evaluate, implement, and track each change to the site, structures, processes, systems, equipment, components, computer programs, and activities of personnel. This system must be documented in... licensed material; (3) Modifications to existing operating procedures including any necessary training or...

10 CFR 70.72 - Facility changes and change process.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... management system to evaluate, implement, and track each change to the site, structures, processes, systems, equipment, components, computer programs, and activities of personnel. This system must be documented in... licensed material; (3) Modifications to existing operating procedures including any necessary training or...

10 CFR 70.72 - Facility changes and change process.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... management system to evaluate, implement, and track each change to the site, structures, processes, systems, equipment, components, computer programs, and activities of personnel. This system must be documented in... licensed material; (3) Modifications to existing operating procedures including any necessary training or...

10 CFR 70.72 - Facility changes and change process.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... management system to evaluate, implement, and track each change to the site, structures, processes, systems, equipment, components, computer programs, and activities of personnel. This system must be documented in... licensed material; (3) Modifications to existing operating procedures including any necessary training or...

10 CFR 70.72 - Facility changes and change process.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... management system to evaluate, implement, and track each change to the site, structures, processes, systems, equipment, components, computer programs, and activities of personnel. This system must be documented in... licensed material; (3) Modifications to existing operating procedures including any necessary training or...

76 FR 74585 - Railroad Workplace Safety; Adjacent-Track On-Track Safety for Roadway Workers

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-30

... roadway workers on the ground is engaged in a common task with on-track, self-propelled equipment or..., self-propelled equipment on an occupied track. These amendments to the Roadway Worker Protection Rule... effective, the RWP Rule requires that roadway work groups engaged in ``large-scale maintenance or...

49 CFR 214.521 - Flagging equipment for on-track roadway maintenance machines and hi-rail vehicles.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... maintenance machines and hi-rail vehicles. 214.521 Section 214.521 Transportation Other Regulations Relating... WORKPLACE SAFETY On-Track Roadway Maintenance Machines and Hi-Rail Vehicles § 214.521 Flagging equipment for on-track roadway maintenance machines and hi-rail vehicles. Each on-track roadway maintenance machine...

30 CFR 75.1403-8 - Criteria-Track haulage roads.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Criteria-Track haulage roads. 75.1403-8 Section... Criteria—Track haulage roads. (a) The speed at which haulage equipment is operated should be determined by... the type and condition of the haulage equipment. (b) Track haulage roads should have a continuous...

30 CFR 75.1403-8 - Criteria-Track haulage roads.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Criteria-Track haulage roads. 75.1403-8 Section... Criteria—Track haulage roads. (a) The speed at which haulage equipment is operated should be determined by... the type and condition of the haulage equipment. (b) Track haulage roads should have a continuous...

30 CFR 75.1403-8 - Criteria-Track haulage roads.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Criteria-Track haulage roads. 75.1403-8 Section... Criteria—Track haulage roads. (a) The speed at which haulage equipment is operated should be determined by... the type and condition of the haulage equipment. (b) Track haulage roads should have a continuous...

30 CFR 75.1403-8 - Criteria-Track haulage roads.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Criteria-Track haulage roads. 75.1403-8 Section... Criteria—Track haulage roads. (a) The speed at which haulage equipment is operated should be determined by... the type and condition of the haulage equipment. (b) Track haulage roads should have a continuous...

30 CFR 75.1403-8 - Criteria-Track haulage roads.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Criteria-Track haulage roads. 75.1403-8 Section... Criteria—Track haulage roads. (a) The speed at which haulage equipment is operated should be determined by... the type and condition of the haulage equipment. (b) Track haulage roads should have a continuous...

Study of a Tracking and Data Acquisition System (TDAS) in the 1990's

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

Progress in concept definition studies, operational assessments, and technology demonstrations for the Tracking and Data Acquisition System (TDAS) is reported. The proposed TDAS will be the follow-on to the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System and will function as a key element of the NASA End-to-End Data System, providing the tracking and data acquisition interface between user accessible data ports on Earth and the user's spaceborne equipment. Technical activities of the "spacecraft data system architecture' task and the "communication mission model' task are emphasized. The objective of the first task is to provide technology forecasts for sensor data handling, navigation and communication systems, and estimate corresponding costs. The second task is concerned with developing a parametric description of the required communication channels. Other tasks with significant activity include the "frequency plan and radio interference model' and the "Viterbi decoder/simulator study'.

SU-E-I-58: Experiences in Setting Up An Online Fluoroscopy Tracking System in a Large Healthcare System

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

Fisher, R; Wunderle, K; Lingenfelter, M

Purpose: Transitioning from a paper based to an online system for tracking fluoroscopic case information required by state regulation and to conform to NCRP patient dose tracking suggestions. Methods: State regulations require documentation of operator, equipment, and some metric of tube output for fluoroscopy exams. This information was previously collected in paper logs, which was cumbersome and inefficient for the large number of fluoroscopic units across multiple locations within the system. The “tech notes” feature within Siemens’ Syngo workflow RIS was utilized to create an entry form for technologists to input case information, which was sent to a third partymore » vendor for archiving and display though an online web based portal. Results: Over 55k cases were logged in the first year of implementation, with approximately 6,500 cases per month once fully online. A system was built for area managers to oversee and correct data, which has increased the accuracy of inputted values. A high-dose report was built to automatically send notifications when patients exceed trigger levels. In addition to meeting regulatory requirements, the new system allows for larger scale QC in fluoroscopic cases by allowing comparison of data from specific procedures, locations, equipment, and operators so that instances that fall outside of reference levels can be identified for further evaluation. The system has also drastically improved identification of operators without documented equipment specific training. Conclusion: The transition to online fluoroscopy logs has improved efficiency in meeting state regulatory requirements as well as allowed for identification of particular procedures, equipment, and operators in need of additional attention in order to optimize patient and personnel doses, while high dose alerts improve patient care and follow up. Future efforts are focused on incorporating case information from outside of radiology, as well as on automating processes for increased efficiencies.« less

49 CFR 1580.5 - Inspection authority.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... railroad carrier that operates rolling equipment on track that is part of the general railroad system of... rail operator, whether operating on or off the general railroad system of transportation. (7) Each... railroad system of transportation. (8) Each operator of a rail transit system that is not operating on...

Operational Improvements From the In-Trail Procedure in the North Atlantic Organized Track System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chartrand, Ryan C.; Bussink, Frank J. L.; Graff, Thomas J.; Murdoch, Jennifer L.; Jones, Kenneth M.

2008-01-01

This paper explains the computerized batch processing experiment examining the operational impacts of the introduction of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipment and the In-Trail Procedure (ITP) to the North Atlantic Organized Track System (NATOTS). This experiment was conducted using the Traffic Manager (TMX), a desktop simulation capable of simulating airspace environments and aircraft operations. ADS-B equipment can enable the use of new ground and airborne procedures, such as the ITP. The ITP is among the first of these new procedures, which will make use of improved situation awareness in the local surrounding airspace of ADS-B equipped aircraft to enable more efficient oceanic flight level changes. The data collected were analyzed with respect to multiple operationally relevant parameters including fuel burn, request approval rates, and the distribution of fuel savings. This experiment showed that through the use of ADS-B or ADS-B and the ITP that operational improvements and benefits could be achieved.

Operational Improvements From Using the In-Trail Procedure in the North Atlantic Organized Track System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chartrand, Ryan C.; Bussink, Frank J.; Graff, Thomas J.; Jones, Kenneth M.

2009-01-01

This paper explains the computerized batch processing experiment examining the operational impacts of the introduction of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipment and the In-Trail Procedure (ITP) to the North Atlantic Organized Track System. This experiment was conducted using the Traffic Manager (TMX), a desktop simulation capable of simulating airspace environments and aircraft operations. ADS-B equipment can enable the use of new ground and airborne procedures, such as the ITP. ITP is among the first of these new procedures, which will make use of improved situation awareness in the local surrounding airspace of ADS-B equipped aircraft to enable more efficient oceanic flight level changes. The collected data were analyzed with respect to multiple operationally relevant parameters including fuel burn, request approval rates, and the distribution of fuel savings. This experiment showed that through the use of ADS-B or ADS-B and the ITP that operational improvements and benefits could be achieved.

49 CFR 1580.1 - Scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... operates rolling equipment on track that is part of the general railroad system of transportation; (2) Each... is part of the general railroad system of transportation, each carrier operating or providing... operating on or off the general railroad system of transportation; (7) Each operator of private cars...

Space station communications and tracking equipment management/control system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kapell, M. H.; Seyl, J. W.

1982-01-01

Design details of a communications and tracking (C and T) local area network and the distribution system requirements for the prospective space station are described. The hardware will be constructed of LRUs, including those for baseband, RF, and antenna subsystems. It is noted that the C and T equipment must be routed throughout the station to accommodate growth of the station. Configurations of the C and T modules will therefore be dependent on the function of the space station module where they are located. A block diagram is provided of a sample C and T hardware distribution configuration. A topology and protocol will be needed to accommodate new terminals, wide bandwidths, bidirectional message transmission, and distributed functioning. Consideration will be given to collisions occurring in the data transmission channels.

An investigation into the feasibility of locating portable medical devices using radio frequency identification devices and technology.

PubMed

Britton, J

2007-01-01

Portable medical devices represent an important resource for assisting healthcare delivery. The movement of portable devices often results in them being unavailable when needed. Tracking equipment using radiofrequency identification technology/devices (RFID) may provide a promising solution to the problems encountered in locating portable equipment. An RFID technology trial was undertaken at Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley. This involved the temporary installation of three active readers and attaching actively transmitting radio frequency tags to different portable medical devices. The active readers and computer system were linked using a bespoke data network. Tags and readers from two separate manufacturers were tested. Reliability difficulties were encountered when testing the technology from the first manufacturer, probably due to the casing of the medical device interfering with the signal from the tag. Improved results were obtained when using equipment from the second manufacturer with an overall error rate of 12.3%. Tags from this manufacturer were specifically designed to overcome problems observed with the first system tested. Findings from this proof of concept trial suggest that RFID technology could be used to track the location of equipment in a hospital.

Tracking reliability for space cabin-borne equipment in development by Crow model.

PubMed

Chen, J D; Jiao, S J; Sun, H L

2001-12-01

Objective. To study and track the reliability growth of manned spaceflight cabin-borne equipment in the course of its development. Method. A new technique of reliability growth estimation and prediction, which is composed of the Crow model and test data conversion (TDC) method was used. Result. The estimation and prediction value of the reliability growth conformed to its expectations. Conclusion. The method could dynamically estimate and predict the reliability of the equipment by making full use of various test information in the course of its development. It offered not only a possibility of tracking the equipment reliability growth, but also the reference for quality control in manned spaceflight cabin-borne equipment design and development process.

Noncoherent Tracking of a Source of a Data-Modulated Signal

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arndt, G. Dickey; Ngo, Phong; Chen, Henry; Phan, Chau T.; Hill, Brent; Bourgeois, Brian; Dusl, John

2003-01-01

A proposed tracking receiver system containing three suitably positioned antenna elements and special signal-processing equipment would determine the direction of incidence of a microwave signal containing spread-spectrum digital data modulation. If the system were to contain two sets of antenna elements separated by a known baseline, it could determine the location of the transmitter as the intersection of the lines of incidence on the two antennas. Such systems could be used for diverse purposes in outer space and on Earth, including tracking astronauts and small robotic spacecraft working outside a spacecraft or space station, and locating cellular telephones from which distress calls have been made. The principle of operation does not require the transmission of a special identifying or distress signal by the cellular telephone or other transmitter to be tracked; instead, the system could utilize the data signal routinely sent by the transmitter, provided that the signal had the characteristics needed for processing.

Shuttle communication and tracking systems signal design and interface compatibility analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1986-01-01

Various options for the Dedicated Payload Communication Link (DPCL) were evaluated. Specific subjects addressed include: payload to DPCL power transfer in the proximity of the payload, DPCL antenna pointing considerations, and DPCL transceiver implementations which can be mounted on the deployed antenna boom. Additional analysis of the Space Telescope performance was conducted. The feasibility of using the Global Positioning System (GPS) for attitude determination and control for large spacecraft was examined. The objective of the Shuttle Orbiter Radar Test and Evaluation (SORTE) program was to quantify the Ku-band radar tracking accuracy using White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) radar and optical tracking equipment, with helicopter and balloon targets.

U.S. Marine Corps Landing Force Organizational Systems Study (LFOSS).

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-12-01

should be considered by the reader not as absolute but as planning information. Details on weapons and equipment that are classified are not included...clothing is designed for use in the -25 degree to 40 degree Farenheit range. The IOC is FY 87. (b) Lightweight Shelter System. A vapor- permeable... Farenheit . The IOC for the AVLB is FY 89. (3) M60 Track Width Mine Plow. The Track Width Mine Plow can be rapidly attached to a tank and clear land mines

Development of a Methodology for Assessing Aircrew Workloads.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-11-01

Workload Feasibility Study. .. ...... 52 Subjects. .. .............. ........ 53 Equipment .. ............... ....... 53 Date Analysis ... analysis ; simulation; standard time systems; switching synthetic time systems; task activities; task interference; time study; tracking; workload; work sampl...standard data systems, information content analysis , work sampling and job evaluation. Con- ventional methods were found to be deficient in accounting

30 CFR 57.14218 - Movement of equipment on adjacent tracks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Movement of equipment on adjacent tracks. 57.14218 Section 57.14218 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR... MINES Machinery and Equipment Safety Practices and Operational Procedures § 57.14218 Movement of...

49 CFR 1580.101 - Rail security coordinator.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... system of transportation, when notified by TSA in writing, that a threat exists concerning that operation.... This section applies to: (1) Each freight railroad carrier that operates rolling equipment on track that is part of the general railroad system of transportation. (2) Each rail hazardous materials...

49 CFR 214.521 - Flagging equipment for on-track roadway maintenance machines and hi-rail vehicles.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Flagging equipment for on-track roadway maintenance machines and hi-rail vehicles. 214.521 Section 214.521 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD WORKPLACE SAFETY On-Track Roadway Maintenance...

49 CFR 214.521 - Flagging equipment for on-track roadway maintenance machines and hi-rail vehicles.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Flagging equipment for on-track roadway maintenance machines and hi-rail vehicles. 214.521 Section 214.521 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD WORKPLACE SAFETY On-Track Roadway Maintenance...

Skylab Earth Resource Experiment Package critical design review. [conference

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

An outline of the conference for reviewing the design of the EREP is presented. Systems design for review include: tape recorder, support equipment, view finder/tracking, support hardware, and control and display panel.

The Accuracy and Precision of Position and Orientation Tracking in the HTC Vive Virtual Reality System for Scientific Research

PubMed Central

Niehorster, Diederick C.; Li, Li; Lappe, Markus

2017-01-01

The advent of inexpensive consumer virtual reality equipment enables many more researchers to study perception with naturally moving observers. One such system, the HTC Vive, offers a large field-of-view, high-resolution head mounted display together with a room-scale tracking system for less than a thousand U.S. dollars. If the position and orientation tracking of this system is of sufficient accuracy and precision, it could be suitable for much research that is currently done with far more expensive systems. Here we present a quantitative test of the HTC Vive’s position and orientation tracking as well as its end-to-end system latency. We report that while the precision of the Vive’s tracking measurements is high and its system latency (22 ms) is low, its position and orientation measurements are provided in a coordinate system that is tilted with respect to the physical ground plane. Because large changes in offset were found whenever tracking was briefly lost, it cannot be corrected for with a one-time calibration procedure. We conclude that the varying offset between the virtual and the physical tracking space makes the HTC Vive at present unsuitable for scientific experiments that require accurate visual stimulation of self-motion through a virtual world. It may however be suited for other experiments that do not have this requirement. PMID:28567271

The Accuracy and Precision of Position and Orientation Tracking in the HTC Vive Virtual Reality System for Scientific Research.

PubMed

Niehorster, Diederick C; Li, Li; Lappe, Markus

2017-01-01

The advent of inexpensive consumer virtual reality equipment enables many more researchers to study perception with naturally moving observers. One such system, the HTC Vive, offers a large field-of-view, high-resolution head mounted display together with a room-scale tracking system for less than a thousand U.S. dollars. If the position and orientation tracking of this system is of sufficient accuracy and precision, it could be suitable for much research that is currently done with far more expensive systems. Here we present a quantitative test of the HTC Vive's position and orientation tracking as well as its end-to-end system latency. We report that while the precision of the Vive's tracking measurements is high and its system latency (22 ms) is low, its position and orientation measurements are provided in a coordinate system that is tilted with respect to the physical ground plane. Because large changes in offset were found whenever tracking was briefly lost, it cannot be corrected for with a one-time calibration procedure. We conclude that the varying offset between the virtual and the physical tracking space makes the HTC Vive at present unsuitable for scientific experiments that require accurate visual stimulation of self-motion through a virtual world. It may however be suited for other experiments that do not have this requirement.

Tracking buoys research for oil spilling with the wireless charging equipment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Di; Zhao, Ping

2018-03-01

This paper describes thewirelesscharging equipment for achieving oil spill tracking buoys detection in satellite images acquired after tanker accidents or ship oil spill accidents. This information could allow the evolution of residues dumped at sea to be tracked. The validity of this process is demonstrated using several experiment acquired over several regions (Dalian and Tianjin coasts in China), in which a tanker accident has occurred and as a consequence oil spillage has taken place. Thus, this purpose of paper is developed for the active surveillance and rapid response to marine oil spills tracking buoys with wirelesscharging equipmentis important and essential to environment protection. It may appears of leak places for the Wire Charging Equipment for marine oil spills tracking buoys monitoring needs, and achieved instant alarm technology and equipment, guarantees leak occurred timely obtained alarm information. In order toproviding oil spill accidents emergency quickly reaction time and prepared. The maximum degree reduce oil leak and accidents caused influences are ensured.

Intelligent surgical laser system configuration and software implementation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsueh, Chi-Fu T.; Bille, Josef F.

1992-06-01

An intelligent surgical laser system, which can help the ophthalmologist to achieve higher precision and control during their procedures, has been developed by ISL as model CLS 4001. In addition to the laser and laser delivery system, the system is also equipped with a vision system (IPU), robotics motion control (MCU), and a tracking closed loop system (ETS) that tracks the eye in three dimensions (X, Y and Z). The initial patient setup is computer controlled with guidance from the vision system. The tracking system is automatically engaged when the target is in position. A multi-level tracking system is developed by integrating our vision and tracking systems which have been able to maintain our laser beam precisely on target. The capabilities of the automatic eye setup and the tracking in three dimensions provides for improved accuracy and measurement repeatability. The system is operated through the Surgical Control Unit (SCU). The SCU communicates with the IPU and the MCU through both ethernet and RS232. Various scanning pattern (i.e., line, curve, circle, spiral, etc.) can be selected with given parameters. When a warning is activated, a voice message is played that will normally require a panel touch acknowledgement. The reliability of the system is ensured in three levels: (1) hardware, (2) software real time monitoring, and (3) user. The system is currently under clinical validation.

49 CFR 236.1005 - Requirements for Positive Train Control systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... be equipped with a PTC system shall be determined and reported as follows: (i) The traffic density... installed, based upon changes in rail traffic such as reductions in total traffic volume or cessation of... review of the requirement to install PTC on a low density track segment where a PTC system is otherwise...

Tracking control of a spool displacement in a direct piezoactuator-driven servo valve system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Chulhee; Hwang, Yong-Hoon; Choi, Seung-Bok

2017-03-01

This paper presents tracking control performances of a piezostack direct drive valve (PDDV) operated at various temperatures. As afirst step, a spool valve and valve system are designed operated by the piezoactuator. After briefly describing about operating principle, an experimental apparatus to investigate the effect of temperaturs on the performances is set up. Subsequently, the PDDV is installed in a large-size heat chamber equipped with electric circuits and sensors. A classical proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller is designed and applied to control the spool displacement. In addition, a fuzzt algorithm is integrated with the PID controller to enhace performance of the proposed valve system. The tracking performance of a spool displacement is tested by increasing the teperature and exciting frequency up to 150°C and 200 Hz, respectively. It is shown that the tracking performance heavily depends on both the operating temperature and the excitation frequency.

Tracking techniques for space shuttle rendezvous

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

The space shuttle rendezvous radar has a requirement to track cooperative and non-cooperative targets. For this reason the Lunar Module (LM) Rendezvous Radar was modified to incorporate the capability of tracking a non-cooperative target. The modifications are discussed. All modifications except those relating to frequency diversity were completed, and system tests were performed to confirm proper performance in the non-cooperative mode. Frequency diversity was added to the radar and to the special test equipment, and then system tests were performed. This last set of tests included re-running the tests of the non-cooperative mode without frequency diversity, followed by tests with frequency diversity and tests of operation in the original cooperative mode.

Synchronized Radar-Target Simulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chin, B. C.

1985-01-01

Apparatus for testing radar system generates signals that simulate amplitude and phase characteristics of target returns and their variation with antenna-pointing direction. Antenna movement causes equipment to alter test signal in imitation of behavior of real signal received during tracking.

The Evolution of Air-Sea Battle: How Army Attack/Reconnaissance Aviation Fits into the Joint Concept for Access and Maneuver in the Global Commons

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-13

System (MTADS) has a day TV capability to laser designate and auto track tank-sized targets at 6,000 meters and a Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR...capability to laser designate and auto track tank-sized targets at 3,500 meters. The AH-64 D/E also possesses a Fire Control Radar (FCR) that allows it...a broad spectrum of size, capacity, duration, and security. At the low end are Forward Area Refueling Equipment ( FARE ) systems. These allow CH-47

KSC-04pd1038

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-05-05

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With NASA Systems Engineer Robert Rokobauer (left), STS-114 Pilot James Kelly (center) and Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas (right) look at one of the tracks on a Crawler-Transporter. The 10-foot-high track, one of two, contains 278 “shoes,” weighing 2,200 pounds each. The crawlers are guided by four trucks, one on each corner. The crawlers had recent modifications to the cab and muffler system. The STS-114 mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.

KSC-2009-4629

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-07-23

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla. , technicians check equipment on the STSS Demonstrator SV-1 spacecraft after it was lowered onto the orbital insertion system. The spacecraft is a midcourse tracking technology demonstrator, part of an evolving ballistic missile defense system. STSS is capable of tracking objects after boost phase and provides trajectory information to other sensors. It will be launched by NASA for the Missile Defense Agency in late summer. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs (Approved for Public Release 09-MDA-4800 [30 July 09] )

Conduct overall test operations and evaluate two Doppler systems to detect, track and measure velocities in aircraft wake vortices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, D. J.; Krause, M. C.; Craven, C. E.; Edwards, B. B.; Coffey, E. W.; Huang, C. C.; Jetton, J. L.; Morrison, L. K.

1974-01-01

A program plan for system evaluation of the two-dimensional Scanning Laser Doppler System (SLDS) is presented. In order to meet system evaluation and optimization objectives the following tests were conducted: (1) noise tests; (2) wind tests; (3) blower flowfield tests; (4) single unit (1-D) flyby tests; and (5) dual unit (2-D) flyby tests. Test results are reported. The final phase of the program included logistics preparation, equipment interface checkouts, and data processing. It is concluded that the SLDS is capable of accurately tracking aircraft wake vortices from small or large aircraft, and in any type of weather.

A magnetic tether system to investigate visual and olfactory mediated flight control in Drosophila.

PubMed

Duistermars, Brian J; Frye, Mark

2008-11-21

It has been clear for many years that insects use visual cues to stabilize their heading in a wind stream. Many animals track odors carried in the wind. As such, visual stabilization of upwind tracking directly aids in odor tracking. But do olfactory signals directly influence visual tracking behavior independently from wind cues? Also, the recent deluge of research on the neurophysiology and neurobehavioral genetics of olfaction in Drosophila has motivated ever more technically sophisticated and quantitative behavioral assays. Here, we modified a magnetic tether system originally devised for vision experiments by equipping the arena with narrow laminar flow odor plumes. A fly is glued to a small steel pin and suspended in a magnetic field that enables it to yaw freely. Small diameter food odor plumes are directed downward over the fly's head, eliciting stable tracking by a hungry fly. Here we focus on the critical mechanics of tethering, aligning the magnets, devising the odor plume, and confirming stable odor tracking.

Evaluation of a monorail mine haulage system

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

Oguz, S.; Stefanko, R.

1971-02-01

The following advantages accrue to a monorail system compared to track haulage: Derailment is impossible; track and road maintenance is eliminated; higher gradient can be overcome with less power demand; equipment maintenance is reduced drastically; haulage cost per ton-mile is reduced because less power is consumed; it is not affected by a weak floor and back conditions; initial capital cost is much less than track haulage; and it is easily adopted to material and mantrip use. The basic conclusion to be derived from this study is that the monorail system is versatile. Besides its use in material handling and formore » mantrips in Europe and Great Britain, it can be used for ore haulage in small mines. The monorail requires a lower initial capital investment in addition to reduced operational and maintenance costs. Floor maintenance of haulage ways is completely eliminated. Haulage capacity of the system can be increased by eliminating waiting times, speeding up the monorail and adding more containers to the system. These facts establish the superiority of the monorail system over conventional equipment and should strongly be considered. For material handling very little clearance is required above the floor to move material either by hand or by rope hoist or even pushing it with a tractor. Therefore, a low seam is not a handicap to a monorail system in material handling. However, some modifications on the system may be necessary for different applications.« less

Method for evaluating compatibility of commercial electromagnetic (EM) microsensor tracking systems with surgical and imaging tables

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nafis, Christopher; Jensen, Vern; von Jako, Ron

2008-03-01

Electromagnetic (EM) tracking systems have been successfully used for Surgical Navigation in ENT, cranial, and spine applications for several years. Catheter sized micro EM sensors have also been used in tightly controlled cardiac mapping and pulmonary applications. EM systems have the benefit over optical navigation systems of not requiring a line-of-sight between devices. Ferrous metals or conductive materials that are transient within the EM working volume may impact tracking performance. Effective methods for detecting and reporting EM field distortions are generally well known. Distortion compensation can be achieved for objects that have a static spatial relationship to a tracking sensor. New commercially available micro EM tracking systems offer opportunities for expanded image-guided navigation procedures. It is important to know and understand how well these systems perform with different surgical tables and ancillary equipment. By their design and intended use, micro EM sensors will be located at the distal tip of tracked devices and therefore be in closer proximity to the tables. Our goal was to define a simple and portable process that could be used to estimate the EM tracker accuracy, and to vet a large number of popular general surgery and imaging tables that are used in the United States and abroad.

TDRSS S-shuttle unique receiver equipment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weinberg, A.; Schwartz, J. J.; Spearing, R.

1985-01-01

Beginning with STS-9, the Tracking and Date Relay Satellite system (TDRSS) will start providing S- and Ku-band communications and tracking support to the Space Shuttle and its payloads. The most significant element of this support takes place at the TDRSS White Sands Ground Terminal, which processes the Shuttle return link S- and Ku-band signals. While Ku-band hardware available to other TDRSS users is also applied to Ku-Shuttle, stringent S-Shuttle link margins have precluded the application of the standard TDRSS S-band processing equipment to S-Shuttle. It was therfore found necessary to develop a unique S-Shuttle Receiver that embodies state-of-the-art digital technology and processing techniques. This receiver, developed by Motorola, Inc., enhances link margins by 1.5 dB relative to the standard S-band equipment and its bit error rate performance is within a few tenths of a dB of theory. An overview description of the Space Shuttle Receiver Equipment (SSRE) is presented which includes the presentation of block diagrams and salient design features. Selected, measured performance results are also presented.

Commercial Product Activation Using RFID

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jedrey, Thomas

2008-01-01

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) would be used for commercial product activation, according to a proposal. What is new here is the concept of combining RFID with activation - more specifically, using RFID for activating commercial products (principally, electronic ones) and for performing such ancillary functions as tracking individual product units on production lines, tracking shipments, and updating inventories. According to the proposal, an RFID chip would be embedded in each product. The information encoded in the chip would include a unique number for identifying the product. An RFID reader at the point of sale would record the number of the product and would write digital information to the RFID chip for either immediate activation of the product or for later interrogation and processing. To be practical, an RFID product-activation system should satisfy a number of key requirements: the system should be designed to be integrable into the inventory-tracking and the data-processing and -communication infrastructures of businesses along the entire supply chain from manufacture to retail; the system should be resistant to sophisticated hacking; activation codes should be made sufficiently complexity to minimize the probability of activating stolen products; RFID activation equipment at points of sale must be capable to two-way RF communication for the purposes of reading information from, and writing information to, embedded RFID chips; the equipment at points of sale should be easily operable by sales clerks with little or no training; the point-of-sale equipment should verify activation and provide visible and/or audible signals indicating verification or lack thereof; and, the system should be able to handle millions of products per year with minimal human intervention, among other requirements.

Synthesis of Algorithm for Range Measurement Equipment to Track Maneuvering Aircraft Using Data on Its Dynamic and Kinematic Parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pudovkin, A. P.; Panasyuk, Yu N.; Danilov, S. N.; Moskvitin, S. P.

2018-05-01

The problem of improving automated air traffic control systems is considered through the example of the operation algorithm synthesis for a range measurement channel to track the aircraft, using its kinematic and dynamic parameters. The choice of the state and observation models has been justified, the computer simulations have been performed and the results of the investigated algorithms have been obtained.

Low-cost motility tracking system (LOCOMOTIS) for time-lapse microscopy applications and cell visualisation.

PubMed

Lynch, Adam E; Triajianto, Junian; Routledge, Edwin

2014-01-01

Direct visualisation of cells for the purpose of studying their motility has typically required expensive microscopy equipment. However, recent advances in digital sensors mean that it is now possible to image cells for a fraction of the price of a standard microscope. Along with low-cost imaging there has also been a large increase in the availability of high quality, open-source analysis programs. In this study we describe the development and performance of an expandable cell motility system employing inexpensive, commercially available digital USB microscopes to image various cell types using time-lapse and perform tracking assays in proof-of-concept experiments. With this system we were able to measure and record three separate assays simultaneously on one personal computer using identical microscopes, and obtained tracking results comparable in quality to those from other studies that used standard, more expensive, equipment. The microscopes used in our system were capable of a maximum magnification of 413.6×. Although resolution was lower than that of a standard inverted microscope we found this difference to be indistinguishable at the magnification chosen for cell tracking experiments (206.8×). In preliminary cell culture experiments using our system, velocities (mean µm/min ± SE) of 0.81 ± 0.01 (Biomphalaria glabrata hemocytes on uncoated plates), 1.17 ± 0.004 (MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells), 1.24 ± 0.006 (SC5 mouse Sertoli cells) and 2.21 ± 0.01 (B. glabrata hemocytes on Poly-L-Lysine coated plates), were measured and are consistent with previous reports. We believe that this system, coupled with open-source analysis software, demonstrates that higher throughput time-lapse imaging of cells for the purpose of studying motility can be an affordable option for all researchers.

Low-Cost Motility Tracking System (LOCOMOTIS) for Time-Lapse Microscopy Applications and Cell Visualisation

PubMed Central

Lynch, Adam E.; Triajianto, Junian; Routledge, Edwin

2014-01-01

Direct visualisation of cells for the purpose of studying their motility has typically required expensive microscopy equipment. However, recent advances in digital sensors mean that it is now possible to image cells for a fraction of the price of a standard microscope. Along with low-cost imaging there has also been a large increase in the availability of high quality, open-source analysis programs. In this study we describe the development and performance of an expandable cell motility system employing inexpensive, commercially available digital USB microscopes to image various cell types using time-lapse and perform tracking assays in proof-of-concept experiments. With this system we were able to measure and record three separate assays simultaneously on one personal computer using identical microscopes, and obtained tracking results comparable in quality to those from other studies that used standard, more expensive, equipment. The microscopes used in our system were capable of a maximum magnification of 413.6×. Although resolution was lower than that of a standard inverted microscope we found this difference to be indistinguishable at the magnification chosen for cell tracking experiments (206.8×). In preliminary cell culture experiments using our system, velocities (mean µm/min ± SE) of 0.81±0.01 (Biomphalaria glabrata hemocytes on uncoated plates), 1.17±0.004 (MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells), 1.24±0.006 (SC5 mouse Sertoli cells) and 2.21±0.01 (B. glabrata hemocytes on Poly-L-Lysine coated plates), were measured and are consistent with previous reports. We believe that this system, coupled with open-source analysis software, demonstrates that higher throughput time-lapse imaging of cells for the purpose of studying motility can be an affordable option for all researchers. PMID:25121722

41 CFR 102-33.170 - What standards must we establish or require (contractually, where applicable) for maintenance of...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... appliance repairs, modifications, or equipment installations. (e) A quality control system for acquiring... tracking maintenance actions; inspections; and the flight hours, cycles, and calendar times of life-limited...

Design and implementation of a general and automatic test platform base on NI PXI system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Long

2018-05-01

Aiming at some difficulties of test equipment such as the short product life, poor generality and high development cost, a general and automatic test platform base on NI PXI system is designed in this paper, which is able to meet most test requirements of circuit boards. The test platform is devided into 5 layers, every layer is introduced in detail except for the "Equipment Under Test" layer. An output board of a track-side equipment, which is an important part of high speed train control system, is taken as an example to make the functional circuit test by the test platform. The results show that the test platform is easy to realize add-on functions development, automatic test, wide compatibility and strong generality.

Space-based IR tracking bias removal using background star observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clemons, T. M., III; Chang, K. C.

2009-05-01

This paper provides the results of a proposed methodology for removing sensor bias from a space-based infrared (IR) tracking system through the use of stars detected in the background field of the tracking sensor. The tracking system consists of two satellites flying in a lead-follower formation tracking a ballistic target. Each satellite is equipped with a narrow-view IR sensor that provides azimuth and elevation to the target. The tracking problem is made more difficult due to a constant, non-varying or slowly varying bias error present in each sensor's line of sight measurements. As known stars are detected during the target tracking process, the instantaneous sensor pointing error can be calculated as the difference between star detection reading and the known position of the star. The system then utilizes a separate bias filter to estimate the bias value based on these detections and correct the target line of sight measurements to improve the target state vector. The target state vector is estimated through a Linearized Kalman Filter (LKF) for the highly non-linear problem of tracking a ballistic missile. Scenarios are created using Satellite Toolkit(C) for trajectories with associated sensor observations. Mean Square Error results are given for tracking during the period when the target is in view of the satellite IR sensors. The results of this research provide a potential solution to bias correction while simultaneously tracking a target.

7. CONTROL AND EQUIPMENT ROOM INTERIOR. Looking to southwest corner ...

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

7. CONTROL AND EQUIPMENT ROOM INTERIOR. Looking to southwest corner and entrance to cable tunnel. - Edwards Air Force Base, South Base Sled Track, Firing Control Blockhouse, South of Sled Track at east end, Lancaster, Los Angeles County, CA

The research of medical equipment on-line detection system based on Android smartphone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Junjie; Dong, Xinyu; Zhang, Hongjie; Liu, Mengjun

2017-06-01

With the unceasing enhancement of medical level, the expanding scale of medical institutions, medical equipment as an important tool for disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention, used in all levels of medical institutions. The quality and accuracy of the Medical equipment play a key role in the doctor's diagnosis and treatment effect, medical metrology as the important technical foundation is to ensure that the equipment, technology, material components are accurate and the application is safe and reliable. Medical equipment have the feature of variety, large quantity, long using cycle, expensive and multi-site, which bring great difficulty in maintenance, equipment management and verification. Therefore, how to get the medical measurement integrate deeply into the advanced internet technology, information technology and the new measuring method, for real-time monitoring of medical equipment, tracking, positioning, and query is particularly important.

77 FR 26358 - Petition for Waiver of Compliance

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-03

... parts of 49 CFR (Parts 216, Special Notice and Emergency Order Procedures: Railroad Track, Locomotive and Equipment; Part 217, Railroad Operating Rules; Part 218, Railroad Operating Practices; Part 229, Railroad Locomotive Safety Standards; Part 233, Signal Systems Reporting Requirements; Part 235...

Tracking and data relay satellite system configuration and tradeoff study. Volume 1: Summary. Part 2: Final Report, 22 August 1972 - 1 April 1973

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

A Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) concept for service of low, medium, and high data rate user spacecraft has been defined. During the study, four TDRS dual spin stabilized configurations (contractual requirement) were designed; two are compatible with Delta 2914, one with Atlas Centaur, and one with space shuttle launches. A summary of the study and the salient results are presented. The topics included are: (1) TDRSS operations, (2) telecommunications service performance, telecommunications service equipment, (3) TDRS configurations and their design characteristics, and (4) TDRS system reliability.

Video-based measurements for wireless capsule endoscope tracking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spyrou, Evaggelos; Iakovidis, Dimitris K.

2014-01-01

The wireless capsule endoscope is a swallowable medical device equipped with a miniature camera enabling the visual examination of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It wirelessly transmits thousands of images to an external video recording system, while its location and orientation are being tracked approximately by external sensor arrays. In this paper we investigate a video-based approach to tracking the capsule endoscope without requiring any external equipment. The proposed method involves extraction of speeded up robust features from video frames, registration of consecutive frames based on the random sample consensus algorithm, and estimation of the displacement and rotation of interest points within these frames. The results obtained by the application of this method on wireless capsule endoscopy videos indicate its effectiveness and improved performance over the state of the art. The findings of this research pave the way for a cost-effective localization and travel distance measurement of capsule endoscopes in the GI tract, which could contribute in the planning of more accurate surgical interventions.

Real Time Target Tracking Using Dedicated Vision Hardware

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kambies, Keith; Walsh, Peter

1988-03-01

This paper describes a real-time vision target tracking system developed by Adaptive Automation, Inc. and delivered to NASA's Launch Equipment Test Facility, Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The target tracking system is part of the Robotic Application Development Laboratory (RADL) which was designed to provide NASA with a general purpose robotic research and development test bed for the integration of robot and sensor systems. One of the first RADL system applications is the closing of a position control loop around a six-axis articulated arm industrial robot using a camera and dedicated vision processor as the input sensor so that the robot can locate and track a moving target. The vision system is inside of the loop closure of the robot tracking system, therefore, tight throughput and latency constraints are imposed on the vision system that can only be met with specialized hardware and a concurrent approach to the processing algorithms. State of the art VME based vision boards capable of processing the image at frame rates were used with a real-time, multi-tasking operating system to achieve the performance required. This paper describes the high speed vision based tracking task, the system throughput requirements, the use of dedicated vision hardware architecture, and the implementation design details. Important to the overall philosophy of the complete system was the hierarchical and modular approach applied to all aspects of the system, hardware and software alike, so there is special emphasis placed on this topic in the paper.

Tracking Honey Bees Using LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) Technology

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

BENDER, SUSAN FAE ANN; RODACY, PHILIP J.; SCHMITT, RANDAL L.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has recognized that biological and chemical toxins are a real and growing threat to troops, civilians, and the ecosystem. The Explosives Components Facility at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) has been working with the University of Montana, the Southwest Research Institute, and other agencies to evaluate the feasibility of directing honeybees to specific targets, and for environmental sampling of biological and chemical ''agents of harm''. Recent work has focused on finding and locating buried landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). Tests have demonstrated that honeybees can be trained to efficiently and accurately locate explosive signaturesmore » in the environment. However, it is difficult to visually track the bees and determine precisely where the targets are located. Video equipment is not practical due to its limited resolution and range. In addition, it is often unsafe to install such equipment in a field. A technology is needed to provide investigators with the standoff capability to track bees and accurately map the location of the suspected targets. This report documents Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) tests that were performed by SNL. These tests have shown that a LIDAR system can be used to track honeybees. The LIDAR system can provide both the range and coordinates of the target so that the location of buried munitions can be accurately mapped for subsequent removal.« less

Can low-cost motion-tracking systems substitute a Polhemus system when researching social motor coordination in children?

PubMed

Romero, Veronica; Amaral, Joseph; Fitzpatrick, Paula; Schmidt, R C; Duncan, Amie W; Richardson, Michael J

2017-04-01

Functionally stable and robust interpersonal motor coordination has been found to play an integral role in the effectiveness of social interactions. However, the motion-tracking equipment required to record and objectively measure the dynamic limb and body movements during social interaction has been very costly, cumbersome, and impractical within a non-clinical or non-laboratory setting. Here we examined whether three low-cost motion-tracking options (Microsoft Kinect skeletal tracking of either one limb or whole body and a video-based pixel change method) can be employed to investigate social motor coordination. Of particular interest was the degree to which these low-cost methods of motion tracking could be used to capture and index the coordination dynamics that occurred between a child and an experimenter for three simple social motor coordination tasks in comparison to a more expensive, laboratory-grade motion-tracking system (i.e., a Polhemus Latus system). Overall, the results demonstrated that these low-cost systems cannot substitute the Polhemus system in some tasks. However, the lower-cost Microsoft Kinect skeletal tracking and video pixel change methods were successfully able to index differences in social motor coordination in tasks that involved larger-scale, naturalistic whole body movements, which can be cumbersome and expensive to record with a Polhemus. However, we found the Kinect to be particularly vulnerable to occlusion and the pixel change method to movements that cross the video frame midline. Therefore, particular care needs to be taken in choosing the motion-tracking system that is best suited for the particular research.

A navigation system for flexible endoscopes using abdominal 3D ultrasound

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoffmann, R.; Kaar, M.; Bathia, Amon; Bathia, Amar; Lampret, A.; Birkfellner, W.; Hummel, J.; Figl, M.

2014-09-01

A navigation system for flexible endoscopes equipped with ultrasound (US) scan heads is presented. In contrast to similar systems, abdominal 3D-US is used for image fusion of the pre-interventional computed tomography (CT) to the endoscopic US. A 3D-US scan, tracked with an optical tracking system (OTS), is taken pre-operatively together with the CT scan. The CT is calibrated using the OTS, providing the transformation from CT to 3D-US. Immediately before intervention a 3D-US tracked with an electromagnetic tracking system (EMTS) is acquired and registered intra-modal to the preoperative 3D-US. The endoscopic US is calibrated using the EMTS and registered to the pre-operative CT by an intra-modal 3D-US/3D-US registration. Phantom studies showed a registration error for the US to CT registration of 5.1 mm ± 2.8 mm. 3D-US/3D-US registration of patient data gave an error of 4.1 mm compared to 2.8 mm with the phantom. From this we estimate an error on patient experiments of 5.6 mm.

Office of Spaceflight Standard Spaceborne Global Positioning System (GPS) user equipment project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saunders, Penny E.

1991-01-01

The Global Positioning System (GPS) provides the following: (1) position and velocity determination to support vehicle GN&C, precise orbit determination, and payload pointing; (2) time reference to support onboard timing systems and data time tagging; (3) relative position and velocity determination to support cooperative vehicle tracking; and (4) attitude determination to support vehicle attitude control and payload pointing.

Radial Internal Material Handling System (RIMS) for Circular Habitat Volumes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howe, Alan S.; Haselschwardt, Sally; Bogatko, Alex; Humphrey, Brian; Patel, Amit

2013-01-01

On planetary surfaces, pressurized human habitable volumes will require a means to carry equipment around within the volume of the habitat, regardless of the partial gravity (Earth, Moon, Mars, etc.). On the NASA Habitat Demonstration Unit (HDU), a vertical cylindrical volume, it was determined that a variety of heavy items would need to be carried back and forth from deployed locations to the General Maintenance Work Station (GMWS) when in need of repair, and other equipment may need to be carried inside for repairs, such as rover parts and other external equipment. The vertical cylindrical volume of the HDU lent itself to a circular overhead track and hoist system that allows lifting of heavy objects from anywhere in the habitat to any other point in the habitat interior. In addition, the system is able to hand-off lifted items to other material handling systems through the side hatches, such as through an airlock. The overhead system consists of two concentric circle tracks that have a movable beam between them. The beam has a hoist carriage that can move back and forth on the beam. Therefore, the entire system acts like a bridge crane curved around to meet itself in a circle. The novelty of the system is in its configuration, and how it interfaces with the volume of the HDU habitat. Similar to how a bridge crane allows coverage for an entire rectangular volume, the RIMS system covers a circular volume. The RIMS system is the first generation of what may be applied to future planetary surface vertical cylinder habitats on the Moon or on Mars.

Storage Information Management System (SIMS) Spaceflight Hardware Warehousing at Goddard Space Flight Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kubicko, Richard M.; Bingham, Lindy

1995-01-01

Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) on site and leased warehouses contain thousands of items of ground support equipment (GSE) and flight hardware including spacecraft, scaffolding, computer racks, stands, holding fixtures, test equipment, spares, etc. The control of these warehouses, and the management, accountability, and control of the items within them, is accomplished by the Logistics Management Division. To facilitate this management and tracking effort, the Logistics and Transportation Management Branch, is developing a system to provide warehouse personnel, property owners, and managers with storage and inventory information. This paper will describe that PC-based system and address how it will improve GSFC warehouse and storage management.

KSC-04PD-1040

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-114 Pilot James Kelly (left) and Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas (center), along with NASA Systems Engineer Robert Rokobauer (right), look closely at the shoes of one of the tracks used on a Crawler-Transporter. The 10- foot-high track on a crawler contains 278 shoes, weighing 2,200 pounds each. The crawlers are guided by four trucks, one on each corner. The crawlers had recent modifications to the cab and muffler system. The STS-114 mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.

KSC-04pd1040

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-05-05

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-114 Pilot James Kelly (left) and Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas (center), along with NASA Systems Engineer Robert Rokobauer (right), look closely at the shoes of one of the tracks used on a Crawler-Transporter. The 10-foot-high track on a crawler contains 278 “shoes,” weighing 2,200 pounds each. The crawlers are guided by four trucks, one on each corner. The crawlers had recent modifications to the cab and muffler system. The STS-114 mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.

KSC-04pd1039

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-05-05

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-114 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas (center) and Pilot James Kelly (right), along with NASA Systems Engineer Robert Rokobauer (left), look closely at the shoes of one of the tracks used on a Crawler-Transporter. The 10-foot-high track on a crawler contains 278 “shoes,” weighing 2,200 pounds each. The crawlers are guided by four trucks, one on each corner. The crawlers had recent modifications to the cab and muffler system. The STS-114 mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.

Joint US/UK Vortex Tracking Program at Heathrow International Airport Volume II: Data Analysis

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1977-11-01

From May 1974 through June 1975, the approach region to runway 28R at Heathrow International Airport was equipped with aircraft wake vortex tracking equipment. The vortices from approximately 13,000 aircraft were monitored along with the attendant me...

Joint US/UK Vortex Tracking Program at Heathrow International Airport Volume: I Executive Summary

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1976-03-01

From May 1974 through June 1975 the approach region to Runway 28R at Heathrow International Airport was equipped with aircraft wake vortex tracking equipment. The vortices from approximately 13,000 aircraft were monitored along with the attendant met...

Asset tracking: what it is and whether it's right for you.

PubMed

2006-10-01

This Guidance Article examines asset tracking technology, reviewing what it is, how it works, and how it can be applied in the healthcare setting to help hospitals better manage medical equipment. The article also offers guidance to help healthcare facilities determine whether (or when) they should consider investing in asset tracking technology. Asset tracking refers to the ability to detect, identify, and locate assets-infusion pumps, wheelchairs, or just about any other object or device--at any time, as well as to record the physical locations of those assets over time. Though already commonplace in some industries, tracking technology is still relatively new to healthcare. As a result, the systems, the companies that supply them, and even the applications for which they can be used are still evolving. While some healthcare facilities could see almost immediate benefits from implementing an asset tracking system now, others would benefit from waiting a little while for the marketplace to develop further. This article provides information to help hospitals determine which option will be best for them. For facilities that choose to start the system selection process now, we outline factors that should be considered.

Study to investigate and evaluate means of optimizing the Ku-band combined radar/communication functions for the space shuttle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weber, C. L.; Udalov, S.; Alem, W.

1977-01-01

The performance of the space shuttle orbiter's Ku-Band integrated radar and communications equipment is analyzed for the radar mode of operation. The block diagram of the rendezvous radar subsystem is described. Power budgets for passive target detection are calculated, based on the estimated values of system losses. Requirements for processing of radar signals in the search and track modes are examined. Time multiplexed, single-channel, angle tracking of passive scintillating targets is analyzed. Radar performance in the presence of main lobe ground clutter is considered and candidate techniques for clutter suppression are discussed. Principal system parameter drivers are examined for the case of stationkeeping at ranges comparable to target dimension. Candidate ranging waveforms for short range operation are analyzed and compared. The logarithmic error discriminant utilized for range, range rate and angle tracking is formulated and applied to the quantitative analysis of radar subsystem tracking loops.

Electronic Equipment Maintainability Data

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-01-01

MISSION CRITICALITY HIGH MISSION CRITICALITY HIGH DESIGN APPROACH DESIGN APPROACH SURVEILLANCE/SEARCH SURVEILLANCE/SEARCH TRACKING TRACKING ECCN ECCM...CRITICALITY NIGH DESIGN APPROACH DESIGN APPROACH SURVEILLANCE/SEARCH SURVEILLANCE/SEARCH TRACKING TRACKING ECCM ECCN MULT ICHANNEL/MULTIFREQUENCY

An Operator Perspective from a Facility Evaluation of an RFID-Based UF6 Cylinder Accounting and Tracking System

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

Martyn, Rose; Fitzgerald, Peter; Stehle, Nicholas D

An operational field test of a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) system for tracking and accounting UF6 cylinders was conducted at the Global Nuclear Fuel Americas (GNF) fuel fabrication plant in 2009. The Cylinder Accountability and Tracking System (CATS) was designed and deployed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and evaluated in cooperation with GNF. The system required that passive RFID be attached to several UF6 30B cylinders as they were received at the site; then the cylinders were tracked as they proceeded to interim storage, to processing in an autoclave, and eventually to disposition from the site. This CATS deployment alsomore » provided a direct integration of scale data from the site accountability scales. The integration of this information into the tracking data provided an attribute for additional safeguards for evaluation. The field test provided insight into the advantages and challenges of using RFID at an operating nuclear facility. The RFID system allowed operators to interact with the technology and demonstrated the survivability of the tags and reader equipment in the process environment. This paper will provide the operator perspective on utilizing RFID technology for locating cylinders within the facility, thereby tracking the cylinders for process and for Material Control & Accounting functions. The paper also will present the operator viewpoint on RFID implemented as an independent safeguards system.« less

IMP mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

The program requirements and operations requirements for the IMP mission are presented. The satellite configuration is described and the missions are analyzed. The support equipment, logistics, range facilities, and responsibilities of the launching organizations are defined. The systems for telemetry, communications, satellite tracking, and satellite control are identified.

Determining Component Probability using Problem Report Data for Ground Systems used in Manned Space Flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Monaghan, Mark W.; Gillespie, Amanda M.

2013-01-01

During the shuttle era NASA utilized a failure reporting system called the Problem Reporting and Corrective Action (PRACA) it purpose was to identify and track system non-conformance. The PRACA system over the years evolved from a relatively nominal way to identify system problems to a very complex tracking and report generating data base. The PRACA system became the primary method to categorize any and all anomalies from corrosion to catastrophic failure. The systems documented in the PRACA system range from flight hardware to ground or facility support equipment. While the PRACA system is complex, it does possess all the failure modes, times of occurrence, length of system delay, parts repaired or replaced, and corrective action performed. The difficulty is mining the data then to utilize that data in order to estimate component, Line Replaceable Unit (LRU), and system reliability analysis metrics. In this paper, we identify a methodology to categorize qualitative data from the ground system PRACA data base for common ground or facility support equipment. Then utilizing a heuristic developed for review of the PRACA data determine what reports identify a credible failure. These data are the used to determine inter-arrival times to perform an estimation of a metric for repairable component-or LRU reliability. This analysis is used to determine failure modes of the equipment, determine the probability of the component failure mode, and support various quantitative differing techniques for performing repairable system analysis. The result is that an effective and concise estimate of components used in manned space flight operations. The advantage is the components or LRU's are evaluated in the same environment and condition that occurs during the launch process.

A Near Term Approach to Embedded Training: Battle Command Visualization 101

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-05-01

Example of Task Guidance area at the end of Module 1, Exercise 1 (Level 1) ...... 26 Figure 9 Example of Robo -Scout information, accessed through the...unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) sensor, the Robo -Scout. They will be equipped with both passive and active systems to provide target acquisition, real...PIR# Track of Update RqieTemplated Required 1 Tracked & NAI 1, 2 S, T S200 synthetic L 2 hrs Vehicle type, Intel, Fires (PIR 1) Wheeled aperture radar

Collaborative Research: Equipment for and Running of the PSI MUSE Experiment

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

Kohl, Michael

The R&D funding from this award has been a significant tool to move the Muon Scattering Experiment (MUSE) at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland forward to the stage of realization. Specifically, this award has enabled Dr. Michael Kohl and his working group at Hampton University to achieve substantial progress toward the goal of providing beam particle tracking with Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detectors for MUSE experiment. Establishing a particle detection system that is capable of operating in a high-intensity environment, with a data acquisition system capable of running at several kHz, combined with robust tracking software providing high efficiencymore » for track reconstruction in the presence of noise and backgrounds will have immediate application in many other experiments.« less

See It With Your Own Eyes: Markerless Mobile Augmented Reality for Radiation Awareness in the Hybrid Room.

PubMed

Loy Rodas, Nicolas; Barrera, Fernando; Padoy, Nicolas

2017-02-01

We present an approach to provide awareness to the harmful ionizing radiation generated during X-ray-guided minimally invasive procedures. A hand-held screen is used to display directly in the user's view information related to radiation safety in a mobile augmented reality (AR) manner. Instead of using markers, we propose a method to track the observer's viewpoint, which relies on the use of multiple RGB-D sensors and combines equipment detection for tracking initialization with a KinectFusion-like approach for frame-to-frame tracking. Two of the sensors are ceiling-mounted and a third one is attached to the hand-held screen. The ceiling cameras keep an updated model of the room's layout, which is used to exploit context information and improve the relocalization procedure. The system is evaluated on a multicamera dataset generated inside an operating room (OR) and containing ground-truth poses of the AR display. This dataset includes a wide variety of sequences with different scene configurations, occlusions, motion in the scene, and abrupt viewpoint changes. Qualitative results illustrating the different AR visualization modes for radiation awareness provided by the system are also presented. Our approach allows the user to benefit from a large AR visualization area and permits to recover from tracking failure caused by vast motion or changes in the scene just by looking at a piece of equipment. The system enables the user to see the 3-D propagation of radiation, the medical staff's exposure, and/or the doses deposited on the patient's surface as seen through his own eyes.

Ambient intelligence systems for personalized sport training.

PubMed

Vales-Alonso, Javier; López-Matencio, Pablo; Gonzalez-Castaño, Francisco J; Navarro-Hellín, Honorio; Baños-Guirao, Pedro J; Pérez-Martínez, Francisco J; Martínez-Álvarez, Rafael P; González-Jiménez, Daniel; Gil-Castiñeira, Felipe; Duro-Fernández, Richard

2010-01-01

Several research programs are tackling the use of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) at specific fields, such as e-Health, e-Inclusion or e-Sport. This is the case of the project "Ambient Intelligence Systems Support for Athletes with Specific Profiles", which intends to assist athletes in their training. In this paper, the main developments and outcomes from this project are described. The architecture of the system comprises a WSN deployed in the training area which provides communication with athletes' mobile equipments, performs location tasks, and harvests environmental data (wind speed, temperature, etc.). Athletes are equipped with a monitoring unit which obtains data from their training (pulse, speed, etc.). Besides, a decision engine combines these real-time data together with static information about the training field, and from the athlete, to direct athletes' training to fulfill some specific goal. A prototype is presented in this work for a cross country running scenario, where the objective is to maintain the heart rate (HR) of the runner in a target range. For each track, the environmental conditions (temperature of the next track), the current athlete condition (HR), and the intrinsic difficulty of the track (slopes) influence the performance of the athlete. The decision engine, implemented by means of (m, s)-splines interpolation, estimates the future HR and selects the best track in each fork of the circuit. This method achieves a success ratio in the order of 80%. Indeed, results demonstrate that if environmental information is not take into account to derive training orders, the success ratio is reduced notably.

Ambient Intelligence Systems for Personalized Sport Training

PubMed Central

Vales-Alonso, Javier; López-Matencio, Pablo; Gonzalez-Castaño, Francisco J.; Navarro-Hellín, Honorio; Baños-Guirao, Pedro J.; Pérez-Martínez, Francisco J.; Martínez-Álvarez, Rafael P.; González-Jiménez, Daniel; Gil-Castiñeira, Felipe; Duro-Fernández, Richard

2010-01-01

Several research programs are tackling the use of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) at specific fields, such as e-Health, e-Inclusion or e-Sport. This is the case of the project “Ambient Intelligence Systems Support for Athletes with Specific Profiles”, which intends to assist athletes in their training. In this paper, the main developments and outcomes from this project are described. The architecture of the system comprises a WSN deployed in the training area which provides communication with athletes’ mobile equipments, performs location tasks, and harvests environmental data (wind speed, temperature, etc.). Athletes are equipped with a monitoring unit which obtains data from their training (pulse, speed, etc.). Besides, a decision engine combines these real-time data together with static information about the training field, and from the athlete, to direct athletes’ training to fulfill some specific goal. A prototype is presented in this work for a cross country running scenario, where the objective is to maintain the heart rate (HR) of the runner in a target range. For each track, the environmental conditions (temperature of the next track), the current athlete condition (HR), and the intrinsic difficulty of the track (slopes) influence the performance of the athlete. The decision engine, implemented by means of (m, s)-splines interpolation, estimates the future HR and selects the best track in each fork of the circuit. This method achieves a success ratio in the order of 80%. Indeed, results demonstrate that if environmental information is not take into account to derive training orders, the success ratio is reduced notably. PMID:22294931

Frequency modulation system test procedure shuttle task 501 approach and landing test configuration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doland, G. D.

1976-01-01

Shuttle Task 501 is an in-line task to test the performance and compatibility of radiofrequency links between the SSO and ground, and relay via a satellite. Under Shuttle Task 501 approach and landing test (ALT) phase only a limited portion of the communication and tracking (C&T) equipment is to be tested. The principal item to be tested is a frequency modulated (FM) data link. To test this RF link, an ALT FM System was designed, constructed, and the console wiring verified. A step-by-step procedure to be used to perform the ALT FM system is presented. The ALT FM system test is to be performed prior to delivery of the equipment to the Electronic Systems Test Laboratory (ESTL).

Skylab consolidated instrumentation plan for SL-1/SL-2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, D. E.

1972-01-01

The consolidated instrumentation plan is presented for employing optical and electronic data acquisition systems to monitor the performance and trajectory of Skylab 1 and Skylab 2 vehicles during the launch phase. Telemetry, optical, and electronic tracking equipment on board the vehicles, and data acquisition systems monitoring the flights are discussed. Flight safety instrumentation, vehicle data transmission systems, and instrumentation geography are also described.

The Post-Dam System. Volume 5. Harvard Project Manager (HPM).

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-10-01

cQllected and analyzed to determine structural integrity and usability. From this analysis, a repair schedule is developed. This is currently a time...information on mission-critical facility damage is collected and analyzed to determine structural integrity and usability. From this analysis, a repair...to determine repair strategies with an expert system, keep track of materials and equipment with a relational database management system, and

Sled Control and Safety System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Forrest, L. J.

1982-01-01

Computerized system for controlling motion of linear-track accelerator applied to other automated equipment, such as numerically-controlled machine tools and robot manipulators on assembly lines. System controls motions of sled with sine-wave signal created digitally by microprocessor. Dynamic parameters of sled motion are monitored so sled may be stopped safely if malfunction occurs. Sled is capable of sinusoidal accelerations up to 0.5 g with 125-kg load.

CETA truck and EVA restraint system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beals, David C.; Merson, Wayne R.

1991-01-01

The Crew Equipment Translation Aid (CETA) experiment is an extravehicular activity (EVA) Space Transportation System (STS) based flight experiment which will explore various modes of transporting astronauts and light equipment for Space Station Freedom (SSF). The basic elements of CETA are: (1) two 25 foot long sections of monorail, which will be EVA assembled in the STS cargo bay to become a single 50 ft. rail called the track; (2) a wheeled baseplate called the truck which rolls along the track and can accept three cart concepts; and (3) the three carts which are designated manual, electric, and mechanical. The three carts serve as the astronaut restraint and locomotive interfaces with the track. The manual cart is powered by the astronaut grasping the track's handrail and pulling himself along. The electric cart is operated by an astronaut turning a generator which powers the electric motor and drives the cart. The mechanical cart is driven by a Bendix type transmission and is similar in concept to a man-propelled railroad cart. During launch and landing, the truck is attached to the deployable track by means of EVA removable restraint bolts and held in position by a system of retractable shims. These shims are positioned on the exterior of the rail for launch and landing and rotate out of the way for the duration of the experiment. The shims are held in position by strips of Velcro nap, which rub against the sides of the shim and exert a tailored force. The amount of force required to rotate the shims was a major EVA concern, along with operational repeatability and extreme temperature effects. The restraint system was tested in a thermal-vac and vibration environment and was shown to meet all of the initial design requirements. Using design inputs from the astronauts who will perform the EVA, CETA evolved through an iterative design process and represented a cooperative effort.

Construction and testing of a Scanning Laser Radar (SLR), phase 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Flom, T.; Coombes, H. D.

1971-01-01

The scanning laser radar overall system is described. Block diagrams and photographs of the hardware are included with the system description. Detailed descriptions of all the subsystems that make up the scanning laser radar system are included. Block diagrams, photographs, and detailed optical and electronic schematics are used to help describe such subsystem hardware as the laser, beam steerer, receiver optics and detector, control and processing electronics, visual data displays, and the equipment used on the target. Tests were performed on the scanning laser radar to determine its acquisition and tracking performance and to determine its range and angle accuracies while tracking a moving target. The tests and test results are described.

The Silicon Tracking System of the CBM experiment at FAIR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teklishyn, Maksym

2018-03-01

The Silicon Tracking System (STS) is the central detector in the Compressed Baryonic Matter (CBM) experiment at FAIR. Operating in the 1Tm dipole magnetic field, the STS will enable pile-up free detection and momentum measurement of the charged particles originating from beam-target nuclear interactions at rates up to 10 MHz. The STS consists of 8 tracking stations based on double-sided silicon micro-strip sensors equipped with fast, self-triggering read-out electronics. With about two million read-out channels, the STS will deliver a high-rate stream of time-stamped data that is transferred to a computing farm for on-line event determination and analysis. The functional building block is a detector module consisting of a sensor, micro-cables and two front-end electronics boards. In this contribution, the development status of the STS components and the system integration is discussed and an outlook on the detector construction is given.

Orbit Determination with Angle-only Data from the First Korean Optical Satellite Tracking System, OWL-Net

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, J.; Jo, J.

2016-09-01

The optical satellite tracking data obtained by the first Korean optical satellite tracking system, Optical Wide-field patrol - Network (OWL-Net), had been examined for precision orbit determination. During the test observation at Israel site, we have successfully observed a satellite with Laser Retro Reflector (LRR) to calibrate the angle-only metric data. The OWL observation system is using a chopper equipment to get dense observation data in one-shot over 100 points for the low Earth orbit objects. After several corrections, orbit determination process was done with validated metric data. The TLE with the same epoch of the end of the first arc was used for the initial orbital parameter. Orbit Determination Tool Kit (ODTK) was used for an analysis of a performance of orbit estimation using the angle-only measurements. We have been developing batch style orbit estimator.

Task one report: Optical system study. [characteristics of laser equipment for space communication systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

An optical system which can be incorporated in a present day or near future space-borne laser communications system is described. Techniques of implementing these systems are presented and their design problems and use are discussed. Optical system weight is estimated as a function of aperture diameter for a typical present day or near future laser communication system. The optical communications system considered is a two-way, high data rate optical communications link from a spacecraft to a spacecraft or from a spacecraft to a ground station. Each station has a laser transmitter and receiver and a pointing and tracking system. Thus each station can track the laser transmitter of the other. Optical beamwidths are considered to be as small as an arc-second with the beam pointed to a fraction of this beamwidth.

The robot's eyes - Stereo vision system for automated scene analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, D. S.

1977-01-01

Attention is given to the robot stereo vision system which maintains the image produced by solid-state detector television cameras in a dynamic random access memory called RAPID. The imaging hardware consists of sensors (two solid-state image arrays using a charge injection technique), a video-rate analog-to-digital converter, the RAPID memory, and various types of computer-controlled displays, and preprocessing equipment (for reflexive actions, processing aids, and object detection). The software is aimed at locating objects and transversibility. An object-tracking algorithm is discussed and it is noted that tracking speed is in the 50-75 pixels/s range.

Satellite-tagged osprey nearly sets longevity record and productivity response to initial captures

USGS Publications Warehouse

Henny, Charles J.; Martell, Mark S.

2017-01-01

We equipped adult Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) from 24 nests in Oregon/Washington with satellite-tracked battery-powered radios, known as platform transmitter terminals (PTTs), in 1996–1999. These Ospreys from the lower Columbia River (river miles 76–286), and the Willamette Valley in western Oregon were part of a larger study of Osprey fall migration, wintering ecology, and spring migration, which included additional adults from the Upper Midwest and East Coast of the United States (Martell et al. 2001, 2014, Washburn et al. 2014). These early-generation PTTs weighed 30–35 g (Microwave Telemetry Inc., Columbia, MD U.S.A.) and utilized the ARGOS tracking system (www.argos-system.org). We placed PTTs on the birds' backs using Teflon ribbon (Bally Ribbon, Bally, PA U.S.A.) in a standard backpack configuration (Kenward 2001). With the mass of adult male Ospreys 1400 to 1500 g (Poole et al. 2002), the ratio of tag mass to body mass was 2.0 to 2.5%. Ospreys also received a standard size 8 bird band (U.S. Geological Survey) on one leg and a numbered color band on the other. For more details on trapping techniques, attachment procedures, the battery-powered units, turn-on, turn-off cycles, and tracking equipment, see Martell et al. (2001).

Comparison of three optical tracking systems in a complex navigation scenario.

PubMed

Rudolph, Tobias; Ebert, Lars; Kowal, Jens

2010-01-01

Three-dimensional rotational X-ray imaging with the SIREMOBIL Iso-C3D (Siemens AG, Medical Solutions, Erlangen, Germany) has become a well-established intra-operative imaging modality. In combination with a tracking system, the Iso-C3D provides inherently registered image volumes ready for direct navigation. This is achieved by means of a pre-calibration procedure. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the tracking system used on the overall navigation accuracy of direct Iso-C3D navigation. Three models of tracking system were used in the study: Two Optotrak 3020s, a Polaris P4 and a Polaris Spectra system, with both Polaris systems being in the passive operation mode. The evaluation was carried out at two different sites using two Iso-C3D devices. To measure the navigation accuracy, a number of phantom experiments were conducted using an acrylic phantom equipped with titanium spheres. After scanning, a special pointer was used to pinpoint these markers. The difference between the digitized and navigated positions served as the accuracy measure. Up to 20 phantom scans were performed for each tracking system. The average accuracy measured was 0.86 mm and 0.96 mm for the two Optotrak 3020 systems, 1.15 mm for the Polaris P4, and 1.04 mm for the Polaris Spectra system. For the Polaris systems a higher maximal error was found, but all three systems yielded similar minimal errors. On average, all tracking systems used in this study could deliver similar navigation accuracy. The passive Polaris system showed – as expected – higher maximal errors; however, depending on the application constraints, this might be negligible.

The Earth Science Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Demonstration in the Rover Scape at NASA's Ames Research Center.

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-30

Flight Test in the Roverscape (N-269) at NASA's Ames Research Center, the project team tests the DJI Matrice 600 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) equipped with a radio tracking receiver to study the invasive asian carp in the Mississippi River.

Multileaf collimator tracking integrated with a novel x-ray imaging system and external surrogate monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krauss, Andreas; Fast, Martin F.; Nill, Simeon; Oelfke, Uwe

2012-04-01

We have previously developed a tumour tracking system, which adapts the aperture of a Siemens 160 MLC to electromagnetically monitored target motion. In this study, we exploit the use of a novel linac-mounted kilovoltage x-ray imaging system for MLC tracking. The unique in-line geometry of the imaging system allows the detection of target motion perpendicular to the treatment beam (i.e. the directions usually featuring steep dose gradients). We utilized the imaging system either alone or in combination with an external surrogate monitoring system. We equipped a Siemens ARTISTE linac with two flat panel detectors, one directly underneath the linac head for motion monitoring and the other underneath the patient couch for geometric tracking accuracy assessments. A programmable phantom with an embedded metal marker reproduced three patient breathing traces. For MLC tracking based on x-ray imaging alone, marker position was detected at a frame rate of 7.1 Hz. For the combined external and internal motion monitoring system, a total of only 85 x-ray images were acquired prior to or in between the delivery of ten segments of an IMRT beam. External motion was monitored with a potentiometer. A correlation model between external and internal motion was established. The real-time component of the MLC tracking procedure then relied solely on the correlation model estimations of internal motion based on the external signal. Geometric tracking accuracies were 0.6 mm (1.1 mm) and 1.8 mm (1.6 mm) in directions perpendicular and parallel to the leaf travel direction for the x-ray-only (the combined external and internal) motion monitoring system in spite of a total system latency of ˜0.62 s (˜0.51 s). Dosimetric accuracy for a highly modulated IMRT beam-assessed through radiographic film dosimetry-improved substantially when tracking was applied, but depended strongly on the respective geometric tracking accuracy. In conclusion, we have for the first time integrated MLC tracking with x-ray imaging in the in-line geometry and demonstrated highly accurate respiratory motion tracking.

Free-space laser communication technologies II; Proceedings of the Meeting, Los Angeles, CA, Jan. 15-17, 1990

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Begley, David L. (Editor); Seery, Bernard D. (Editor)

1990-01-01

Various papers on free-space laser communication technologies are presented. Individual topics addressed include: optical intersatellite link experiment between the earth station and ETS-VI, the Goddard optical communications program, technologies and techniques for lasercom terminal size, weight, and cost reduction, laser beam acquisition and tracking system for ETS-VI laser communication equipment, analog dividers for acquisition and tracking signal normalization, fine pointing mechanism using multilayered piezoelectric actuator for optical ISL system, analysis of SILEX tracking sensor performance, new telescope concept for space communication, telescope considered as a very high gain antenna, design of compact transceiver optical systems for optical intersatellite links, ultralightweight optics for laser communications, highly sensitive measurement method for stray light and retroreflected light, depolarization effects on free space laser transceiver communication systems, in-orbit measurements of microaccelerations of ESA's communication satellite Olympus, high-performance laser diode transmitter for optical free space communication, diode-pumped Nd:host laser transmitter for intersatellite optical communications, single-frequency diode-pumped laser for free-space communication.

Reflector control technology in space laser communication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Meilin; Ma, Caiwen; Yao, Cheng; Huang, Wei; Lian, Xuezheng; Feng, Xubin; Jing, Feng

2017-11-01

The optical frequencies band is used as information carrier to realize laser communication between two low-orbit micro-satellites in space which equipped with inter-satellite laser communication terminals, optical switches, space routers and other payload. The laser communication terminal adopts a two-dimensional turntable with a single mirror structure. In this paper, the perturbation model of satellite platform is established in this paper. The relationship between the coupling and coordinate transformation of satellite disturbance is analyzed and the laser pointing vector is deduced. Using the tracking differentiator to speed up the circular grating angle information constitute speed loop feedback, which avoids the problem of error amplification caused by the high frequency of the conventional difference algorithm. Finally, the suppression ability of the satellite platform disturbance and the tracking accuracy of the tracking system are simulated and analyzed. The results show that the tracking accuracy of the whole system is 10μrad in the case of satellite vibration, which provides the basis for the optimization of the performance of the space-borne laser communication control system.

Automated tracking of the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Michelson, R. C.; Breedlove, J.; Jenkins, H. H.

1978-01-01

The electronic, physical, biological and environmental factors involved in the automated remote tracking of the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus) are identified. The current status of the manatee as an endangered species is provided. Brief descriptions of existing tracking and position locating systems are presented to identify the state of the art in these fields. An analysis of energy media is conducted to identify those with the highest probability of success for this application. Logistic questions such as the means of attachment and position of any equipment to be placed on the manatee are also investigated. Power sources and manateeborne electronics encapsulation techniques are studied and the results of a compter generated DF network analysis are summarized.

NGSLR Safety Handbook

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McGarry, Jan

2015-01-01

NASA's Next Generation Satellite Laser Ranging (NGSLR) station is the prototype for NASA's Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) systems which will be deployed around the world in the coming decade. The NGSLR system will be an autonomous, photon-counting SLR station with an expected absolute range accuracy of better than one centimeter and a normal point (time-averaged) range precision better than one millimeter. The system provides continuous (weather permitting), 24 hour tracking coverage to an existing constellation of approximately two dozen artificial satellites equipped with passive retroreflector arrays, using pulsed, 532 nm, class IV laser systems. Current details on the approved laser systems can be found in the Appendix 1 of this document. This safety plan addresses the potential hazards to emitted laser radiation, which can occur both inside and outside the shelter. Hazards within the shelter are mitigated through posted warning signs, activated warning lights, procedural controls, personal protective equipment (PPE), laser curtains, beam blocking systems, interlock controls, pre-configured laser control settings, and other controls discussed in this document. Since the NGSLR is a satellite tracking system, laser hazards exist outside the shelter to personnel on the shelter roof and to passing aircraft. Potential exposure to personnel outside the system is mitigated through the use of posted warning signs, access control, procedural controls, a stairwell interlock, beam attenuation/blocking devices, and a radar based aircraft detection system.

Air-Track: a real-world floating environment for active sensing in head-fixed mice.

PubMed

Nashaat, Mostafa A; Oraby, Hatem; Sachdev, Robert N S; Winter, York; Larkum, Matthew E

2016-10-01

Natural behavior occurs in multiple sensory and motor modalities and in particular is dependent on sensory feedback that constantly adjusts behavior. To investigate the underlying neuronal correlates of natural behavior, it is useful to have access to state-of-the-art recording equipment (e.g., 2-photon imaging, patch recordings, etc.) that frequently requires head fixation. This limitation has been addressed with various approaches such as virtual reality/air ball or treadmill systems. However, achieving multimodal realistic behavior in these systems can be challenging. These systems are often also complex and expensive to implement. Here we present "Air-Track," an easy-to-build head-fixed behavioral environment that requires only minimal computational processing. The Air-Track is a lightweight physical maze floating on an air table that has all the properties of the "real" world, including multiple sensory modalities tightly coupled to motor actions. To test this system, we trained mice in Go/No-Go and two-alternative forced choice tasks in a plus maze. Mice chose lanes and discriminated apertures or textures by moving the Air-Track back and forth and rotating it around themselves. Mice rapidly adapted to moving the track and used visual, auditory, and tactile cues to guide them in performing the tasks. A custom-controlled camera system monitored animal location and generated data that could be used to calculate reaction times in the visual and somatosensory discrimination tasks. We conclude that the Air-Track system is ideal for eliciting natural behavior in concert with virtually any system for monitoring or manipulating brain activity. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

Air-Track: a real-world floating environment for active sensing in head-fixed mice

PubMed Central

Oraby, Hatem; Sachdev, Robert N. S.; Winter, York

2016-01-01

Natural behavior occurs in multiple sensory and motor modalities and in particular is dependent on sensory feedback that constantly adjusts behavior. To investigate the underlying neuronal correlates of natural behavior, it is useful to have access to state-of-the-art recording equipment (e.g., 2-photon imaging, patch recordings, etc.) that frequently requires head fixation. This limitation has been addressed with various approaches such as virtual reality/air ball or treadmill systems. However, achieving multimodal realistic behavior in these systems can be challenging. These systems are often also complex and expensive to implement. Here we present “Air-Track,” an easy-to-build head-fixed behavioral environment that requires only minimal computational processing. The Air-Track is a lightweight physical maze floating on an air table that has all the properties of the “real” world, including multiple sensory modalities tightly coupled to motor actions. To test this system, we trained mice in Go/No-Go and two-alternative forced choice tasks in a plus maze. Mice chose lanes and discriminated apertures or textures by moving the Air-Track back and forth and rotating it around themselves. Mice rapidly adapted to moving the track and used visual, auditory, and tactile cues to guide them in performing the tasks. A custom-controlled camera system monitored animal location and generated data that could be used to calculate reaction times in the visual and somatosensory discrimination tasks. We conclude that the Air-Track system is ideal for eliciting natural behavior in concert with virtually any system for monitoring or manipulating brain activity. PMID:27486102

Human image tracking technique applied to remote collaborative environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagashima, Yoshio; Suzuki, Gen

1993-10-01

To support various kinds of collaborations over long distances by using visual telecommunication, it is necessary to transmit visual information related to the participants and topical materials. When people collaborate in the same workspace, they use visual cues such as facial expressions and eye movement. The realization of coexistence in a collaborative workspace requires the support of these visual cues. Therefore, it is important that the facial images be large enough to be useful. During collaborations, especially dynamic collaborative activities such as equipment operation or lectures, the participants often move within the workspace. When the people move frequently or over a wide area, the necessity for automatic human tracking increases. Using the movement area of the human being or the resolution of the extracted area, we have developed a memory tracking method and a camera tracking method for automatic human tracking. Experimental results using a real-time tracking system show that the extracted area fairly moves according to the movement of the human head.

Apollo/Saturn 5 consolidated instrumentation plan for AS-511 (Apollo 16)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, D. E.

1972-01-01

The consolidated instrumentation plan, for employing optical and electronic data acquisition systems to monitor the performance and trajectory of Apollo Saturn 5 vehicle 511 during the launch phase of the mission (prelaunch, liftoff to insertion), is presented. Telemetry, optical, and electronic tracking equipment on board the vehicle and data acquisition systems monitoring the flight are discussed. Flight safety instrumentation, vehicle data transmission systems, and geophysical instrumentation are also described.

Approaches, field considerations and problems associated with radio tracking carnivores

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sargeant, A.B.; Amlaner, C. J.; MacDonald, D.W.

1979-01-01

The adaptation of radio tracking to ecological studies was a major technological advance affecting field investigations of animal movements and behavior. Carnivores have been the recipients of much attention with this new technology and study approaches have varied from simple to complex. Equipment performance has much improved over the years, but users still face many difficulties. The beginning of all radio tracking studies should be a precise definition of objectives. Study objectives dictate type of gear required and field procedures. Field conditions affect equipment performance and investigator ability to gather data. Radio tracking carnivores is demanding and generally requires greater time than anticipated. Problems should be expected and planned for in study design. Radio tracking can be an asset in carnivore studies but caution is needed in its application.

Evaluation of the fidelity of feature descriptor-based specimen tracking for automatic NDE data integration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radkowski, Rafael; Holland, Stephen; Grandin, Robert

2018-04-01

This research addresses inspection location tracking in the field of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) using a computer vision technique to determine the position and orientation of typical NDE equipment in a test setup. The objective is the tracking accuracy for typical NDE equipment to facilitate automatic NDE data integration. Since the employed tracking technique relies on surface curvatures of an object of interest, the accuracy can be only experimentally determined. We work with flash-thermography and conducted an experiment in which we tracked a specimen and a thermography flash hood, measured the spatial relation between both, and used the relation as input to map thermography data onto a 3D model of the specimen. The results indicate an appropriate accuracy, however, unveiled calibration challenges.

Tracking the NOvA Detectors' Performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Psihas, Fernanda; NOvA Collaboration

2016-03-01

The NOvA experiment measures long baseline νμ -->νe oscillations in Fermilab's NuMI beam. We employ two detectors equipped with over 10 thousand sets of data-taking electronics; avalanche photo diodes and front end boards which collect and process the scintillation signal from particle interactions within the detectors. These sets of electronics -as well as the systems which power and cool them- must be monitored and maintained at precise working conditions to ensure maximal data-taking uptime, good data quality and a lasting life for our detectors. This poster describes the automated systems used on NOvA to simultaneously monitor our data quality, diagnose hardware issues, track our performance and coordinate maintenance for the detectors.

Occupational Field 66 (Avionics) Less MOS’s 6682, 6683 and 6689 Task Analysis.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-04-01

EQUIPMENT ( SACE ) TECH 011 ACFT CRYPTOGRAPHIC SYS TECI-, IMA 018 ACFT INERTIAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM (INS) SACE TECH 019 ACFT SEARCH/TRACK (SIT) SACE TECH...020 SACE SYS TECH 021 ACFT DECEPTIVE ELECTRONIC COUNTERMEASURES IDECM) TECH 022 ELECTRONIC COUNTERMEASURES (ECM) MODULE REPAIR TECH 023 ACFT ECM TECH

Space station needs, attributes, and architectural options: Technology development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robert, A. C.

1983-01-01

The technology development of the space station is examined as it relates to space station growth and equipment requirements for future missions. Future mission topics are refined and used to establish a systems data base. Technology for human factors engineering, space maintenance, satellite design, and laser communications and tracking is discussed.

Radiometric, Spectral and Effectiveness Equipment

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-09-24

modified Contraves Kineto Tracking Mount (KTM) Model 443. The KTM is a self-contained trailer and mount. The trailer is a four wheel duel-axle bed with...measurement system also uses the Contraves (KTM) Model 433. The KTM is a self-contained trailer and mount. The trailer is a four wheel duel-axle bed with

TDRSS multimode transponder program S-band modification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mackey, J. E.

1975-01-01

The S-Band TDRS multimode transponder and its associated ground support equipment is described. The transponder demonstrates candidate modulation techniques to provide the required information for the design of an eventual S-band transponder suitable for installation in a user satellite, capable of operating as part of a Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) system.

Where in the World?: GPS Projects for the Technology Class

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Guccione, Sam

2005-01-01

Global positioning system (GPS) has many uses. They include navigation, location finding, vehicle tracking, surveying, autonomous control of highway construction equipment, scientific activities, asset location and entertainment. The GPS is a constellation of 24 satellites located in a 10,000-mile radius orbit in a way that allows for at least six…

SU-G-JeP1-01: A Combination of Real Time Electromagnetic Localization and Tracking with Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Brain Tumors

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

Muralidhar, K Raja; Pangam, Suresh; Ponaganti, Srinivas

2016-06-15

Purpose: 1. online verification of patient position during treatment using calypso electromagnetic localization and tracking system. 2. Verification and comparison of positional accuracy between cone beam computed tomography and calypso system. 3. Presenting the advantage of continuation localization in Stereotactic radiosurgery treatments. Methods: Ten brain tumor cases were taken for this study. Patients with head mask were under gone Computed Tomography (CT). Before scanning, mask was cut on the fore head area to keep surface beacons on the skin. Slice thickness of 0.65 mm were taken for this study. x, y, z coordinates of these beacons in TPS were enteredmore » into tracking station. Varian True Beam accelerator, equipped with On Board Imager was used to take Cone beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to localize the patient. Simultaneously Surface beacons were used to localize and track the patient throughout the treatment. The localization values were compared in both systems. For localization CBCT considered as reference. Tracking was done throughout the treatment using Calypso tracking system using electromagnetic array. This array was in tracking position during imaging and treatment. Flattening Filter free beams of 6MV photons along with Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy was used for the treatment. The patient movement was observed throughout the treatment ranging from 2 min to 4 min. Results: The average variation observed between calypso system and CBCT localization was less than 0.5 mm. These variations were due to manual errors while keeping beacon on the patient. Less than 0.05 cm intra-fraction motion was observed throughout the treatment with the help of continuous tracking. Conclusion: Calypso target localization system is one of the finest tools to perform radiosurgery in combination with CBCT. This non radiographic method of tracking is a real beneficial method to treat patients confidently while observing real-time motion information of the patient.« less

Development of an algorithm to model an aircraft equipped with a generic CDTI display

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Driscoll, W. C.; Houck, J. A.

1986-01-01

A model of human pilot performance of a tracking task using a generic Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) display is developed from experimental data. The tracking task is to use CDTI in tracking a leading aircraft at a nominal separation of three nautical miles over a prescribed trajectory in space. The analysis of the data resulting from a factorial design of experiments reveals that the tracking task performance depends on the pilot and his experience at performing the task. Performance was not strongly affected by the type of control system used (velocity vector control wheel steering versus 3D automatic flight path guidance and control). The model that is developed and verified results in state trajectories whose difference from the experimental state trajectories is small compared to the variation due to the pilot and experience factors.

LabVIEW application for motion tracking using USB camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rob, R.; Tirian, G. O.; Panoiu, M.

2017-05-01

The technical state of the contact line and also the additional equipment in electric rail transport is very important for realizing the repairing and maintenance of the contact line. During its functioning, the pantograph motion must stay in standard limits. Present paper proposes a LabVIEW application which is able to track in real time the motion of a laboratory pantograph and also to acquire the tracking images. An USB webcam connected to a computer acquires the desired images. The laboratory pantograph contains an automatic system which simulates the real motion. The tracking parameters are the horizontally motion (zigzag) and the vertically motion which can be studied in separate diagrams. The LabVIEW application requires appropriate tool-kits for vision development. Therefore the paper describes the subroutines that are especially programmed for real-time image acquisition and also for data processing.

49 CFR 214.337 - On-track safety procedures for lone workers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

...-track equipment is not impaired by background noise, lights, precipitation, fog, passing trains, or any... performing routine inspection or minor correction may use individual train detection to establish on-track... worker retains an absolute right to use on-track safety procedures other than individual train detection...

Heterogeneous distributed databases: A case study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stewart, Tracy R.; Mukkamala, Ravi

1991-01-01

Alternatives are reviewed for accessing distributed heterogeneous databases and a recommended solution is proposed. The current study is limited to the Automated Information Systems Center at the Naval Sea Combat Systems Engineering Station at Norfolk, VA. This center maintains two databases located on Digital Equipment Corporation's VAX computers running under the VMS operating system. The first data base, ICMS, resides on a VAX11/780 and has been implemented using VAX DBMS, a CODASYL based system. The second database, CSA, resides on a VAX 6460 and has been implemented using the ORACLE relational database management system (RDBMS). Both databases are used for configuration management within the U.S. Navy. Different customer bases are supported by each database. ICMS tracks U.S. Navy ships and major systems (anti-sub, sonar, etc.). Even though the major systems on ships and submarines have totally different functions, some of the equipment within the major systems are common to both ships and submarines.

Tracking and data relay satellite system (TDRSS) capabilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spearing, R. E.

1985-10-01

The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) is the latest implementation to tracking and data acquisition network for near-earth orbiting satellite support designed to meet the requirements of the current and projected (to the year 2000) satellite user community. The TDRSS consists of a space segment (SS) and a ground segment (GS) that fit within NASA's Space Network (SN) complex controlled at the Goddard Space Flight Center. The SS currently employs a single satellite, TDRS-1, with two additional satellites to be deployed in January 1986 and July 1986. The GS contains the communications and equipment required to manage the three TDR satellites and to transmit and receive information to and from TDRSS user satellites. Diagrams and tables illustrating the TDRSS signal characteristics, the situation of TDRSS within the SN, the SN operations and element interrelationships, as well as future plans for new missions are included.

Tracking and data relay satellite system (TDRSS) capabilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spearing, R. E.

1985-01-01

The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) is the latest implementation to tracking and data acquisition network for near-earth orbiting satellite support designed to meet the requirements of the current and projected (to the year 2000) satellite user community. The TDRSS consists of a space segment (SS) and a ground segment (GS) that fit within NASA's Space Network (SN) complex controlled at the Goddard Space Flight Center. The SS currently employs a single satellite, TDRS-1, with two additional satellites to be deployed in January 1986 and July 1986. The GS contains the communications and equipment required to manage the three TDR satellites and to transmit and receive information to and from TDRSS user satellites. Diagrams and tables illustrating the TDRSS signal characteristics, the situation of TDRSS within the SN, the SN operations and element interrelationships, as well as future plans for new missions are included.

Flight-test of the glide-slope track and flare-control laws for an automatic landing system for a powered-lift STOL airplane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watson, D. M.; Hardy, G. H.; Warner, D. N., Jr.

1983-01-01

An automatic landing system was developed for the Augmentor Wing Jet STOL Research Airplane to establish the feasibility and examine the operating characteristics of a powered-lift STOL transport flying a steep, microwave landing system (MLS) glide slope to automatically land on a STOL port. The flight test results address the longitudinal aspects of automatic powered lift STOL airplane operation including glide slope tracking on the backside of the power curve, flare, and touchdown. Three different autoland control laws were evaluated to demonstrate the tradeoff between control complexity and the resulting performance. The flight test and simulation methodology used in developing conventional jet transport systems was applied to the powered-lift STOL airplane. The results obtained suggest that an automatic landing system for a powered-lift STOL airplane operating into an MLS-equipped STOL port is feasible. However, the airplane must be provided with a means of rapidly regulation lift to satisfactorily provide the glide slope tracking and control of touchdown sink rate needed for automatic landings.

Use telecommunications for real-time process control

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

Zilberman, I.; Bigman, J.; Sela, I.

1996-05-01

Process operators design real-time accurate information to monitor and control product streams and to optimize unit operations. The challenge is how to cost-effectively install sophisticated analytical equipment in harsh environments such as process areas and maintain system reliability. Incorporating telecommunications technology with near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy may be the bridge to help operations achieve their online control goals. Coupling communications fiber optics with NIR analyzers enables the probe and sampling system to remain in the field and crucial analytical equipment to be remotely located in a general purpose area without specialized protection provisions. The case histories show how two refineriesmore » used NIR spectroscopy online to track octane levels for reformate streams.« less

APPLICATION OF EYE TRACKING FOR MEASUREMENT AND EVALUATION IN HUMAN FACTORS STUDIES IN CONTROL ROOM MODERNIZATION

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

Kovesdi, C.; Spielman, Z.; LeBlanc, K.

An important element of human factors engineering (HFE) pertains to measurement and evaluation (M&E). The role of HFE-M&E should be integrated throughout the entire control room modernization (CRM) process and be used for human-system performance evaluation and diagnostic purposes with resolving potential human engineering deficiencies (HEDs) and other human machine interface (HMI) design issues. NUREG-0711 describes how HFE in CRM should employ a hierarchical set of measures, particularly during integrated system validation (ISV), including plant performance, personnel task performance, situation awareness, cognitive workload, and anthropometric/ physiological factors. Historically, subjective measures have been primarily used since they are easier to collectmore » and do not require specialized equipment. However, there are pitfalls with relying solely on subjective measures in M&E such that negatively impact reliability, sensitivity, and objectivity. As part of comprehensively capturing a diverse set of measures that strengthen findings and inferences made of the benefits from emerging technologies like advanced displays, this paper discusses the value of using eye tracking as an objective method that can be used in M&E. A brief description of eye tracking technology and relevant eye tracking measures is provided. Additionally, technical considerations and the unique challenges with using eye tracking in full-scaled simulations are addressed. Finally, this paper shares preliminary findings regarding the use of a wearable eye tracking system in a full-scale simulator study. These findings should help guide future full-scale simulator studies using eye tracking as a methodology to evaluate human-system performance.« less

Radio Tracking Fish with Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS).

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dahlgren, R. P.; Anderson, K. R.; Hanson, L.; Pinsker, E. A.; Jonsson, J.; Chapman, D. C.; Witten, D. M.; O'Connor, K. A.

2017-12-01

Tracking radio tagged fish by boat or on foot in riverine systems is difficult and time consuming, particularly in large braided island complexes, shallow wetlands, and rocky reaches. Invasive Asian carp are commonly found in these hard to reach areas, but their near-surface feeding behavior makes radio tracking possible. To identify new methods of fish tracking that could same time and money, this study tested the feasibility of tracking Asian carp with Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) in areas generally inaccessible to traditional tracking equipment. The U.S. Geological Survey worked with NanoElectromagnetics LLC and WWR Development to create and integrate a lightweight custom radio receiver, directional antenna, and accompanying software into a sUAS platform. The receiver includes independent GPS, software defined radio, and compass. The NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) completed payload integration, electromagnetic-interference and airworthiness testing, and provided a DJI Matrice 600 sUAS for this study. Additionally, ARC provided subject matter experts, airworthiness and flight readiness evaluation, and flight test facilities during preparation; and a pilot, range safety officer, and aircraft engineer during field deployment. Results demonstrate that this custom sUAS and sensor combination can detect radio tags at 100m above ground level and at horizontal ranges of 100m and 300m, with operators in either onshore or offshore locations. With this combination of sUAS and radio receiver, fish can be tracked in areas previously inaccessible and during flooding, providing new insights into riverine fish movement and habitat utilization.

Intelligence and Electronic Warfare (IEW) System Fact Sheets

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-04-06

unattended ground sensor system that detects, classifies, and determines direction of movement of intruding personnel and vehicles . It uses remotely...fixed and moving target locations, speed and direction of movement, and classification of tracked/wheeled vehicles . The GSM is equipped with standard... Vehicle The Pointer is a Hand-Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (HL-UAV) to be employed by battalion scouts for t"over-the-hillll reconnaissance and

System Engineering Analysis of Topside Cranes Installed on AD, AR, and AS Class Ships

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-02-06

4 severity CASREPs. Water or moisture in oumzs or motors accounted for five CASREPs; moisture in a transformer caused a class C fire , which resulted...Components of Bridge Cranes, Monorail Hoist Systems, and Side Port Hoists Associated Equipment: Accumulators Ladders Speed reducers Brakes Load blocks...Switches Bridge Locking devices *Tow bars Bumpers * Monorails Tracks Collector assembly Motors (electrical *Trolley buses Controller and hydraulic) *Trolleys

Problem reporting management system performance simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vannatta, David S.

1993-01-01

This paper proposes the Problem Reporting Management System (PRMS) model as an effective discrete simulation tool that determines the risks involved during the development phase of a Trouble Tracking Reporting Data Base replacement system. The model considers the type of equipment and networks which will be used in the replacement system as well as varying user loads, size of the database, and expected operational availability. The paper discusses the dynamics, stability, and application of the PRMS and addresses suggested concepts to enhance the service performance and enrich them.

Guide to Camouflage for DARCOM Equipment Developers

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-04-29

the trails by dragging devices, etc., can delay recognition of a tracked- veicle trail. A missile system, having fixed physical characteristics which...systems applicable to surface-to-air, air-to-air, and air-to-surface missiles. Sensors in the 0.2 to 0.4 and 1.0 to 5.0 micron bands are hybrid ...a wide variety of ultra- violet, visible and near infrared sensor systems. Actual sensors are hybrid computer controlled in six degrees-of-freedom

The evolution of a health hazard assessment database management system for military weapons, equipment, and materiel.

PubMed

Murnyak, George R; Spencer, Clark O; Chaney, Ann E; Roberts, Welford C

2002-04-01

During the 1970s, the Army health hazard assessment (HHA) process developed as a medical program to minimize hazards in military materiel during the development process. The HHA Program characterizes health hazards that soldiers and civilians may encounter as they interact with military weapons and equipment. Thus, it is a resource for medical planners and advisors to use that can identify and estimate potential hazards that soldiers may encounter as they train and conduct missions. The U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine administers the program, which is integrated with the Army's Manpower and Personnel Integration program. As the HHA Program has matured, an electronic database has been developed to record and monitor the health hazards associated with military equipment and systems. The current database tracks the results of HHAs and provides reporting designed to assist the HHA Program manager in daily activities.

49 CFR 218.27 - Workers on track other than main track.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD OPERATING PRACTICES Blue Signal Protection of Workers § 218... on track other than main track— (a) A blue signal must be displayed at or near each manually operated... blue signal protection as provided for in this section is on a track equipped with one or more...

49 CFR 218.27 - Workers on track other than main track.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD OPERATING PRACTICES Blue Signal Protection of Workers § 218... on track other than main track— (a) A blue signal must be displayed at or near each manually operated... blue signal protection as provided for in this section is on a track equipped with one or more...

49 CFR 218.27 - Workers on track other than main track.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD OPERATING PRACTICES Blue Signal Protection of Workers § 218... on track other than main track— (a) A blue signal must be displayed at or near each manually operated... blue signal protection as provided for in this section is on a track equipped with one or more...

49 CFR 218.27 - Workers on track other than main track.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD OPERATING PRACTICES Blue Signal Protection of Workers § 218... on track other than main track— (a) A blue signal must be displayed at or near each manually operated... blue signal protection as provided for in this section is on a track equipped with one or more...

49 CFR 218.27 - Workers on track other than main track.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD OPERATING PRACTICES Blue Signal Protection of Workers § 218... on track other than main track— (a) A blue signal must be displayed at or near each manually operated... blue signal protection as provided for in this section is on a track equipped with one or more...

Performance capabilities of a JPL dual-arm advanced teleoperation system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Szakaly, Z. F.; Bejczy, A. K.

1991-01-01

The system comprises: (1) two PUMA 560 robot arms, each equipped with the latest JPL developed smart hands which contain 3-D force/moment and grasp force sensors; (2) two general purpose force reflecting hand controllers; (3) a NS32016 microprocessors based distributed computing system together with JPL developed universal motor controllers; (4) graphics display of sensor data; (5) capabilities for time delay experiments; and (6) automatic data recording capabilities. Several different types of control modes are implemented on this system using different feedback control techniques. Some of the control modes and the related feedback control techniques are described, and the achievable control performance for tracking position and force trajectories are reported. The interaction between position and force trajectory tracking is illustrated. The best performance is obtained by using a novel, task space error feedback technique.

STS-29 tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS) in OV-103's payload bay (PLB)

NASA Image and Video Library

1989-03-13

STS029-71-000AE (13-18 March 1989) --- STS-29 onboard view shows Space Shuttle Discovery's payload bay with tracking and data relay satellite D (TDRS-D) in stowed, pre-deployment position. In this head-on view, TDRS-D stowed components including single access #1 and #2, solar cell panels, SGL, S-Band omni antenna, and C-Band antenna are visible. TDRS-D rests in airborne support equipment (ASE) forward cradle and aft frame tilt actuator (AFTA). Discovery's aft bulkhead and orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pods are visible in the background.

KSC-2009-3660

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-01

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility, more equipment for the STSS Demonstrator SV-2 spacecraft is offloaded from the U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft. The spacecraft will be transferred to the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla.The spacecraft is a midcourse tracking technology demonstrator, part of an evolving ballistic missile defense system. STSS is capable of tracking objects after boost phase and provides trajectory information to other sensors. It will be launched by NASA for the Missile Defense Agency in late summer. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller (Approved for Public Release 09-MDA-4616 [27 May 09])

A Segway RMP-based robotic transport system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Hoa G.; Kogut, Greg; Barua, Ripan; Burmeister, Aaron; Pezeshkian, Narek; Powell, Darren; Farrington, Nathan; Wimmer, Matt; Cicchetto, Brett; Heng, Chana; Ramirez, Velia

2004-12-01

In the area of logistics, there currently is a capability gap between the one-ton Army robotic Multifunction Utility/Logistics and Equipment (MULE) vehicle and a soldier"s backpack. The Unmanned Systems Branch at Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center (SPAWAR Systems Center, or SSC), San Diego, with the assistance of a group of interns from nearby High Tech High School, has demonstrated enabling technologies for a solution that fills this gap. A small robotic transport system has been developed based on the Segway Robotic Mobility Platform (RMP). We have demonstrated teleoperated control of this robotic transport system, and conducted two demonstrations of autonomous behaviors. Both demonstrations involved a robotic transporter following a human leader. In the first demonstration, the transporter used a vision system running a continuously adaptive mean-shift filter to track and follow a human. In the second demonstration, the separation between leader and follower was significantly increased using Global Positioning System (GPS) information. The track of the human leader, with a GPS unit in his backpack, was sent wirelessly to the transporter, also equipped with a GPS unit. The robotic transporter traced the path of the human leader by following these GPS breadcrumbs. We have additionally demonstrated a robotic medical patient transport capability by using the Segway RMP to power a mock-up of the Life Support for Trauma and Transport (LSTAT) patient care platform, on a standard NATO litter carrier. This paper describes the development of our demonstration robotic transport system and the various experiments conducted.

The observation of sporadic meteors and meteor showers by means of radio technology measuring equipment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schippke, W.

1981-08-01

Advantages regarding a tracking of meteors with the aid of the instruments of radio technology are related to the possibility for continuous observations without any dependence on meteorological conditions or on the time of day or night. Two methods exist for the registration of the traces of meteors, including a passive and an active method. The appropriate frequency range for both methods is the lower VHF range. For passive observations a very sensitive measurement receiver is required along with recording equipment, and a suitable antenna system. In Europe there are many television transmitters which are eminently suited for a detection of meteor traces. The active method for tracking meteors is more difficult and requires for its employment more expensive equipment than the passive method. It is based on the use of a VHF metric-wave radar. These devices operate normally also at a frequency of approximately 50 or 60 MHz. Attention is given to the theory of meteoric scattering, the various types of ionized trails, the geometry of meteor traces, results obtained in an observational station in Munich, and observations in the 144-MHz band.

The Earth Science Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Demonstration in the Rover Scape at NASA's Ames Research Center.

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-30

Flight Test in the Roverscape (N-269) at NASA's Ames Research Center, the project team tests the DJI Matrice 600 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) equipped with a radio tracking receiver to study the invasive asian carp in the Mississippi River. Rick, Kolyer, Jonas Jonsson, Ethan, Pinsker, Bob Dahlgren.

49 CFR 214.507 - Required safety equipment for new on-track roadway maintenance machines.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

...) A seat for each operator, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section; (2) A safe and secure position with handholds, handrails, or a secure seat for each roadway worker transported on the machine... windshield wipers are incompatible with the windshield material; (5) A machine braking system capable of...

49 CFR 214.507 - Required safety equipment for new on-track roadway maintenance machines.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

...) A seat for each operator, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section; (2) A safe and secure position with handholds, handrails, or a secure seat for each roadway worker transported on the machine... windshield wipers are incompatible with the windshield material; (5) A machine braking system capable of...

49 CFR 214.507 - Required safety equipment for new on-track roadway maintenance machines.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

...) A seat for each operator, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section; (2) A safe and secure position with handholds, handrails, or a secure seat for each roadway worker transported on the machine... windshield wipers are incompatible with the windshield material; (5) A machine braking system capable of...

Department of Defense In-House RDT&E Activities

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-10-30

DISEASES*.’......*......... 43 MISSILE LABORATORY ................................................. 44 MOBILITY EQUIPMENT R&D COMMAND...HELICOPTER INFLIGHT MONITORING SYS WITH INSTRUMENTED RANGE; ANECHOIC AND REVERBERATION CHAMBERS; MOBILE -’ ACCOUSTICS LAB; EYE MOVEMENT MEASURING...IN- CLUDES: LIGHTWEIGIHT OPTICAL TRACKING SYSTEM, 25-TON CRANE, 2 20-TON MOBILE CRANES, 5-TON WRECKER, 40,000 LB ACFT LOADER, THREE T-28B ACFT, 1 UH

Detection of Ballast Damage by In-Situ Vibration Measurement of Sleepers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lam, H. F.; Wong, M. T.; Keefe, R. M.

2010-05-01

Ballasted track is one of the most important elements of railway transportation systems worldwide. Owing to its importance in railway safety, many monitoring and evaluation methods have been developed. Current railway track monitoring systems are comprehensive, fast and efficient in testing railway track level and alignment, rail gauge, rail corrugation, etc. However, the monitoring of ballast condition still relies very much on visual inspection and core tests. Although extensive research has been carried out in the development of non-destructive methods for ballast condition evaluation, a commonly accepted and cost-effective method is still in demand. In Hong Kong practice, if abnormal train vibration is reported by the train operator or passengers, permanent way inspectors will locate the problem area by track geometry measurement. It must be pointed out that visual inspection can only identify ballast damage on the track surface, the track geometry deficiencies and rail twists can be detected using a track gauge. Ballast damage under the sleeper loading area and the ballast shoulder, which are the main factors affecting track stability and ride quality, are extremely difficult if not impossible to be detected by visual inspection. Core test is a destructive test, which is expensive, time consuming and may be disruptive to traffic. A fast real-time ballast damage detection method that can be implemented by permanent way inspectors with simple equipment can certainly provide valuable information for engineers in assessing the safety and riding quality of ballasted track systems. The main objective of this paper is to study the feasibility in using the vibration characteristics of sleepers in quantifying the ballast condition under the sleepers, and so as to explore the possibility in developing a handy method for the detection of ballast damage based on the measured vibration of sleepers.

Engineering Internship Program Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bosch, Brian Y.

1994-01-01

Towards the end of the summer, I prepared for a presentation to the chief of the Flight Crew Support Division to obtain funding for Phase 1 of the project. I presented information on the tracking systems, David Ray presented on the POGO and PABF and the integration of the virtual reality systems, and Mike Van Chau talked about other hardware issues such as head-mounted display, 3-D sound, gloves, graphics platforms, and other peripherals. The funding was approved, and work was to begin at the end of August in evaluating a couple of the tracking systems, to integrate the graphics platform and video equipment with the POGO, and to build a larger gantry for the POGO. This tour I learned how to effectively gather information and present them in a convincible form to gain funding. I explored a entirely new area of technology, that being virtual reality from the most general form down to finer details in its tracking systems. The experiences over the summer have added a lot of detail to work at the Johnson Space Center, life within NASA, and to the many possibilities for becoming involved with the space program.

Design of a Low-cost Oil Spill Tracking Buoy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Y.; Hu, X.; Yu, F.; Dong, S.; Chen, G.

2017-12-01

As the rapid development of oil exploitation and transportation, oil spill accidents, such as Prestige oil spill, Gulf of Mexico oil spill accident and so on, happened frequently in recent years which would result in long-term damage to the environment and human life. It would be helpful for rescue operation if we can locate the oil slick diffusion area in real time. Equipped with GNSS system, current tracking buoys(CTB), such as Lagrangian drifting buoy, Surface Velocity Program (SVP) drifter, iSLDMB (Iridium self locating datum marker buoy) and Argosphere buoy, have been used as oil tracking buoy in oil slick observation and as validation tools for oil spill simulation. However, surface wind could affect the movement of oil slick, which couldn't be reflected by CTB, thus the oil spill tracking performance is limited. Here, we proposed an novel oil spill tracking buoy (OSTB) which has a low cost of less than $140 and is equipped with Beidou positioning module and sails to track oil slick. Based on hydrodynamic equilibrium model and ocean dynamic analysis, the wind sails and water sails are designed to be adjustable according to different marine conditions to improve tracking efficiency. Quick release device is designed to assure easy deployment from air or ship. Sea experiment was carried out in Jiaozhou Bay, Northern China. OSTB, SVP, iSLDMB, Argosphere buoy and a piece of oil-simulated rubber sheet were deployed at the same time. Meanwhile, oil spill simulation model GNOME (general NOAA operational modeling environment) was configured with the wind and current field, which were collected by an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) mounted with acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCP) and wind speed and direction sensors. Experimental results show that the OSTB has better relevance with rubber sheet and GNOME simulation results, which validate the oil tracking ability of OSTB. With low cost and easy deployment, OSTB provides an effective way for oil spill numerical modeling validation and quick response to oil spill accidents.

Real time markerless motion tracking using linked kinematic chains

DOEpatents

Luck, Jason P [Arvada, CO; Small, Daniel E [Albuquerque, NM

2007-08-14

A markerless method is described for tracking the motion of subjects in a three dimensional environment using a model based on linked kinematic chains. The invention is suitable for tracking robotic, animal or human subjects in real-time using a single computer with inexpensive video equipment, and does not require the use of markers or specialized clothing. A simple model of rigid linked segments is constructed of the subject and tracked using three dimensional volumetric data collected by a multiple camera video imaging system. A physics based method is then used to compute forces to align the model with subsequent volumetric data sets in real-time. The method is able to handle occlusion of segments and accommodates joint limits, velocity constraints, and collision constraints and provides for error recovery. The method further provides for elimination of singularities in Jacobian based calculations, which has been problematic in alternative methods.

Nuclear Track Detector Characterization via Alpha-Spectrometry for Radioprotection Use

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

Morelli, D.; Imme, G.; Catalano, R.

2011-12-13

Solid Nuclear Track Detectors (SNTDs), CR-39 type, are usually adopted to monitor radon gas concentrations. In order to characterize the detectors according to track geometrical parameters, detectors were irradiated inside a vacuum chamber by alpha particles at twelve energy values, obtained by different Mylar foils in front of a {sup 241}Am source. The alpha energy values were verified using a Si detector. After the exposure to the alpha particles, the detectors were chemically etched to enlarge the tracks, which were then analyzed by means of a semiautomatic system composed of an optical microscope equipped with a CCD camera connected tomore » a personal computer to store images. A suitable routine analyzed the track parameters: major and minor axis length and mean grey level, allowing us to differentiate tracks according to the incident alpha energy and then to individuate the discrimination factors for radon alpha tracks. The combined use of geometrical and optical parameters allows one to overcome the ambiguity in the alpha energy determination due to the non-monotonicity of each parameter versus energy. After track parameter determination, a calibration procedure was performed by means of a radon chamber. The calibration was verified through an inter-comparing survey.« less

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

Clancey, P.; Logg, C.

DEPOT has been developed to provide tracking for the Stanford Linear Collider (SLC) control system equipment. For each piece of equipment entered into the database, complete location, service, maintenance, modification, certification, and radiation exposure histories can be maintained. To facilitate data entry accuracy, efficiency, and consistency, barcoding technology has been used extensively. DEPOT has been an important tool in improving the reliability of the microsystems controlling SLC. This document describes the components of the DEPOT database, the elements in the database records, and the use of the supporting programs for entering data, searching the database, and producing reports from themore » information.« less

Development of a computer program to generate typical measurement values for various systems on a space station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deacetis, Louis A.

1987-01-01

The elements of a simulation program written in Ada were developed. The program will eventually serve as a data generator of typical readings from various space station equipment involved with Communications and Tracking, and will simulate various scenarios that may arise due to equipment malfunction or failure, power failure, etc. In addition, an evaluation of the Ada language was made from the viewpoint of a FORTRAN programmer learning Ada for the first time. Various strengths and difficulties associated with the learning and use of Ada are considered.

An artificial retina processor for track reconstruction at the LHC crossing rate

DOE PAGES

Bedeschi, F.; Cenci, R.; Marino, P.; ...

2017-11-23

The goal of the INFN-RETINA R&D project is to develop and implement a computational methodology that allows to reconstruct events with a large number (> 100) of charged-particle tracks in pixel and silicon strip detectors at 40 MHz, thus matching the requirements for processing LHC events at the full bunch-crossing frequency. Our approach relies on a parallel pattern-recognition algorithm, dubbed artificial retina, inspired by the early stages of image processing by the brain. In order to demonstrate that a track-processing system based on this algorithm is feasible, we built a sizable prototype of a tracking processor tuned to 3 000more » patterns, based on already existing readout boards equipped with Altera Stratix III FPGAs. The detailed geometry and charged-particle activity of a large tracking detector currently in operation are used to assess its performances. Here, we report on the test results with such a prototype.« less

First observations of speed of light tracks by a fluorescence detector looking down on the atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdellaoui, G.; Abe, S.; Adams, J. H., Jr.; Ahriche, A.; Allard, D.; Allen, L.; Alonso, G.; Anchordoqui, L.; Anzalone, A.; Arai, Y.; Asano, K.; Attallah, R.; Attoui, H.; Ave Pernas, M.; Bacholle, S.; Bakiri, M.; Baragatti, P.; Barrillon, P.; Bartocci, S.; Bayer, J.; Beldjilali, B.; Belenguer, T.; Belkhalfa, N.; Bellotti, R.; Belov, A.; Belov, K.; Benmessai, K.; Bertaina, M.; Biermann, P. L.; Biktemerova, S.; Bisconti, F.; Blanc, N.; Błȩcki, J.; Blin-Bondil, S.; Bobik, P.; Bogomilov, M.; Bozzo, E.; Bruno, A.; Caballero, K. S.; Cafagna, F.; Campana, D.; Capdevielle, J.-N.; Capel, F.; Caramete, A.; Caramete, L.; Carlson, P.; Caruso, R.; Casolino, M.; Cassardo, C.; Castellina, A.; Catalano, C.; Catalano, O.; Cellino, A.; Chikawa, M.; Chiritoi, G.; Christl, M. J.; Connaughton, V.; Conti, L.; Cordero, G.; Cotto, G.; Crawford, H. J.; Cremonini, R.; Csorna, S.; Cummings, A.; Dagoret-Campagne, S.; De Donato, C.; de la Taille, C.; De Santis, C.; del Peral, L.; Di Martino, M.; Diaz Damian, A.; Djemil, T.; Dutan, I.; Ebersoldt, A.; Ebisuzaki, T.; Engel, R.; Eser, J.; Fenu, F.; Fernández-González, S.; Fernández-Soriano, J.; Ferrarese, S.; Flamini, M.; Fornaro, C.; Fouka, M.; Franceschi, A.; Franchini, S.; Fuglesang, C.; Fujii, T.; Fujimoto, J.; Fukushima, M.; Galeotti, P.; García-Ortega, E.; Garipov, G.; Gascón, E.; Genci, J.; Giraudo, G.; González Alvarado, C.; Gorodetzky, P.; Greg, R.; Guarino, F.; Guzmán, A.; Hachisu, Y.; Haiduc, M.; Harlov, B.; Haungs, A.; Hernández Carretero, J.; Hidber Cruz, W.; Ikeda, D.; Inoue, N.; Inoue, S.; Isgrò, F.; Itow, Y.; Jammer, T.; Jeong, S.; Joven, E.; Judd, E. G.; Jung, A.; Jochum, J.; Kajino, F.; Kajino, T.; Kalli, S.; Kaneko, I.; Karadzhov, Y.; Karczmarczyk, J.; Katahira, K.; Kawai, K.; Kawasaki, Y.; Kedadra, A.; Khales, H.; Khrenov, B. A.; Kim, Jeong-Sook; Kim, Soon-Wook; Kleifges, M.; Klimov, P. A.; Kolev, D.; Krantz, H.; Kreykenbohm, I.; Kudela, K.; Kurihara, Y.; Kusenko, A.; Kuznetsov, E.; La Barbera, A.; Lachaud, C.; Lahmar, H.; Lakhdari, F.; Larson, R.; Larsson, O.; Lee, J.; Licandro, J.; López Campano, L.; Maccarone, M. C.; Mackovjak, S.; Mahdi, M.; Maravilla, D.; Marcelli, L.; Marcos, J. L.; Marini, A.; Marszał, W.; Martens, K.; Martín, Y.; Martinez, O.; Martucci, M.; Masciantonio, G.; Mase, K.; Mastafa, M.; Matev, R.; Matthews, J. N.; Mebarki, N.; Medina-Tanco, G.; Mendoza, M. A.; Menshikov, A.; Merino, A.; Meseguer, J.; Meyer, S. S.; Mimouni, J.; Miyamoto, H.; Mizumoto, Y.; Monaco, A.; Morales de los Ríos, J. A.; Moretto, C.; Nagataki, S.; Naitamor, S.; Napolitano, T.; Naslund, W.; Nava, R.; Neronov, A.; Nomoto, K.; Nonaka, T.; Ogawa, T.; Ogio, S.; Ohmori, H.; Olinto, A. V.; Orleański, P.; Osteria, G.; Pagliaro, A.; Painter, W.; Panasyuk, M. I.; Panico, B.; Pasqualino, G.; Parizot, E.; Park, I. H.; Pastircak, B.; Patzak, T.; Paul, T.; Pérez-Grande, I.; Perfetto, F.; Peter, T.; Picozza, P.; Pindado, S.; Piotrowski, L. W.; Piraino, S.; Placidi, L.; Plebaniak, Z.; Pliego, S.; Pollini, A.; Polonski, Z.; Popescu, E. M.; Prat, P.; Prévôt, G.; Prieto, H.; Puehlhofer, G.; Putis, M.; Rabanal, J.; Radu, A. A.; Reyes, M.; Rezazadeh, M.; Ricci, M.; Rodríguez Frías, M. D.; Rodencal, M.; Ronga, F.; Roudil, G.; Rusinov, I.; Rybczyński, M.; Sabau, M. D.; Sáez Cano, G.; Sagawa, H.; Sahnoune, Z.; Saito, A.; Sakaki, N.; Salazar, H.; Sanchez Balanzar, J. C.; Sánchez, J. L.; Santangelo, A.; Sanz-Andrés, A.; Sanz Palomino, M.; Saprykin, O.; Sarazin, F.; Sato, M.; Schanz, T.; Schieler, H.; Scotti, V.; Selmane, S.; Semikoz, D.; Serra, M.; Sharakin, S.; Shimizu, H. M.; Shinozaki, K.; Shirahama, T.; Spataro, B.; Stan, I.; Sugiyama, T.; Supanitsky, D.; Suzuki, M.; Szabelska, B.; Szabelski, J.; Tajima, N.; Tajima, T.; Takahashi, Y.; Takami, H.; Takeda, M.; Takizawa, Y.; Talai, M. C.; Tenzer, C.; Thomas, S. B.; Tibolla, O.; Tkachev, L.; Tokuno, H.; Tomida, T.; Tone, N.; Toscano, S.; Traïche, M.; Tsenov, R.; Tsunesada, Y.; Tsuno, K.; Tubbs, J.; Turriziani, S.; Uchihori, Y.; Vaduvescu, O.; Valdés-Galicia, J. F.; Vallania, P.; Vankova, G.; Vigorito, C.; Villaseñor, L.; Vlcek, B.; von Ballmoos, P.; Vrabel, M.; Wada, S.; Watanabe, J.; Watts, J., Jr.; Weber, M.; Weigand Muñoz, R.; Weindl, A.; Wiencke, L.; Wille, M.; Wilms, J.; Włodarczyk, Z.; Yamamoto, T.; Yang, J.; Yano, H.; Yashin, I. V.; Yonetoku, D.; Yoshida, S.; Young, R.; Zgura, I. S.; Zotov, M. Yu.; Zuccaro Marchi, A.

2018-05-01

EUSO-Balloon is a pathfinder mission for the Extreme Universe Space Observatory onboard the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM-EUSO). It was launched on the moonless night of the 25th of August 2014 from Timmins, Canada. The flight ended successfully after maintaining the target altitude of 38 km for five hours. One part of the mission was a 2.5 hour underflight using a helicopter equipped with three UV light sources (LED, xenon flasher and laser) to perform an inflight calibration and examine the detectors capability to measure tracks moving at the speed of light. We describe the helicopter laser system and details of the underflight as well as how the laser tracks were recorded and found in the data. These are the first recorded laser tracks measured from a fluorescence detector looking down on the atmosphere. Finally, we present a first reconstruction of the direction of the laser tracks relative to the detector.

An artificial retina processor for track reconstruction at the LHC crossing rate

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

Bedeschi, F.; Cenci, R.; Marino, P.

The goal of the INFN-RETINA R&D project is to develop and implement a computational methodology that allows to reconstruct events with a large number (> 100) of charged-particle tracks in pixel and silicon strip detectors at 40 MHz, thus matching the requirements for processing LHC events at the full bunch-crossing frequency. Our approach relies on a parallel pattern-recognition algorithm, dubbed artificial retina, inspired by the early stages of image processing by the brain. In order to demonstrate that a track-processing system based on this algorithm is feasible, we built a sizable prototype of a tracking processor tuned to 3 000more » patterns, based on already existing readout boards equipped with Altera Stratix III FPGAs. The detailed geometry and charged-particle activity of a large tracking detector currently in operation are used to assess its performances. Here, we report on the test results with such a prototype.« less

49 CFR 393.130 - What are the rules for securing heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

..., equipment and machinery? 393.130 Section 393.130 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation... heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery? (a) Applicability. The rules in this section apply to the transportation of heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery which operate on wheels or tracks, such as front end...

49 CFR 393.130 - What are the rules for securing heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., equipment and machinery? 393.130 Section 393.130 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation... heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery? (a) Applicability. The rules in this section apply to the transportation of heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery which operate on wheels or tracks, such as front end...

49 CFR 393.130 - What are the rules for securing heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

..., equipment and machinery? 393.130 Section 393.130 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation... heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery? (a) Applicability. The rules in this section apply to the transportation of heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery which operate on wheels or tracks, such as front end...

Attitude tracking control of flexible spacecraft with large amplitude slosh

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Mingle; Yue, Baozeng

2017-12-01

This paper is focused on attitude tracking control of a spacecraft that is equipped with flexible appendage and partially filled liquid propellant tank. The large amplitude liquid slosh is included by using a moving pulsating ball model that is further improved to estimate the settling location of liquid in microgravity or a zero-g environment. The flexible appendage is modelled as a three-dimensional Bernoulli-Euler beam, and the assumed modal method is employed. A hybrid controller that combines sliding mode control with an adaptive algorithm is designed for spacecraft to perform attitude tracking. The proposed controller has proved to be asymptotically stable. A nonlinear model for the overall coupled system including spacecraft attitude dynamics, liquid slosh, structural vibration and control action is established. Numerical simulation results are presented to show the dynamic behaviors of the coupled system and to verify the effectiveness of the control approach when the spacecraft undergoes the disturbance produced by large amplitude slosh and appendage vibration. Lastly, the designed adaptive algorithm is found to be effective to improve the precision of attitude tracking.

A simulation of the San Andreas fault experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Agreen, R. W.; Smith, D. E.

1973-01-01

The San Andreas Fault Experiment, which employs two laser tracking systems for measuring the relative motion of two points on opposite sides of the fault, was simulated for an eight year observation period. The two tracking stations are located near San Diego on the western side of the fault and near Quincy on the eastern side; they are roughly 900 kilometers apart. Both will simultaneously track laser reflector equipped satellites as they pass near the stations. Tracking of the Beacon Explorer C Spacecraft was simulated for these two stations during August and September for eight consecutive years. An error analysis of the recovery of the relative location of Quincy from the data was made, allowing for model errors in the mass of the earth, the gravity field, solar radiation pressure, atmospheric drag, errors in the position of the San Diego site, and laser systems range biases and noise. The results of this simulation indicate that the distance of Quincy from San Diego will be determined each year with a precision of about 10 centimeters. This figure is based on the accuracy of earth models and other parameters available in 1972.

Breadboard stellar tracker system test report, volume 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

Complete data from a test program designed to evaluate the performance of a star tracker, a breadboard tracker system, is presented in tabular form. All data presented was normalized to the pixel dimension of 20 micrometers. Data from determination of maximum spatial noise as it applies to the coarse and fine acquisition modes is presented. Pointing accuracy test data, raw pixel data for the track cycle, and data from equipment related tests is also presented.

TDRSS multimode transponder program. Phase 2: Equipment development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cnossen, R. S.

1974-01-01

This report contains a complete description of the TDRS Multimode Transponder and its associated ground support equipment. The transponder will demonstrate candidate modulation techniques to provide the required information for the design of an eventual VHF/UHF transponder suitable for installation in a user satellite, capable of operating as part of a Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) systems. Use of geosynchronous TDRS which can serve both low data rate users at VHF and high data rate users at other frequencies has been considered. The effects of radio frequency interference from the earth and of multipath propagation due to reflections from the earth are expected to pose problems for the TDRS system at VHF. Investigations have suggested several modulation techniques that offer promise to overcome these problems.

Real-time catheter tracking for high-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy using an electromagnetic 3D-guidance device: A preliminary performance study

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

Zhou Jun; Sebastian, Evelyn; Mangona, Victor

2013-02-15

Purpose: In order to increase the accuracy and speed of catheter reconstruction in a high-dose-rate (HDR) prostate implant procedure, an automatic tracking system has been developed using an electromagnetic (EM) device (trakSTAR, Ascension Technology, VT). The performance of the system, including the accuracy and noise level with various tracking parameters and conditions, were investigated. Methods: A direct current (dc) EM transmitter (midrange model) and a sensor with diameter of 1.3 mm (Model 130) were used in the trakSTAR system for tracking catheter position during HDR prostate brachytherapy. Localization accuracy was assessed under both static and dynamic analyses conditions. For themore » static analysis, a calibration phantom was used to investigate error dependency on operating room (OR) table height (bottom vs midposition vs top), sensor position (distal tip of catheter vs connector end of catheter), direction [left-right (LR) vs anterior-posterior (AP) vs superior-inferior (SI)], sampling frequency (40 vs 80 vs 120 Hz), and interference from OR equipment (present vs absent). The mean and standard deviation of the localization offset in each direction and the corresponding error vectors were calculated. For dynamic analysis, the paths of five straight catheters were tracked to study the effects of directions, sampling frequency, and interference of EM field. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the results in different configurations. Results: When interference was present in the static analysis, the error vectors were significantly higher at the top table position (3.3 {+-} 1.3 vs 1.8 {+-} 0.9 mm at bottom and 1.7 {+-} 1.0 mm at middle, p < 0.001), at catheter end position (3.1 {+-} 1.1 vs 1.4 {+-} 0.7 mm at the tip position, p < 0.001), and at 40 Hz sampling frequency (2.6 {+-} 1.1 vs 2.4 {+-} 1.5 mm at 80 Hz and 1.8 {+-} 1.1 at 160 Hz, p < 0.001). So did the mean offset errors in the LR direction (-1.7 {+-} 1.4 vs 0.4 {+-} 0.5 mm in AP and 0.8 {+-} 0.8 mm in SI directions, p < 0.001). The error vectors were significantly higher with surrounding interference (2.2 {+-} 1.3 mm) vs without interference (1.0 {+-} 0.7 mm, p < 0.001). An accuracy of 1.6 {+-} 0.2 mm can be reached when using optimum configuration (160 Hz at middle table position). When interference was present in the dynamic tracking, the mean tracking errors in LR direction (1.4 {+-} 0.5 mm) was significantly higher than that in AP direction (0.3 {+-} 0.2 mm, p < 0.001). So did the mean vector errors at 40 Hz (2.1 {+-} 0.2 mm vs 1.3 {+-} 0.2 mm at 80 Hz and 0.9 {+-} 0.2 mm at 160 Hz, p < 0.05). However, when interference was absent, they were comparable in the both directions and at all sampling frequencies. An accuracy of 0.9 {+-} 0.2 mm was obtained for the dynamic tracking when using optimum configuration. Conclusions: The performance of an EM tracking system depends highly on the system configuration and surrounding environment. The accuracy of EM tracking for catheter reconstruction in a prostate HDR brachytherapy procedure can be improved by reducing interference from surrounding equipment, decreasing distance from transmitter to tracking area, and choosing appropriated sampling frequency. A calibration scheme is needed to further reduce the tracking error when the interference is high.« less

Suitability of Strain Gage Sensors for Integration into Smart Sport Equipment: A Golf Club Example.

PubMed

Umek, Anton; Zhang, Yuan; Tomažič, Sašo; Kos, Anton

2017-04-21

Wearable devices and smart sport equipment are being increasingly used in amateur and professional sports. Smart sport equipment employs various sensors for detecting its state and actions. The correct choice of the most appropriate sensor(s) is of paramount importance for efficient and successful operation of sport equipment. When integrated into the sport equipment, ideal sensors are unobstructive, and do not change the functionality of the equipment. The article focuses on experiments for identification and selection of sensors that are suitable for the integration into a golf club with the final goal of their use in real time biofeedback applications. We tested two orthogonally affixed strain gage (SG) sensors, a 3-axis accelerometer, and a 3-axis gyroscope. The strain gage sensors are calibrated and validated in the laboratory environment by a highly accurate Qualisys Track Manager (QTM) optical tracking system. Field test results show that different types of golf swing and improper movement in early phases of golf swing can be detected with strain gage sensors attached to the shaft of the golf club. Thus they are suitable for biofeedback applications to help golfers to learn repetitive golf swings. It is suggested that the use of strain gage sensors can improve the golf swing technical error detection accuracy and that strain gage sensors alone are enough for basic golf swing analysis. Our final goal is to be able to acquire and analyze as many parameters of a smart golf club in real time during the entire duration of the swing. This would give us the ability to design mobile and cloud biofeedback applications with terminal or concurrent feedback that will enable us to speed-up motor skill learning in golf.

Suitability of Strain Gage Sensors for Integration into Smart Sport Equipment: A Golf Club Example

PubMed Central

Umek, Anton; Zhang, Yuan; Tomažič, Sašo; Kos, Anton

2017-01-01

Wearable devices and smart sport equipment are being increasingly used in amateur and professional sports. Smart sport equipment employs various sensors for detecting its state and actions. The correct choice of the most appropriate sensor(s) is of paramount importance for efficient and successful operation of sport equipment. When integrated into the sport equipment, ideal sensors are unobstructive, and do not change the functionality of the equipment. The article focuses on experiments for identification and selection of sensors that are suitable for the integration into a golf club with the final goal of their use in real time biofeedback applications. We tested two orthogonally affixed strain gage (SG) sensors, a 3-axis accelerometer, and a 3-axis gyroscope. The strain gage sensors are calibrated and validated in the laboratory environment by a highly accurate Qualisys Track Manager (QTM) optical tracking system. Field test results show that different types of golf swing and improper movement in early phases of golf swing can be detected with strain gage sensors attached to the shaft of the golf club. Thus they are suitable for biofeedback applications to help golfers to learn repetitive golf swings. It is suggested that the use of strain gage sensors can improve the golf swing technical error detection accuracy and that strain gage sensors alone are enough for basic golf swing analysis. Our final goal is to be able to acquire and analyze as many parameters of a smart golf club in real time during the entire duration of the swing. This would give us the ability to design mobile and cloud biofeedback applications with terminal or concurrent feedback that will enable us to speed-up motor skill learning in golf. PMID:28430147

Detection of visually unrecognizable braking tracks using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, a feasibility study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prochazka, David; Bilík, Martin; Prochazková, Petra; Brada, Michal; Klus, Jakub; Pořízka, Pavel; Novotný, Jan; Novotný, Karel; Ticová, Barbora; Bradáč, Albert; Semela, Marek; Kaiser, Jozef

2016-04-01

Identification of the position, length and mainly beginning of a braking track has proven to be essential for determination of causes of a road traffic accident. With the introduction of modern safety braking systems and assistance systems such as the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) or Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the visual identification of braking tracks that has been used up until the present is proving to be rather complicated or even impossible. This paper focuses on identification of braking tracks using a spectrochemical analysis of the road surface. Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) was selected as a method suitable for fast in-situ element detection. In the course of detailed observations of braking tracks it was determined that they consist of small particles of tire treads that are caught in intrusions in the road surface. As regards detection of the "dust" resulting from wear and tear of tire treads in the environment, organic zinc was selected as the identification element in the past. The content of zinc in tire treads has been seen to differ with regard to various sources and tire types; however, the arithmetic mean and modus of these values are approximately 1% by weight. For in-situ measurements of actual braking tracks a mobile LIBS device equipped with a special module was used. Several measurements were performed for 3 different cars and tire types respectively which slowed down with full braking power. Moreover, the influence of different initial speed, vehicle mass and braking track length on detected signal is discussed here.

Video-Camera-Based Position-Measuring System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lane, John; Immer, Christopher; Brink, Jeffrey; Youngquist, Robert

2005-01-01

A prototype optoelectronic system measures the three-dimensional relative coordinates of objects of interest or of targets affixed to objects of interest in a workspace. The system includes a charge-coupled-device video camera mounted in a known position and orientation in the workspace, a frame grabber, and a personal computer running image-data-processing software. Relative to conventional optical surveying equipment, this system can be built and operated at much lower cost; however, it is less accurate. It is also much easier to operate than are conventional instrumentation systems. In addition, there is no need to establish a coordinate system through cooperative action by a team of surveyors. The system operates in real time at around 30 frames per second (limited mostly by the frame rate of the camera). It continuously tracks targets as long as they remain in the field of the camera. In this respect, it emulates more expensive, elaborate laser tracking equipment that costs of the order of 100 times as much. Unlike laser tracking equipment, this system does not pose a hazard of laser exposure. Images acquired by the camera are digitized and processed to extract all valid targets in the field of view. The three-dimensional coordinates (x, y, and z) of each target are computed from the pixel coordinates of the targets in the images to accuracy of the order of millimeters over distances of the orders of meters. The system was originally intended specifically for real-time position measurement of payload transfers from payload canisters into the payload bay of the Space Shuttle Orbiters (see Figure 1). The system may be easily adapted to other applications that involve similar coordinate-measuring requirements. Examples of such applications include manufacturing, construction, preliminary approximate land surveying, and aerial surveying. For some applications with rectangular symmetry, it is feasible and desirable to attach a target composed of black and white squares to an object of interest (see Figure 2). For other situations, where circular symmetry is more desirable, circular targets also can be created. Such a target can readily be generated and modified by use of commercially available software and printed by use of a standard office printer. All three relative coordinates (x, y, and z) of each target can be determined by processing the video image of the target. Because of the unique design of corresponding image-processing filters and targets, the vision-based position- measurement system is extremely robust and tolerant of widely varying fields of view, lighting conditions, and varying background imagery.

Maglev-rail intermodal equipment and suspension study. Final report, July 1991-February 1993

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

Gilcrease, E.E.; Gillam, C.M.

1993-02-01

The physical and operational characteristics of four existing and planned maglev systems were surveyed pertinent to the intermodal interface for each system. The maglev systems investigated were: Grumman New York State' (Configuration 002) Maglev; Transrapid Intercity (Transrapid 07) Maglev; HSST Passive Intermediate Speed (HSST-300) Maglev; and Japan Railways Vertical Magnet (Configuration MLU 002) Maglev. The focus of the study was to investigate the feasibility of using existing railroad right-of-way to access center-city terminals in one of three possible methods: Maglev vehicles traveling over existing railroad tracks with the use of steel guide wheels and some means of exterior propulsion; maglevmore » vehicles transferred onto modified railroad flatcars and transported over existing railroad tracks with locomotive power; or new grade-separated maglev guideways on existing railroad rights-of-way.« less

Understanding of and applications for robot vision guidance at KSC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shawaga, Lawrence M.

1988-01-01

The primary thrust of robotics at KSC is for the servicing of Space Shuttle remote umbilical docking functions. In order for this to occur, robots performing servicing operations must be capable of tracking a swaying Orbiter in Six Degrees of Freedom (6-DOF). Currently, in NASA KSC's Robotic Applications Development Laboratory (RADL), an ASEA IRB-90 industrial robot is being equipped with a real-time computer vision (hardware and software) system to allow it to track a simulated Orbiter interface (target) in 6-DOF. The real-time computer vision system effectively becomes the eyes for the lab robot, guiding it through a closed loop visual feedback system to move with the simulated Orbiter interface. This paper will address an understanding of this vision guidance system and how it will be applied to remote umbilical servicing at KSC. In addition, other current and future applications will be addressed.

Bias estimation for moving optical sensor measurements with targets of opportunity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belfadel, Djedjiga; Osborne, Richard W.; Bar-Shalom, Yaakov

2014-06-01

Integration of space based sensors into a Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) allows for detection and tracking of threats over a larger area than ground based sensors [1]. This paper examines the effect of sensor bias error on the tracking quality of a Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) for the highly non-linear problem of tracking a ballistic missile. The STSS constellation consists of two or more satellites (on known trajectories) for tracking ballistic targets. Each satellite is equipped with an IR sensor that provides azimuth and elevation to the target. The tracking problem is made more difficult due to a constant or slowly varying bias error present in each sensor's line of sight measurements. It is important to correct for these bias errors so that the multiple sensor measurements and/or tracks can be referenced as accurately as possible to a common tracking coordinate system. The measurements provided by these sensors are assumed time-coincident (synchronous) and perfectly associated. The line of sight (LOS) measurements from the sensors can be fused into measurements which are the Cartesian target position, i.e., linear in the target state. We evaluate the Cramér-Rao Lower Bound (CRLB) on the covariance of the bias estimates, which serves as a quantification of the available information about the biases. Statistical tests on the results of simulations show that this method is statistically efficient, even for small sample sizes (as few as two sensors and six points on the (unknown) trajectory of a single target of opportunity). We also show that the RMS position error is significantly improved with bias estimation compared with the target position estimation using the original biased measurements.

Federal Aviation Administration Annual Report 󈨣.

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-01-01

FY 1995. Equipment installations completed during the year included en route automated radar tracking system ( Micro -EARTS), VSCS, large facility...provide a better means for exchanging ATC information between the FAA and Mexico’s air navigation authority, Servicios a la Navegacion en el Espacio...air traffic operations research initiative SBIR Small Business Innovation Research SENEAM Servicios a la Navegacion en el Espacio Aereo

Study of multi-functional precision optical measuring system for large scale equipment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Wei; Lao, Dabao; Zhou, Weihu; Zhang, Wenying; Jiang, Xingjian; Wang, Yongxi

2017-10-01

The effective application of high performance measurement technology can greatly improve the large-scale equipment manufacturing ability. Therefore, the geometric parameters measurement, such as size, attitude and position, requires the measurement system with high precision, multi-function, portability and other characteristics. However, the existing measuring instruments, such as laser tracker, total station, photogrammetry system, mostly has single function, station moving and other shortcomings. Laser tracker needs to work with cooperative target, but it can hardly meet the requirement of measurement in extreme environment. Total station is mainly used for outdoor surveying and mapping, it is hard to achieve the demand of accuracy in industrial measurement. Photogrammetry system can achieve a wide range of multi-point measurement, but the measuring range is limited and need to repeatedly move station. The paper presents a non-contact opto-electronic measuring instrument, not only it can work by scanning the measurement path but also measuring the cooperative target by tracking measurement. The system is based on some key technologies, such as absolute distance measurement, two-dimensional angle measurement, automatically target recognition and accurate aiming, precision control, assembly of complex mechanical system and multi-functional 3D visualization software. Among them, the absolute distance measurement module ensures measurement with high accuracy, and the twodimensional angle measuring module provides precision angle measurement. The system is suitable for the case of noncontact measurement of large-scale equipment, it can ensure the quality and performance of large-scale equipment throughout the process of manufacturing and improve the manufacturing ability of large-scale and high-end equipment.

49 CFR 239.103 - Passenger train emergency simulations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... effectiveness of its plan during that major emergency and, as appropriate, modify the rescheduled simulation. (d... greater than the current reporting threshold of part 225 of this chapter to railroad on-track equipment, signals, tracks, track structures, or roadbeds, including labor costs and the costs for acquiring new...

49 CFR 218.105 - Additional operational requirements for hand-operated main track switches.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

...-operated main track switches. 218.105 Section 218.105 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to... PRACTICES Handling Equipment, Switches, and Fixed Derails § 218.105 Additional operational requirements for hand-operated main track switches. (a) Each railroad shall adopt and comply with an operating rule...

49 CFR 218.105 - Additional operational requirements for hand-operated main track switches.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

...-operated main track switches. 218.105 Section 218.105 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to... PRACTICES Handling Equipment, Switches, and Fixed Derails § 218.105 Additional operational requirements for hand-operated main track switches. (a) Each railroad shall adopt and comply with an operating rule...

49 CFR 218.105 - Additional operational requirements for hand-operated main track switches.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

...-operated main track switches. 218.105 Section 218.105 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to... PRACTICES Handling Equipment, Switches, and Fixed Derails § 218.105 Additional operational requirements for hand-operated main track switches. (a) Each railroad shall adopt and comply with an operating rule...

49 CFR 218.105 - Additional operational requirements for hand-operated main track switches.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

...-operated main track switches. 218.105 Section 218.105 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to... PRACTICES Handling Equipment, Switches, and Fixed Derails § 218.105 Additional operational requirements for hand-operated main track switches. (a) Each railroad shall adopt and comply with an operating rule...

Using ADA Tasks to Simulate Operating Equipment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DeAcetis, Louis A.; Schmidt, Oron; Krishen, Kumar

1990-01-01

A method of simulating equipment using ADA tasks is discussed. Individual units of equipment are coded as concurrently running tasks that monitor and respond to input signals. This technique has been used in a simulation of the space-to-ground Communications and Tracking subsystem of Space Station Freedom.

Using Ada tasks to simulate operating equipment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deacetis, Louis A.; Schmidt, Oron; Krishen, Kumar

1990-01-01

A method of simulating equipment using Ada tasks is discussed. Individual units of equipment are coded as concurrently running tasks that monitor and respond to input signals. This technique has been used in a simulation of the space-to-ground Communications and Tracking subsystem of Space Station Freedom.

Keeping Track of Technology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dyrli, Kurt O.

2009-01-01

A lack of consistent and accurate auditing and record keeping of district IT equipment can lead to confusion between administrative departments, including redundant purchases, transferred equipment being mislabeled as stolen, computers and other equipment simply being lost, or a variety of other scenarios. This had led to an increased demand for…

Differential GNSS and Vision-Based Tracking to Improve Navigation Performance in Cooperative Multi-UAV Systems.

PubMed

Vetrella, Amedeo Rodi; Fasano, Giancarmine; Accardo, Domenico; Moccia, Antonio

2016-12-17

Autonomous navigation of micro-UAVs is typically based on the integration of low cost Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers and Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)-based inertial and magnetic sensors to stabilize and control the flight. The resulting navigation performance in terms of position and attitude accuracy may not suffice for other mission needs, such as the ones relevant to fine sensor pointing. In this framework, this paper presents a cooperative UAV navigation algorithm that allows a chief vehicle, equipped with inertial and magnetic sensors, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, and a vision system, to improve its navigation performance (in real time or in the post processing phase) exploiting formation flying deputy vehicles equipped with GPS receivers. The focus is set on outdoor environments and the key concept is to exploit differential GPS among vehicles and vision-based tracking (DGPS/Vision) to build a virtual additional navigation sensor whose information is then integrated in a sensor fusion algorithm based on an Extended Kalman Filter. The developed concept and processing architecture are described, with a focus on DGPS/Vision attitude determination algorithm. Performance assessment is carried out on the basis of both numerical simulations and flight tests. In the latter ones, navigation estimates derived from the DGPS/Vision approach are compared with those provided by the onboard autopilot system of a customized quadrotor. The analysis shows the potential of the developed approach, mainly deriving from the possibility to exploit magnetic- and inertial-independent accurate attitude information.

KSC-2009-3659

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-01

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility, workers move STSS Demonstrator SV-2 spacecraft equipment out of the cargo hold of the U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft. The spacecraft will be transferred to the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla. The spacecraft is a midcourse tracking technology demonstrator, part of an evolving ballistic missile defense system. STSS is capable of tracking objects after boost phase and provides trajectory information to other sensors. It will be launched by NASA for the Missile Defense Agency in late summer. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller (Approved for Public Release 09-MDA-4616 [27 May 09])

Flight demonstrations of curved, descending approaches and automatic landings using time referenced scanning beam guidance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

White, W. F. (Compiler)

1978-01-01

The Terminal Configured Vehicle (TCV) program operates a Boeing 737 modified to include a second cockpit and a large amount of experimental navigation, guidance and control equipment for research on advanced avionics systems. Demonstration flights to include curved approaches and automatic landings were tracked by a phototheodolite system. For 50 approaches during the demonstration flights, the following results were obtained: the navigation system, using TRSB guidance, delivered the aircraft onto the 3 nautical mile final approach leg with an average overshoot of 25 feet past centerline, subjet to a 2-sigma dispersion of 90 feet. Lateral tracking data showed a mean error of 4.6 feet left of centerline at the category 1 decision height (200 feet) and 2.7 feet left of centerline at the category 2 decision height (100 feet). These values were subject to a sigma dispersion of about 10 feet. Finally, the glidepath tracking errors were 2.5 feet and 3.0 feet high at the category 1 and 2 decision heights, respectively, with a 2 sigma value of 6 feet.

30 CFR 56.9102 - Movement of independently operating rail equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Movement of independently operating rail... MINES Loading, Hauling, and Dumping Traffic Safety § 56.9102 Movement of independently operating rail equipment. Movement of two or more pieces of rail equipment operating independently on the same track shall...

78 FR 76822 - 36(b)(1) Arms Sales Notification

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-19

... missiles, containers, spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools and test equipment, publications and... missiles, 7 Fly-to-Buy TOW2A missiles, containers, spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools and... thermal) for the launcher to track and guide the missile in flight. Guidance commands from the launcher...

30 CFR 56.9101 - Operating speeds and control of equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Operating speeds and control of equipment. 56... Loading, Hauling, and Dumping Traffic Safety § 56.9101 Operating speeds and control of equipment.... Operating speeds shall be consistent with conditions of roadways, tracks, grades, clearance, visibility, and...

30 CFR 56.9101 - Operating speeds and control of equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Operating speeds and control of equipment. 56... Loading, Hauling, and Dumping Traffic Safety § 56.9101 Operating speeds and control of equipment.... Operating speeds shall be consistent with conditions of roadways, tracks, grades, clearance, visibility, and...

30 CFR 57.9101 - Operating speeds and control of equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Operating speeds and control of equipment. 57... Loading, Hauling, and Dumping Traffic Safety § 57.9101 Operating speeds and control of equipment.... Operating speeds shall be consistent with conditions of roadways, tracks, grades, clearance, visibility, and...

30 CFR 57.9101 - Operating speeds and control of equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Operating speeds and control of equipment. 57... Loading, Hauling, and Dumping Traffic Safety § 57.9101 Operating speeds and control of equipment.... Operating speeds shall be consistent with conditions of roadways, tracks, grades, clearance, visibility, and...

Study and design of laser communications system for space shuttle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

The design, development and operation are described of the laser communications system developed for potential space shuttle application. A brief study was conducted to identify the need, if any, for narrow bandwidth space-to-space communication on the shuttle vehicles. None have been specifically identified that could not be accommodated with existing equipments. The key technical features developed in this hardware are the conically scanned tracker for optimized track while communicating with a single detector, and the utilization of a common optical carrier frequency for both transmission and detection. This latter feature permits a multiple access capability so that several transceivers can communicate with one another. The conically scanned tracker technique allows the received signal energy to be efficiently divided between the tracking and communications functions within a common detector.

TELAER: a multi-mode/multi-antenna interferometric airborne SAR system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perna, Stefano; Amaral, Tiago; Berardino, Paolo; Esposito, Carmen; Jackson, Giuseppe; Pauciullo, Antonio; Vaz Junior, Eurico; Wimmer, Christian; Lanari, Riccardo

2014-05-01

The present contribution is aimed at showing the capabilities of the TELAER airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) system recently upgraded to the interferometric mode [1]. TELAER is an Italian airborne X-Band SAR system, mounted onboard a LearJet 35A aircraft. Originally equipped with a single TX/RX antenna, it now operates in single-pass interferometric mode thanks to a system upgrading [1] funded by the Italian National Research Council (CNR), via the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research (MIUR), in the framework of a cooperation between CNR and the Italian Agency for Agriculture Subsidy Payments (AGEA). In the frame of such cooperation, CNR has entrusted the Institute for Electromagnetic Sensing of the Environment (IREA) for managing all the activities, included the final flight tests, related to the system upgrading. According to such an upgrading, two additional receiving X-band antennas have been installed in order to allow, simultaneously, single-pass Across-Track and Along-Track interferometry [1]. More specifically, the three antennas are now installed in such a way to produce three different across-track baselines and two different along-track baselines. Moreover, in the frame of the same system upgrading, it has been mounted onboard the Learjet an accurate embedded Global Navigation Satellite System and Inertial Measurement Unit equipment. This allows precise measurement of the tracks described by the SAR antennas during the flight, in order to accurately implement Motion Compensation (MOCO) algorithms [2] during the image formation (focusing) step. It is worth remarking that the TELAER system upgraded to the interferometric mode is very flexible, since the user can set different operational modes characterized by different geometric resolutions and range swaths. In particular, it is possible to reach up to 0.5 m of resolution with a range swath of 2km; conversely, it is possible to enlarge the range swath up to 10 km at expenses of a degradation of the geometric resolution, which in this case becomes equal to 5m. Such an operational flexibility, added to the above discussed single-pass interferometric capability and to the intrinsic flexibility of airborne platforms, renders the TELAER airborne SAR system a powerful instrument for fast generation of high resolution Digital Elevation Models, even in natural disaster scenarios. Accordingly, this system can play today a key role not only for strictly scientific purposes, but also for the monitoring of natural hazards, especially if properly integrated with other remote sensing sensors. [1] S. Perna et al., "Capabilities of the TELAER airborne SAR system upgraded to the multi-antenna mode", In Proceedings IGARSS 2012 Symposium, Munich, 2012. [2] G. Franceschetti, and R.Lanari, Synthetic Aperture Radar Processing, CRC PRESS, New York, 1999.

Estimation of the object orientation and location with the use of MEMS sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sawicki, Aleksander; Walendziuk, Wojciech; Idzkowski, Adam

2015-09-01

The article presents the implementation of the estimation algorithms of orientation in 3D space and the displacement of an object in a 2D space. Moreover, a general orientation storage methods using Euler angles, quaternion and rotation matrix are presented. The experimental part presents the results of the complementary filter implementation. In the study experimental microprocessor module based on STM32f4 Discovery system and myRIO hardware platform equipped with FPGA were used. The attempt to track an object in two-dimensional space, which are showed in the final part of this article, were made with the use of the equipment mentioned above.

Monitoring the health of power transformers

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

Kirtley, J.L. Jr.; Hagman, W.H.; Lesieutre, B.C.

This article reviews MIT`s model-based system which offers adaptive, intelligent surveillance of transformers, and summons attention to anomalous operation through paging devices. Failures of large power transformers are problematic for four reasons. Generally, large transformers are situated so that failures present operational problems to the system. In addition, large power transformers are encased in tanks of flammable and environmentally hazardous fluid. Failures are often accompanied by fire and/or spillage of this fluid. This presents hazards to people, other equipment and property, and the local environment. Finally, large power transformers are costly devices. There is a clear incentive for utilities tomore » keep track of the health of their power transformers. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has developed an adaptive, intelligent, monitoring system for large power transformers. Four large transformers on the Boston Edison system are under continuous surveillance by this system, which can summon attention to anomalous operation through paging devices. The monitoring system offers two advantages over more traditional (not adaptive) methods of tracking transformer operation.« less

Real-time data collection of scour at bridges

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mueller, David S.; Landers, Mark N.

1994-01-01

The record flood on the Mississippi River during the summer of 1993 provided a rare opportunity to collect data on scour of the streambed at bridges and to test data collection equipment under extreme hydraulic conditions. Detailed bathymetric and hydraulic information were collected at two bridges crossing the Mississippi River during the rising limb, near the peak, and during the recession of the flood. Bathymetric data were collected using a digital echo sounder. Three-dimensional velocities were collected using Broadband Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (BB-ADCP) operating at 300 kilohertz (kHz), 600 kHz, and 1,200 kHz. Positioning of the data collected was measured using a range-azimuth tracking system and two global positioning systems (GPS). Although differential GPS was able to provide accurate positions and tracking information during approach- and exit-reach data collection, it was unable to maintain lock on a sufficient number of satellites when the survey vessel was under the bridge or near the piers. The range-azimuth tracking system was used to collect position and tracking information for detailed data collection near the bridge piers. These detailed data indicated local scour ranging from 3 to 8 meters and will permit a field-based evaluation of the ability of various numerical models to compute the hydraulics, depth, geometry, and time-dependent development of local scour.

49 CFR 218.25 - Workers on a main track.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD OPERATING PRACTICES Blue Signal Protection of Workers § 218.25 Workers on a main track. When workers are on, under, or between rolling equipment on a main track: (a) A blue... protected includes one or more locomotives, a blue signal must be attached to the controlling locomotive at...

49 CFR 218.25 - Workers on a main track.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD OPERATING PRACTICES Blue Signal Protection of Workers § 218.25 Workers on a main track. When workers are on, under, or between rolling equipment on a main track: (a) A blue... protected includes one or more locomotives, a blue signal must be attached to the controlling locomotive at...

49 CFR 218.25 - Workers on a main track.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD OPERATING PRACTICES Blue Signal Protection of Workers § 218.25 Workers on a main track. When workers are on, under, or between rolling equipment on a main track: (a) A blue... protected includes one or more locomotives, a blue signal must be attached to the controlling locomotive at...

49 CFR 218.25 - Workers on a main track.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD OPERATING PRACTICES Blue Signal Protection of Workers § 218.25 Workers on a main track. When workers are on, under, or between rolling equipment on a main track: (a) A blue... protected includes one or more locomotives, a blue signal must be attached to the controlling locomotive at...

49 CFR 218.25 - Workers on a main track.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD OPERATING PRACTICES Blue Signal Protection of Workers § 218.25 Workers on a main track. When workers are on, under, or between rolling equipment on a main track: (a) A blue... protected includes one or more locomotives, a blue signal must be attached to the controlling locomotive at...

The ANSS Station Information System: A Centralized Station Metadata Repository for Populating, Managing and Distributing Seismic Station Metadata

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, V. I.; Yu, E.; Acharya, P.; Jaramillo, J.; Chowdhury, F.

2015-12-01

Maintaining and archiving accurate site metadata is critical for seismic network operations. The Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS) Station Information System (SIS) is a repository of seismic network field equipment, equipment response, and other site information. Currently, there are 187 different sensor models and 114 data-logger models in SIS. SIS has a web-based user interface that allows network operators to enter information about seismic equipment and assign response parameters to it. It allows users to log entries for sites, equipment, and data streams. Users can also track when equipment is installed, updated, and/or removed from sites. When seismic equipment configurations change for a site, SIS computes the overall gain of a data channel by combining the response parameters of the underlying hardware components. Users can then distribute this metadata in standardized formats such as FDSN StationXML or dataless SEED. One powerful advantage of SIS is that existing data in the repository can be leveraged: e.g., new instruments can be assigned response parameters from the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) Nominal Response Library (NRL), or from a similar instrument already in the inventory, thereby reducing the amount of time needed to determine parameters when new equipment (or models) are introduced into a network. SIS is also useful for managing field equipment that does not produce seismic data (eg power systems, telemetry devices or GPS receivers) and gives the network operator a comprehensive view of site field work. SIS allows users to generate field logs to document activities and inventory at sites. Thus, operators can also use SIS reporting capabilities to improve planning and maintenance of the network. Queries such as how many sensors of a certain model are installed or what pieces of equipment have active problem reports are just a few examples of the type of information that is available to SIS users.

Model identification and vision-based H∞ position control of 6-DoF cable-driven parallel robots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chellal, R.; Cuvillon, L.; Laroche, E.

2017-04-01

This paper presents methodologies for the identification and control of 6-degrees of freedom (6-DoF) cable-driven parallel robots (CDPRs). First a two-step identification methodology is proposed to accurately estimate the kinematic parameters independently and prior to the dynamic parameters of a physics-based model of CDPRs. Second, an original control scheme is developed, including a vision-based position controller tuned with the H∞ methodology and a cable tension distribution algorithm. The position is controlled in the operational space, making use of the end-effector pose measured by a motion-tracking system. A four-block H∞ design scheme with adjusted weighting filters ensures good trajectory tracking and disturbance rejection properties for the CDPR system, which is a nonlinear-coupled MIMO system with constrained states. The tension management algorithm generates control signals that maintain the cables under feasible tensions. The paper makes an extensive review of the available methods and presents an extension of one of them. The presented methodologies are evaluated by simulations and experimentally on a redundant 6-DoF INCA 6D CDPR with eight cables, equipped with a motion-tracking system.

Open solutions to distributed control in ground tracking stations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heuser, William Randy

1994-01-01

The advent of high speed local area networks has made it possible to interconnect small, powerful computers to function together as a single large computer. Today, distributed computer systems are the new paradigm for large scale computing systems. However, the communications provided by the local area network is only one part of the solution. The services and protocols used by the application programs to communicate across the network are as indispensable as the local area network. And the selection of services and protocols that do not match the system requirements will limit the capabilities, performance, and expansion of the system. Proprietary solutions are available but are usually limited to a select set of equipment. However, there are two solutions based on 'open' standards. The question that must be answered is 'which one is the best one for my job?' This paper examines a model for tracking stations and their requirements for interprocessor communications in the next century. The model and requirements are matched with the model and services provided by the five different software architectures and supporting protocol solutions. Several key services are examined in detail to determine which services and protocols most closely match the requirements for the tracking station environment. The study reveals that the protocols are tailored to the problem domains for which they were originally designed. Further, the study reveals that the process control model is the closest match to the tracking station model.

Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System configuration and tradeoff study. Volume 3: Atlas Centaur launched TDRSS. Part 2: Final Report, 22 August 1972 - 1 April 1973

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

Configuration data and design information for the Atlas Centaur launched configuration are presented. Overall system definition, operations and control, and telecommunication service system, including link budgets, are discussed. A brief description of the user telecommunications equipment and ground station is presented. A summary description of the TDR spacecraft and all the subsystems is included. The data presented are largely in tabular form. A brief treatment of an optional configuration with enhanced telecommunications service is described.

Electronic differential for tramcar bogies: system development and performance evaluation by means of numerical simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barbera, Andrea N.; Bucca, Giuseppe; Corradi, Roberto; Facchinetti, Alan; Mapelli, Ferdinando

2014-05-01

The dynamic behaviour of railway vehicles depends on the wheelset configuration, i.e. solid axle wheelset or independently rotating wheels (IRWs). The self-centring behaviour, peculiar of the solid axle wheelset, makes this kind of wheelset very suitable for tangent track running at low speed: the absence of the self-centring mechanism in the IRWs may lead to anomalous wheel/rail wear, reduced vehicle safety and passengers' discomfort. On the contrary, during negotiation of the sharp curves typical of urban tramways, solid axle wheelsets produce lateral contact forces higher than those of IRWs. This paper illustrates an electronic differential system to be applied to tramcar bogies equipped with wheel-hub motors which allows switching from solid axle in tangent track to IRWs in sharp curve (and vice versa). An electro-mechanical vehicle model is adopted for the design of the control system and for the evaluation of the vehicle dynamic performances.

Systems integration for the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Robotics Applications Development Laboratory (RADL)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, V. Leon; Nordeen, Ross

1988-01-01

A laboratory for developing robotics technology for hazardous and repetitive Shuttle and payload processing activities is discussed. An overview of the computer hardware and software responsible for integrating the laboratory systems is given. The center's anthropomorphic robot is placed on a track allowing it to be moved to different stations. Various aspects of the laboratory equipment are described, including industrial robot arm control, smart systems integration, the supervisory computer, programmable process controller, real-time tracking controller, image processing hardware, and control display graphics. Topics of research include: automated loading and unloading of hypergolics for space vehicles and payloads; the use of mobile robotics for security, fire fighting, and hazardous spill operations; nondestructive testing for SRB joint and seal verification; Shuttle Orbiter radiator damage inspection; and Orbiter contour measurements. The possibility of expanding the laboratory in the future is examined.

Analysis of Flight of Near-Space Balloon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, Zech; Evans, Austin; Seyfert, James; Leadlove, Kyle; Gumina, Kaitlyn; Martell, Eric

2015-04-01

In December 2014, the Electronics class at Millikin University launched a balloon designed to travel into the near-space region of the atmosphere. The balloon was equipped with an instrumentation package including a camera, accelerometer, barometric pressure sensor, temperature probes, as well as a system for tracking using an Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS). The balloon was launched from Decatur, IL, and landed in Marysville, OH, nearly 320 miles away. The students then analyzed the data from the flight and compared results to expectations.

A tracked robot with novel bio-inspired passive "legs".

PubMed

Sun, Bo; Jing, Xingjian

2017-01-01

For track-based robots, an important aspect is the suppression design, which determines the trafficability and comfort of the whole system. The trafficability limits the robot's working capability, and the riding comfort limits the robot's working effectiveness, especially with some sensitive instruments mounted on or operated. To these aims, a track-based robot equipped with a novel passive bio-inspired suspension is designed and studied systematically in this paper. Animal or insects have very special leg or limb structures which are good for motion control and adaptable to different environments. Inspired by this, a new track-based robot is designed with novel "legs" for connecting the loading wheels to the robot body. Each leg is designed with passive structures and can achieve very high loading capacity but low dynamic stiffness such that the robot can move on rough ground similar to a multi-leg animal or insect. Therefore, the trafficability and riding comfort can be significantly improved without losing loading capacity. The new track-based robot can be well applied to various engineering tasks for providing a stable moving platform of high mobility, better trafficability and excellent loading capacity.

A Hierarchical Model Predictive Tracking Control for Independent Four-Wheel Driving/Steering Vehicles with Coaxial Steering Mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Itoh, Masato; Hagimori, Yuki; Nonaka, Kenichiro; Sekiguchi, Kazuma

2016-09-01

In this study, we apply a hierarchical model predictive control to omni-directional mobile vehicle, and improve the tracking performance. We deal with an independent four-wheel driving/steering vehicle (IFWDS) equipped with four coaxial steering mechanisms (CSM). The coaxial steering mechanism is a special one composed of two steering joints on the same axis. In our previous study with respect to IFWDS with ideal steering, we proposed a model predictive tracking control. However, this method did not consider constraints of the coaxial steering mechanism which causes delay of steering. We also proposed a model predictive steering control considering constraints of this mechanism. In this study, we propose a hierarchical system combining above two control methods for IFWDS. An upper controller, which deals with vehicle kinematics, runs a model predictive tracking control, and a lower controller, which considers constraints of coaxial steering mechanism, runs a model predictive steering control which tracks the predicted steering angle optimized an upper controller. We verify the superiority of this method by comparing this method with the previous method.

Trifocal Tensor-Based Adaptive Visual Trajectory Tracking Control of Mobile Robots.

PubMed

Chen, Jian; Jia, Bingxi; Zhang, Kaixiang

2017-11-01

In this paper, a trifocal tensor-based approach is proposed for the visual trajectory tracking task of a nonholonomic mobile robot equipped with a roughly installed monocular camera. The desired trajectory is expressed by a set of prerecorded images, and the robot is regulated to track the desired trajectory using visual feedback. Trifocal tensor is exploited to obtain the orientation and scaled position information used in the control system, and it works for general scenes owing to the generality of trifocal tensor. In the previous works, the start, current, and final images are required to share enough visual information to estimate the trifocal tensor. However, this requirement can be easily violated for perspective cameras with limited field of view. In this paper, key frame strategy is proposed to loosen this requirement, extending the workspace of the visual servo system. Considering the unknown depth and extrinsic parameters (installing position of the camera), an adaptive controller is developed based on Lyapunov methods. The proposed control strategy works for almost all practical circumstances, including both trajectory tracking and pose regulation tasks. Simulations are made based on the virtual experimentation platform (V-REP) to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

“Sapsan”-carriages defrosting station of Nizhniy Novgorod railway service enterprise and its surface waste water purification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strelkov, Alexander; Teplykh, Svetlana; Gorshkalev, Pavel; Bystranova, Anastasia

2017-10-01

Surface water disposal is one of the most relevant problems for Nizhniy Novgorod railway service enterprises. Waste water must be quickly removed with special drainage devices and water drainage facilities (culverts, slope drains, pipes, ditches, etc.). During “Sapsan”-carriages defrosting watse water is aggregated on railroad tracks. It leads to track bed structure sagging, roadbed washaway and damages to point switches. In this paper the authors describe a concrete system of waste water disposal from railway service enterprises. This system is realized through culverts readjusted at the foot of ballast section. Thereafter, the collected water is pumped into a water collector and to local sewage waste-disposal plants. For railway stations with three or more tracks surface runoff diversion scheme depends on topography, railway tracks types, flow discharge and is compiled individually for each object. This paper examines “Sapsan”-carriages defrosting station of Nizhniy Novgorod railway service enterprise. It presents a technology scheme and equipment consisting of Sand catcher LOS-P, Oil catcher LOS-N, pressure-tight flotation unit; drain feed pump; solution-consuming tank of the coagulant, the solution-consuming tank of flocculant. The proposed technology has been introduced into the project practice.

Improved computer simulation of the TCAS 3 circular array mounted on an aircraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rojas, R. G.; Chen, Y. C.; Burnside, Walter D.

1989-03-01

The Traffic advisory and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) is being developed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to assist aircraft pilots in mid-air collision avoidance. This report concentrates on the computer simulation of the enchanced TCAS 2 systems mounted on a Boeing 727. First, the moment method is used to obtain an accurate model for the enhanced TCAS 2 antenna array. Then, the OSU Aircraft Code is used to generate theoretical radiation patterns of this model mounted on a simulated Boeing 727 model. Scattering error curves obtained from these patterns can be used to evaluate the performance of this system in determining the angular position of another aircraft with respect to the TCAS-equipped aircraft. Finally, the tracking of another aircraft is simulated when the TCAS-equipped aircraft follows a prescribed escape curve. In short, the computer models developed in this report have generality, completeness and yield reasonable results.

Tether deployment monitoring system, phase 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1989-01-01

An operational Tether Deployment Monitoring System (TEDEMS) was constructed that would show system functionality in a terrestrial environment. The principle function of the TEDEMS system is the launching and attachment of reflective targets onto the tether during its deployment. These targets would be tracked with a radar antenna that was pointed towards the targets by a positioning system. A spring powered launcher for the targets was designed and fabricated. An instrumentation platform and launcher were also developed. These modules are relatively heavy and will influence tether deployment scenarios, unless they are released with a velocity and trajectory closely matching that of the tether. Owing to the tracking range limitations encountered during field trails of the Radar system, final TEDEMS system integration was not completed. The major module not finished was the system control computer. The lack of this device prevented any subsystem testing or field trials to be conducted. Other items only partially complete were the instrumentation platform launcher and modules and the radar target launcher. The work completed and the tests performed suggest that the proposed system continues to be a feasible approach to tether monitoring, although additional effort is still necessary to increase the range at which modules can be detected. The equipment completed and tested, to the extent stated, is available to NASA for use on any future program that requires tether tracking capability.

CANISTER TRANSFER SYSTEM DESCRIPTION DOCUMENT

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

B. Gorpani

2000-06-23

The Canister Transfer System receives transportation casks containing large and small disposable canisters, unloads the canisters from the casks, stores the canisters as required, loads them into disposal containers (DCs), and prepares the empty casks for re-shipment. Cask unloading begins with cask inspection, sampling, and lid bolt removal operations. The cask lids are removed and the canisters are unloaded. Small canisters are loaded directly into a DC, or are stored until enough canisters are available to fill a DC. Large canisters are loaded directly into a DC. Transportation casks and related components are decontaminated as required, and empty casks aremore » prepared for re-shipment. One independent, remotely operated canister transfer line is provided in the Waste Handling Building System. The canister transfer line consists of a Cask Transport System, Cask Preparation System, Canister Handling System, Disposal Container Transport System, an off-normal canister handling cell with a transfer tunnel connecting the two cells, and Control and Tracking System. The Canister Transfer System operating sequence begins with moving transportation casks to the cask preparation area with the Cask Transport System. The Cask Preparation System prepares the cask for unloading and consists of cask preparation manipulator, cask inspection and sampling equipment, and decontamination equipment. The Canister Handling System unloads the canister(s) and places them into a DC. Handling equipment consists of a bridge crane hoist, DC loading manipulator, lifting fixtures, and small canister staging racks. Once the cask has been unloaded, the Cask Preparation System decontaminates the cask exterior and returns it to the Carrier/Cask Handling System via the Cask Transport System. After the DC is fully loaded, the Disposal Container Transport System moves the DC to the Disposal Container Handling System for welding. To handle off-normal canisters, a separate off-normal canister handling cell is located adjacent to the canister transfer cell and is interconnected to the transfer cell by means of the off-normal canister transfer tunnel. All canister transfer operations are controlled by the Control and Tracking System. The system interfaces with the Carrier/Cask Handling System for incoming and outgoing transportation casks. The system also interfaces with the Disposal Container Handling System, which prepares the DC for loading and subsequently seals the loaded DC. The system support interfaces are the Waste Handling Building System and other internal Waste Handling Building (WHB) support systems.« less

Optoelectronic devices product assurance guideline for space application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bensoussan, A.; Vanzi, M.

2017-11-01

New opportunities are emerging for the implementation of hardware sub-systems based on OptoElectronic Devices (OED) for space application. Since the end of this decade the main players for space systems namely designers and users including Industries, Agencies, Manufacturers and Laboratories are strongly demanding of adequate strategies to qualify and validate new optoelectronics products and sub-systems [1]. The long term space application mission will require to address either inter-satellite link (free space communication, positioning systems, tracking) or intra-satellite connectivity/flexibility/reconfigurability or high volume of data transfer between equipment installed into payload.

Space Operations Center System Analysis: Requirements for a Space Operations Center, revision A

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woodcock, G. R.

1982-01-01

The system and program requirements for a space operations center as defined by systems analysis studies are presented as a guide for future study and systems definition. Topics covered include general requirements for safety, maintainability, and reliability, service and habitat modules, the health maintenance facility; logistics modules; the docking tunnel; and subsystem requirements (structures, electrical power, environmental control/life support; extravehicular activity; data management; communications and tracking; docking/berthing; flight control/propulsion; and crew support). Facilities for flight support, construction, satellite and mission servicing, and fluid storage are included as well as general purpose support equipment.

6. VAL CAMERA CAR, DETAIL OF COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT INSIDE CAMERA ...

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

6. VAL CAMERA CAR, DETAIL OF COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT INSIDE CAMERA CAR WITH CAMERA MOUNT IN FOREGROUND. - Variable Angle Launcher Complex, Camera Car & Track, CA State Highway 39 at Morris Reservior, Azusa, Los Angeles County, CA

A Simple and Low-Cost Monitoring System to Investigate Environmental Conditions in a Biological Research Laboratory.

PubMed

Gurdita, Akshay; Vovko, Heather; Ungrin, Mark

2016-01-01

Basic equipment such as incubation and refrigeration systems plays a critical role in nearly all aspects of the traditional biological research laboratory. Their proper functioning is therefore essential to ensure reliable and repeatable experimental results. Despite this fact, in many academic laboratories little attention is paid to validating and monitoring their function, primarily due to the cost and/or technical complexity of available commercial solutions. We have therefore developed a simple and low-cost monitoring system that combines a "Raspberry Pi" single-board computer with USB-connected sensor interfaces to track and log parameters such as temperature and pressure, and send email alert messages as appropriate. The system is controlled by open-source software, and we have also generated scripts to automate software setup so that no background in programming is required to install and use it. We have applied it to investigate the behaviour of our own equipment, and present here the results along with the details of the monitoring system used to obtain them.

A New Filtering and Smoothing Algorithm for Railway Track Surveying Based on Landmark and IMU/Odometer

PubMed Central

Jiang, Qingan; Wu, Wenqi; Jiang, Mingming; Li, Yun

2017-01-01

High-accuracy railway track surveying is essential for railway construction and maintenance. The traditional approaches based on total station equipment are not efficient enough since high precision surveying frequently needs static measurements. This paper proposes a new filtering and smoothing algorithm based on the IMU/odometer and landmarks integration for the railway track surveying. In order to overcome the difficulty of estimating too many error parameters with too few landmark observations, a new model with completely observable error states is established by combining error terms of the system. Based on covariance analysis, the analytical relationship between the railway track surveying accuracy requirements and equivalent gyro drifts including bias instability and random walk noise are established. Experiment results show that the accuracy of the new filtering and smoothing algorithm for railway track surveying can reach 1 mm (1σ) when using a Ring Laser Gyroscope (RLG)-based Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) with gyro bias instability of 0.03°/h and random walk noise of 0.005°/h while control points of the track control network (CPIII) position observations are provided by the optical total station in about every 60 m interval. The proposed approach can satisfy at the same time the demands of high accuracy and work efficiency for railway track surveying. PMID:28629191

First Results of an “Artificial Retina” Processor Prototype

DOE PAGES

Cenci, Riccardo; Bedeschi, Franco; Marino, Pietro; ...

2016-11-15

We report on the performance of a specialized processor capable of reconstructing charged particle tracks in a realistic LHC silicon tracker detector, at the same speed of the readout and with sub-microsecond latency. The processor is based on an innovative pattern-recognition algorithm, called “artificial retina algorithm”, inspired from the vision system of mammals. A prototype of the processor has been designed, simulated, and implemented on Tel62 boards equipped with high-bandwidth Altera Stratix III FPGA devices. Also, the prototype is the first step towards a real-time track reconstruction device aimed at processing complex events of high-luminosity LHC experiments at 40 MHzmore » crossing rate.« less

First Results of an “Artificial Retina” Processor Prototype

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

Cenci, Riccardo; Bedeschi, Franco; Marino, Pietro

We report on the performance of a specialized processor capable of reconstructing charged particle tracks in a realistic LHC silicon tracker detector, at the same speed of the readout and with sub-microsecond latency. The processor is based on an innovative pattern-recognition algorithm, called “artificial retina algorithm”, inspired from the vision system of mammals. A prototype of the processor has been designed, simulated, and implemented on Tel62 boards equipped with high-bandwidth Altera Stratix III FPGA devices. Also, the prototype is the first step towards a real-time track reconstruction device aimed at processing complex events of high-luminosity LHC experiments at 40 MHzmore » crossing rate.« less

Off-line tracking of series parameters in distribution systems using AMI data

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

Williams, Tess L.; Sun, Yannan; Schneider, Kevin

2016-05-01

Electric distribution systems have historically lacked measurement points, and equipment is often operated to its failure point, resulting in customer outages. The widespread deployment of sensors at the distribution level is enabling observability. This paper presents an off-line parameter value tracking procedure that takes advantage of the increasing number of measurement devices being deployed at the distribution level to estimate changes in series impedance parameter values over time. The tracking of parameter values enables non-diurnal and non-seasonal change to be flagged for investigation. The presented method uses an unbalanced Distribution System State Estimation (DSSE) and a measurement residual-based parameter estimationmore » procedure. Measurement residuals from multiple measurement snapshots are combined in order to increase the effective local redundancy and improve the robustness of the calculations in the presence of measurement noise. Data from devices on the primary distribution system and from customer meters, via an AMI system, form the input data set. Results of simulations on the IEEE 13-Node Test Feeder are presented to illustrate the proposed approach applied to changes in series impedance parameters. A 5% change in series resistance elements can be detected in the presence of 2% measurement error when combining less than 1 day of measurement snapshots into a single estimate.« less

Terminal area automatic navigation, guidance, and control research using the Microwave Landing System (MLS). Part 2: RNAV/MLS transition problems for aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pines, S.

1982-01-01

The problems in navigation and guidance encountered by aircraft in the initial transition period in changing from distance measuring equipment, VORTAC, and barometric instruments to the more precise microwave landing system data type navaids in the terminal area are investigated. The effects of the resulting discontinuities on the estimates of position and velocity for both optimal (Kalman type navigation schemes) and fixed gain (complementary type) navigation filters, and the effects of the errors in cross track, track angle, and altitude on the guidance equation and control commands during the critical landing phase are discussed. A method is presented to remove the discontinuities from the navigation loop and to reconstruct an RNAV path designed to land the aircraft with minimal turns and altitude changes.

Differential GNSS and Vision-Based Tracking to Improve Navigation Performance in Cooperative Multi-UAV Systems

PubMed Central

Vetrella, Amedeo Rodi; Fasano, Giancarmine; Accardo, Domenico; Moccia, Antonio

2016-01-01

Autonomous navigation of micro-UAVs is typically based on the integration of low cost Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers and Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)-based inertial and magnetic sensors to stabilize and control the flight. The resulting navigation performance in terms of position and attitude accuracy may not suffice for other mission needs, such as the ones relevant to fine sensor pointing. In this framework, this paper presents a cooperative UAV navigation algorithm that allows a chief vehicle, equipped with inertial and magnetic sensors, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, and a vision system, to improve its navigation performance (in real time or in the post processing phase) exploiting formation flying deputy vehicles equipped with GPS receivers. The focus is set on outdoor environments and the key concept is to exploit differential GPS among vehicles and vision-based tracking (DGPS/Vision) to build a virtual additional navigation sensor whose information is then integrated in a sensor fusion algorithm based on an Extended Kalman Filter. The developed concept and processing architecture are described, with a focus on DGPS/Vision attitude determination algorithm. Performance assessment is carried out on the basis of both numerical simulations and flight tests. In the latter ones, navigation estimates derived from the DGPS/Vision approach are compared with those provided by the onboard autopilot system of a customized quadrotor. The analysis shows the potential of the developed approach, mainly deriving from the possibility to exploit magnetic- and inertial-independent accurate attitude information. PMID:27999318

49 CFR 393.130 - What are the rules for securing heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 49 Transportation 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false What are the rules for securing heavy vehicles... heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery? (a) Applicability. The rules in this section apply to the transportation of heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery which operate on wheels or tracks, such as front end...

KSC-04PD-1041

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-114 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas stands next to the 10-foot-high track on a Crawler- Transporter. He and Pilot James Kelly toured the crawler storage area during a visit to KSC. The crawlers had recent modifications to the cab and muffler system. The STS-114 mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.

Munitions Detection Using Unmanned Underwater Vehicles Equipped with Advanced Sensors

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-29

buried target. The RTG is a small passive magnetic sensor using fluxgate magnetometers measuring 3- orthogonal magnetic-field vector components at 3...surveys. Figure 6 shows the RTG magnetic sensor in both an open (showing the fluxgate magnetometers ) and enclosed state (mode for integration onto...7.6 Real-time Tracking Gradiometer (RTG) System The RTG is a small passive magnetic sensor using fluxgate magnetometers measuring 3- orthogonal

KSC-04pd1041

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-05-05

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-114 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas stands next to the 10-foot-high track on a Crawler-Transporter. He and Pilot James Kelly toured the crawler storage area during a visit to KSC. The crawlers had recent modifications to the cab and muffler system. The STS-114 mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.

Ship Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

Guided missile cruiser equipped with advanced Aegis fleet defense system which automatically tracks hundreds of attacking aircraft or missiles, then fires and guides the ship's own weapons in response. Designed by Ingalls Shipbuilding for the US Navy, the U.S.S. Ticonderoga is the first of four CG-47 cruisers to be constructed. NASTRAN program was used previously in another Navy/Ingalls project involving design and construction of four DDG-993 Kidd Class guided missile destroyers.

Selling solar energy as a cash crop

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brantley, L. W.

1978-01-01

The paper considers solar energy equipment which, besides supplying energy for farmstead needs, would convert excess energy to a transportable form to sell to a power company. It is suggested that a concentrating two-axis tracking spheroidal collector would cost as little as $5/sq ft if mass produced. The proposed system uses 7854 sq ft of collector area (set in about one acre of land), and the cost payback is estimated.

Today's research development on the application of the superconductivity transport system in Japan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kyotani, Yoshihiro

1995-01-01

At the Miyazaki test track today, the new test vehicle, MLU002N, is under test run to obtain necessary data for Yamanashi test track where the construction is underway, the test vehicle has been ordered and the first tunnel was completed in December 1993. Superconducting magnetohydrodynamic drive ship, MHDS, 'Yamato 1' has completed its experiment in 1992 and it is now under preparation to exhibit to the public in___1994. Furthermore, to promote the research development of MHDS, the detailed discussion is underway on the magnetohydrodynamic drive equipment as well as the research on the future scheme. Neither an automobile nor railway but a new transport system called EQUOS LIM CAR(ELC) has been proposed. By using the rotating magnetic field, it will levitate on the aluminum like reaction plate. On the normal road, it will run by rolling the wheels like an electric car but on the highway, it will levitate on the guideway resulting to less noise, less vibration and pollution free drive. To understand the concept of the ELC, the model was built and experimented by using permanent magnet. The same model was donated to the MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY in Chicago and was displayed to the public. Today, the trial superconducting magnet has been made and the research development of the subsystem is underway. Research development of superconducting elevator, equipment for the launching of spaceship, tube transportation system and others are in progress for the superconducting applied transportation system.

A Smart Wirelessly Powered Homecage for Long-Term High-Throughput Behavioral Experiments

PubMed Central

Lee, Byunghun; Kiani, Mehdi

2015-01-01

A wirelessly powered homecage system, called the EnerCage-HC, that is equipped with multicoil wireless power transfer, closed-loop power control, optical behavioral tracking, and a graphic user interface is presented for longitudinal electrophysiology and behavioral neuroscience experiments. The EnerCage-HC system can wirelessly power a mobile unit attached to a small animal subject and also track its behavior in real-time as it is housed inside a standard homecage. The EnerCage-HC system is equipped with one central and four overlapping slanted wire-wound coils with optimal geometries to form three- and four-coil power transmission links while operating at 13.56 MHz. Utilizing multicoil links increases the power transfer efficiency (PTE) compared with conventional two-coil links and also reduces the number of power amplifiers to only one, which significantly reduces the system complexity, cost, and heat dissipation. A Microsoft Kinect installed 90 cm above the homecage localizes the animal position and orientation with 1.6-cm accuracy. Moreover, a power management ASIC, including a high efficiency active rectifier and automatic coil resonance tuning, was fabricated in a 0.35-μm 4M2P standard CMOS process for the mobile unit. The EnerCage-HC achieves a max/min PTE of 36.3%/16.1% at the nominal height of 7 cm. In vivo experiments were conducted on freely behaving rats by continuously delivering 24 mW to the mobile unit for >7 h inside a standard homecage. PMID:26257586

TH-AB-202-07: Radar Tracking of Respiratory Motion in Real Time

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

Fung, A; Li, C; Torres, C

Purpose: To propose a method of real time tracking of respiratory motion in patients undergoing radiation therapy. Radar technology can be employed to detection the movement of diaphragm and thoracic anatomy. Methods: A radar transceiver was specially designed. During experiment, the radar device was securely attached to a fixed frame. Respiratory motion was simulated with: 1) Varian RPM phantom, 2) Standard Imaging Respiratory Gating Platform. Signals recorded with radar equipment were compared with those measured with Varian RPM system as a reference. Results: Motion generated by Varian RPM phantom was recorded by the radar device, and compared to the signalsmore » recorded by RPM camera. The results showed exact agreement between the two monitoring equipments. Motion was also generated by Standard Imaging Respiratory Motion Platform. The results showed the radar device was capable of measuring motion of various amplitudes and periods. Conclusion: The proposed radar device is able to measure movements such as respiratory motion. Compared to state-of-the-art respiratory detection instrument, the radar device is shown to be equally precise and effective for monitoring respiration in radiation oncology patients.« less

Satellite-tracking and earth-dynamics research programs. [NASA Programs on satellite orbits and satellite ground tracks of geodetic satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

Observations and research progress of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory are reported. Satellite tracking networks (ground stations) are discussed and equipment (Baker-Nunn cameras) used to observe the satellites is described. The improvement of the accuracy of a laser ranging system of the ground stations is discussed. Also, research efforts in satellite geodesy (tides, gravity anomalies, plate tectonics) is discussed. The use of data processing for geophysical data is examined, and a data base for the Earth and Ocean Physics Applications Program is proposed. Analytical models of the earth's motion (computerized simulation) are described and the computation (numerical integration and algorithms) of satellite orbits affected by the earth's albedo, using computer techniques, is also considered. Research efforts in the study of the atmosphere are examined (the effect of drag on satellite motion), and models of the atmosphere based on satellite data are described.

Tissue feature-based intra-fractional motion tracking for stereoscopic x-ray image guided radiotherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Yaoqin; Xing, Lei; Gu, Jia; Liu, Wu

2013-06-01

Real-time knowledge of tumor position during radiation therapy is essential to overcome the adverse effect of intra-fractional organ motion. The goal of this work is to develop a tumor tracking strategy by effectively utilizing the inherent image features of stereoscopic x-ray images acquired during dose delivery. In stereoscopic x-ray image guided radiation delivery, two orthogonal x-ray images are acquired either simultaneously or sequentially. The essence of markerless tumor tracking is the reliable identification of inherent points with distinct tissue features on each projection image and their association between two images. The identification of the feature points on a planar x-ray image is realized by searching for points with high intensity gradient. The feature points are associated by using the scale invariance features transform descriptor. The performance of the proposed technique is evaluated by using images of a motion phantom and four archived clinical cases acquired using either a CyberKnife equipped with a stereoscopic x-ray imaging system, or a LINAC equipped with an onboard kV imager and an electronic portal imaging device. In the phantom study, the results obtained using the proposed method agree with the measurements to within 2 mm in all three directions. In the clinical study, the mean error is 0.48 ± 0.46 mm for four patient data with 144 sequential images. In this work, a tissue feature-based tracking method for stereoscopic x-ray image guided radiation therapy is developed. The technique avoids the invasive procedure of fiducial implantation and may greatly facilitate the clinical workflow.

Absolute vs. relative error characterization of electromagnetic tracking accuracy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matinfar, Mohammad; Narayanasamy, Ganesh; Gutierrez, Luis; Chan, Raymond; Jain, Ameet

2010-02-01

Electromagnetic (EM) tracking systems are often used for real time navigation of medical tools in an Image Guided Therapy (IGT) system. They are specifically advantageous when the medical device requires tracking within the body of a patient where line of sight constraints prevent the use of conventional optical tracking. EM tracking systems are however very sensitive to electromagnetic field distortions. These distortions, arising from changes in the electromagnetic environment due to the presence of conductive ferromagnetic surgical tools or other medical equipment, limit the accuracy of EM tracking, in some cases potentially rendering tracking data unusable. We present a mapping method for the operating region over which EM tracking sensors are used, allowing for characterization of measurement errors, in turn providing physicians with visual feedback about measurement confidence or reliability of localization estimates. In this instance, we employ a calibration phantom to assess distortion within the operating field of the EM tracker and to display in real time the distribution of measurement errors, as well as the location and extent of the field associated with minimal spatial distortion. The accuracy is assessed relative to successive measurements. Error is computed for a reference point and consecutive measurement errors are displayed relative to the reference in order to characterize the accuracy in near-real-time. In an initial set-up phase, the phantom geometry is calibrated by registering the data from a multitude of EM sensors in a non-ferromagnetic ("clean") EM environment. The registration results in the locations of sensors with respect to each other and defines the geometry of the sensors in the phantom. In a measurement phase, the position and orientation data from all sensors are compared with the known geometry of the sensor spacing, and localization errors (displacement and orientation) are computed. Based on error thresholds provided by the operator, the spatial distribution of localization errors are clustered and dynamically displayed as separate confidence zones within the operating region of the EM tracker space.

NASA Communications Division (NASCOM) Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) shuttle multiplexer-demultiplexer data system (MDM) and supporting items

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

New, S. R.

1981-01-01

The multiplexer-demultiplexer (MDM) project included the design, documentation, manufacture, and testing of three MDM Data Systems. The equipment is contained in 59 racks, and includes more than 3,000 circuit boards and 600 microprocessors. Spares, circuit card testers, a master set of programmable integrated circuits, and a program development system were included as deliverables. All three MDM's were installed, and were operationally tested. The systems performed well with no major problems. The progress and problems analysis, addresses schedule conformance, new technology, items awaiting government approval, and project conclusions are summarized. All contract modifications are described.

NASA Communications Division (NASCOM) Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) shuttle multiplexer-demultiplexer data system (MDM) and supporting items

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

New, S. R.

1981-06-01

The multiplexer-demultiplexer (MDM) project included the design, documentation, manufacture, and testing of three MDM Data Systems. The equipment is contained in 59 racks, and includes more than 3,000 circuit boards and 600 microprocessors. Spares, circuit card testers, a master set of programmable integrated circuits, and a program development system were included as deliverables. All three MDM's were installed, and were operationally tested. The systems performed well with no major problems. The progress and problems analysis, addresses schedule conformance, new technology, items awaiting government approval, and project conclusions are summarized. All contract modifications are described.

Development of CMOS pixel sensors for the upgrade of the ALICE Inner Tracking System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molnar, L.

2014-12-01

The ALICE Collaboration is preparing a major upgrade of the current detector, planned for installation during the second long LHC shutdown in the years 2018-19, in order to enhance its low-momentum vertexing and tracking capability, and exploit the planned increase of the LHC luminosity with Pb beams. One of the cornerstones of the ALICE upgrade strategy is to replace the current Inner Tracking System in its entirety with a new, high resolution, low-material ITS detector. The new ITS will consist of seven concentric layers equipped with Monolithic Active Pixel Sensors (MAPS) implemented using the 0.18 μm CMOS technology of TowerJazz. In this contribution, the main key features of the ITS upgrade will be illustrated with emphasis on the functionality of the pixel chip. The ongoing developments on the readout architectures, which have been implemented in several fabricated prototypes, will be discussed. The operational features of these prototypes as well as the results of the characterisation tests before and after irradiation will also be presented.

29 CFR 1926.404 - Wiring design and protection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... tracks of electrically operated cranes; frames of nonelectrically driven elevator cars to which electric..., DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND HEALTH REGULATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION Electrical Installation Safety... conductors, transformers, or other electric equipment, unless such equipment is controlled by a disconnecting...

29 CFR 1926.404 - Wiring design and protection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... tracks of electrically operated cranes; frames of nonelectrically driven elevator cars to which electric..., DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND HEALTH REGULATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION Electrical Installation Safety... conductors, transformers, or other electric equipment, unless such equipment is controlled by a disconnecting...

Three-dimensional tracking and imaging laser scanner for space operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laurin, Denis G.; Beraldin, J. A.; Blais, Francois; Rioux, Marc; Cournoyer, Luc

1999-05-01

This paper presents the development of a laser range scanner (LARS) as a three-dimensional sensor for space applications. The scanner is a versatile system capable of doing surface imaging, target ranging and tracking. It is capable of short range (0.5 m to 20 m) and long range (20 m to 10 km) sensing using triangulation and time-of-flight (TOF) methods respectively. At short range (1 m), the resolution is sub-millimeter and drops gradually with distance (2 cm at 10 m). For long range, the TOF provides a constant resolution of plus or minus 3 cm, independent of range. The LARS could complement the existing Canadian Space Vision System (CSVS) for robotic manipulation. As an active vision system, the LARS is immune to sunlight and adverse lighting; this is a major advantage over the CSVS, as outlined in this paper. The LARS could also replace existing radar systems used for rendezvous and docking. There are clear advantages of an optical system over a microwave radar in terms of size, mass, power and precision. Equipped with two high-speed galvanometers, the laser can be steered to address any point in a 30 degree X 30 degree field of view. The scanning can be continuous (raster scan, Lissajous) or direct (random). This gives the scanner the ability to register high-resolution 3D images of range and intensity (up to 4000 X 4000 pixels) and to perform point target tracking as well as object recognition and geometrical tracking. The imaging capability of the scanner using an eye-safe laser is demonstrated. An efficient fiber laser delivers 60 mW of CW or 3 (mu) J pulses at 20 kHz for TOF operation. Implementation of search and track of multiple targets is also demonstrated. For a single target, refresh rates up to 137 Hz is possible. Considerations for space qualification of the scanner are discussed. Typical space operations, such as docking, object attitude tracking, and inspections are described.

The Ship Tethered Aerostat Remote Sensing System (STARRS): Observations of Small-Scale Surface Lateral Transport During the LAgrangian Submesoscale ExpeRiment (LASER)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlson, D. F.; Novelli, G.; Guigand, C.; Özgökmen, T.; Fox-Kemper, B.; Molemaker, M. J.

2016-02-01

The Consortium for Advanced Research on the Transport of Hydrocarbon in the Environment (CARTHE) will carry out the LAgrangian Submesoscale ExpeRiment (LASER) to study the role of small-scale processes in the transport and dispersion of oil and passive tracers. The Ship-Tethered Aerostat Remote Sensing System (STARRS) will observe small-scale surface dispersion in the open ocean. STARRS is built around a high-lift-capacity (30 kg) helium-filled aerostat. STARRS is equipped with a high resolution digital camera. An integrated GNSS receiver and inertial navigation system permit direct geo-rectification of the imagery. Consortium for Advanced Research on the Transport of Hydrocarbon in the Environment (CARTHE) will carry out the LAgrangian Submesoscale ExpeRiment (LASER) to study the role of small-scale processes in the transport and dispersion of oil and passive tracers. The Ship-Tethered Aerostat Remote Sensing System (STARRS) was developed to produce observational estimates of small-scale surface dispersion in the open ocean. STARRS is built around a high-lift-capacity (30 kg) helium-filled aerostat. STARRS is equipped with a high resolution digital camera. An integrated GNSS receiver and inertial navigation system permit direct geo-rectification of the imagery. Thousands of drift cards deployed in the field of view of STARRS and tracked over time provide the first observational estimates of small-scale (1-500 m) surface dispersion in the open ocean. The STARRS imagery will be combined with GPS-tracked surface drifter trajectories, shipboard observations, and aerial surveys of sea surface temperature in the DeSoto Canyon. In addition to obvious applications to oil spill modelling, the STARRS observations will provide essential benchmarks for high resolution numerical modelsDrift cards deployed in the field of view of STARRS and tracked over time provide the first observational estimates of small-scale (1-100 m) surface dispersion in the open ocean. The STARRS imagery will be combined with GPS-tracked surface drifter trajectories, shipboard observations, and aerial surveys of sea surface temperature in the DeSoto Canyon. In addition to obvious applications to oil spill modelling, the STARRS observations will provide essential benchmarks for high resolution numerical models

Harmonic Characteristics of Rectifier Substations and Their Impact on Audio Frequency Track Circuits

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1982-05-01

This report describes the basic operation of substation rectifier equipment and the modes of possible interference with audio frequency track circuits used for train detection, cab signalling, and vehicle speed control. It also includes methods of es...

VideoHacking: Automated Tracking and Quantification of Locomotor Behavior with Open Source Software and Off-the-Shelf Video Equipment.

PubMed

Conklin, Emily E; Lee, Kathyann L; Schlabach, Sadie A; Woods, Ian G

2015-01-01

Differences in nervous system function can result in differences in behavioral output. Measurements of animal locomotion enable the quantification of these differences. Automated tracking of animal movement is less labor-intensive and bias-prone than direct observation, and allows for simultaneous analysis of multiple animals, high spatial and temporal resolution, and data collection over extended periods of time. Here, we present a new video-tracking system built on Python-based software that is free, open source, and cross-platform, and that can analyze video input from widely available video capture devices such as smartphone cameras and webcams. We validated this software through four tests on a variety of animal species, including larval and adult zebrafish (Danio rerio), Siberian dwarf hamsters (Phodopus sungorus), and wild birds. These tests highlight the capacity of our software for long-term data acquisition, parallel analysis of multiple animals, and application to animal species of different sizes and movement patterns. We applied the software to an analysis of the effects of ethanol on thigmotaxis (wall-hugging) behavior on adult zebrafish, and found that acute ethanol treatment decreased thigmotaxis behaviors without affecting overall amounts of motion. The open source nature of our software enables flexibility, customization, and scalability in behavioral analyses. Moreover, our system presents a free alternative to commercial video-tracking systems and is thus broadly applicable to a wide variety of educational settings and research programs.

Customer Avionics Interface Development and Analysis (CAIDA) Lab DEWESoft Display Creation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coffey, Connor

2015-01-01

The Customer Avionics Interface Development and Analysis (CAIDA) Lab supports the testing of the Launch Control System (LCS), NASA's command and control system for the Space Launch System (SLS), Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV), and ground support equipment. The objectives of the year-long internship were to support day-to-day operations of the CAIDA Lab, create prelaunch and tracking displays for Orion's Exploration Flight Test 1 (EFT-1), and create a program to automate the creation of displays for SLS and MPCV to be used by CAIDA and the Record and Playback Subsystem (RPS).

The Fermilab Isdn Pilot Project: Experiences and Future Plans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, D. E.; Lego, A. J.; Clifford, A. E.

Fully operational in June of 1994, the Fermilab ISDN Pilot Project was started to gain insight into the costs and benefits of providing ISDN service to the homes of Fermilab researchers. Fourteen users were chosen from throughout Fermilab, but the number of Fermilab-employed spouses pushed the total user count to 20. Each home was equipped with a basic rate ISDN (BRI) line, a BRI Ethernet half-bridge, and an NT-1. An inter-departmental team coordinated the project. Usage at each home was tracked and frequent surveys were attempted. Lessons learned include: working with Ameritech can be difficult; careful monitoring is essential; and configuration of home computing equipment is very time consuming. Plans include moving entirely to primary rate ISDN hubs, support for different home ISDN equipment and better usage and performance tracking.

Analysis of the monitoring data of geomagnetic storm interference in the electrification system of a high-speed railway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Lianguang; Ge, Xiaoning; Zong, Wei; Zhou, You; Liu, Mingguang

2016-10-01

To study the impact of geomagnetic storm on the equipment of traction electrification system in the high-speed railway, geomagnetically induced current (GIC) monitoring devices were installed in the Hebi East traction power supply substation of the Beijing-Hong Kong Dedicated Passenger Line in January 2015, and GICs were captured during the two geomagnetic storms on 17 March and 23 June 2015. In order to investigate the GIC flow path, both in the track circuit and in the traction network adopting the autotransformer feeding system, a GIC monitor plan was proposed for the electrical system in the Hebi East traction power supply substation. This paper analyzes the correlation between the GIC captured on 17 March and the geomagnetic data obtained from the Malingshan Geomagnetic Observatory and presents a regression analysis between the measured GIC and the calculated geoelectric fields on 23 June in the high-speed railway. The maximum GICs measured in the track circuit are 1.08 A and 1.74 A during the two geomagnetic storms. We find that it is necessary to pay attention on the throttle transformers and track circuits, as the most sensitive elements responding to the extreme geomagnetic storms in the high-speed railway.

Study of the post-derailment safety measures on low-speed derailment tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Lirong; Wang, Kaiyun; Lin, Jianhui; Zhang, Bing; Chen, Zaigang; Song, Xinwu; Du, Gaofeng

2016-07-01

Prevention of train from derailment is the most important issue for the railway system. Keeping derailed vehicle close to the track centreline is beneficial to minimise the severe consequences associated with derailments. In this paper, the post-derailment safety measures are studied based on low-speed derailment tests. Post-derailment devices can prevent deviation of the train from the rail by catching the rail, and they are mounted under the axle box. Considering the different structures of vehicles, both trailer and motor vehicles are equipped with the safety device and then separately used in low-speed derailment tests. In derailment tests, two kinds of track, namely the CRTS-I slab ballastless track and the CRTS-II bi-block sleeper ballastless track, are adopted to investigate the effect of the track types on the derailment. In addition, the derailment speed and the weight of the derailed vehicle are also taken into account in derailment tests. The test results indicate that the post-derailment movement of the vehicle includes running and bounce. Reducing the derailment speed and increasing the weight of the head of the train are helpful to reduce the possibility for derailments. For the CRTS-I slab ballastless track, the safety device can prevent trailer vehicles from deviating from the track centreline. The gearbox plays an important role in controlling the lateral displacement of motor vehicle after a derailment while the safety device contributes less to keep derailed motor vehicles on the track centreline. The lateral distance between the safety device and rails should be larger than 181.5 mm for protecting the fasteners system. And for the CRTS-II bi-block sleeper ballastless track, it helps to decrease the post-derailment distance due to the longitudinal impacts with sleepers. It can also restrict the lateral movement of derailed vehicle due to the high shoulders. The results suggest that, CRTS-II bi-block sleeper ballastless track should be widely used in derailment prone areas.

Warfighter Support: Improved Cost Analysis and Better Oversight Needed over Army Nonstandard Equipment

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-01

to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington VA 22202...making it available to Army units; when an item is deemed not operational , to dispose of it in theater; and to enter these instructions in a...is to continue to fund it with overseas contingency operations funds. In addition, the Army has no system to track, monitor, and manage its inventory

A multisensor system for airborne surveillance of oil pollution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edgerton, A. T.; Ketchal, R.; Catoe, C.

1973-01-01

The U.S. Coast Guard is developing a prototype airborne oil surveillance system for use in its Marine Environmental Protection Program. The prototype system utilizes an X-band side-looking radar, a 37-GHz imaging microwave radiometer, a multichannel line scanner, and a multispectral low light level system. The system is geared to detecting and mapping oil spills and potential pollution violators anywhere within a 25 nmi range of the aircraft flight track under all but extreme weather conditions. The system provides for false target discrimination and maximum identification of spilled materials. The system also provides an automated detection alarm, as well as a color display to achieve maximum coupling between the sensor data and the equipment operator.

Target-type probability combining algorithms for multisensor tracking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wigren, Torbjorn

2001-08-01

Algorithms for the handing of target type information in an operational multi-sensor tracking system are presented. The paper discusses recursive target type estimation, computation of crosses from passive data (strobe track triangulation), as well as the computation of the quality of the crosses for deghosting purposes. The focus is on Bayesian algorithms that operate in the discrete target type probability space, and on the approximations introduced for computational complexity reduction. The centralized algorithms are able to fuse discrete data from a variety of sensors and information sources, including IFF equipment, ESM's, IRST's as well as flight envelopes estimated from track data. All algorithms are asynchronous and can be tuned to handle clutter, erroneous associations as well as missed and erroneous detections. A key to obtain this ability is the inclusion of data forgetting by a procedure for propagation of target type probability states between measurement time instances. Other important properties of the algorithms are their abilities to handle ambiguous data and scenarios. The above aspects are illustrated in a simulations study. The simulation setup includes 46 air targets of 6 different types that are tracked by 5 airborne sensor platforms using ESM's and IRST's as data sources.

Planar waveguide concentrator used with a seasonal tracker.

PubMed

Bouchard, Sébastien; Thibault, Simon

2012-10-01

Solar concentrators offer good promise for reducing the cost of solar power. Planar waveguides equipped with a microlens slab have already been proposed as an excellent approach to produce medium to high concentration levels. Instead, we suggest the use of a cylindrical microlens array to get useful concentration without tracking during the day. To use only a seasonal tracking system and get the highest possible concentration, cylindrical microlenses are placed in the east-west orientation. Our new design has an acceptance angle in the north-south direction of ±9° and ±54° in the east-west axis. Simulation of our optimized system achieves a 4.6× average concentration level from 8:30 to 16:30 with a maximum of 8.1× and 80% optical efficiency. The low-cost advantage of waveguide-based solar concentrators could support their use in roof-mounted solar panels and eliminate the need for an expensive and heavy active tracker.

An operational computer program to control Self Defense Surface Missile System operations

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

Roe, C.L.

1991-12-01

An account is given of the system architecture and operational protocols of the NATO Seasparrow Surface Missile System (NSSMS) Operational Computer Program (OCP) which has been developed, and is being deployed multinationally, to respond against antiship missiles. Flowcharts are presented for the target detection and tracking, control, and engagement phases of the Self Defense Surface Missile System that is controlled by the OCP. USN and other NATO vessels will carry the NSSMS well into the next century; the OCP presently described will be deployed in the course of 1992 to enhance the self-defense capabilities of the NSSMS-equipped fleet. 8 refs.

The evolution of location and data collection systems in the United States.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morakis, J. C.; Cote, C. E.

1973-01-01

Satellite location and data collection systems development began in the early 1960's in NASA and the French CNES. These systems were initially developed for application to meteorology and oceanography as a means of tracking moving platforms on a global scale. Additional applications such as geology, hydrology, and ecology have since evolved. To date, five successful missions have been completed. With each successive launch, systems improved in accordance with user requirements - particularly reduction in cost and complexity of platform equipment. With planned launches, facilities will be available to the user community through 1980; NASA is currently forecasting needs beyond 1980.

Tracking and data relay satellite system configuration and tradeoff study. Volume 4: TDRS system operation and control and telecommunications service system, part 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

Major study areas treated in this volume are: 1) operations and control and 2) the telecommunication service system. The TDRS orbit selection, orbital deployment, ground station visibility, sequence of events from launch to final orbit position, and TDRS control center functions required for stationkeeping, repositioning, attitude control, and antenna pointing are briefly treated as part of the operations and control section. The last topic of this section concerns the operations required for efficiently providing the TDRSS user telecommunication services. The discussion treats functions of the GSFC control and data processing facility, ground station, and TDRS control center. The second major portion of this volume deals with the Telecommunication Service System (TSS) which consists of the ground station, TDRS communication equipment and the user transceiver. A summary of the requirements and objectives for the telecommunication services and a brief summary of the TSS capabilities is followed by communication system analysis, signal design, and equipment design. Finally, descriptions of the three TSS elements are presented.

Toward dynamic lumbar punctures guidance based on single element synthetic tracked aperture ultrasound imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Haichong K.; Lin, Melissa; Kim, Younsu; Paredes, Mateo; Kannan, Karun; Patel, Nisu; Moghekar, Abhay; Durr, Nicholas J.; Boctor, Emad M.

2017-03-01

Lumbar punctures (LPs) are interventional procedures used to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a bodily fluid needed to diagnose central nervous system disorders. Most lumbar punctures are performed blindly without imaging guidance. Because the target window is small, physicians can only accurately palpate the appropriate space about 30% of the time and perform a successful procedure after an average of three attempts. Although various forms of imaging based guidance systems have been developed to aid in this procedure, these systems complicate the procedure by including independent image modalities and requiring image-to-needle registration to guide the needle insertion. Here, we propose a simple and direct needle insertion platform utilizing a single ultrasound element within the needle through dynamic sensing and imaging. The needle-shaped ultrasound transducer can not only sense the distance between the tip and a potential obstacle such as bone, but also visually locate structures by combining transducer location tracking and back projection based tracked synthetic aperture beam-forming algorithm. The concept of the system was validated through simulation first, which revealed the tolerance to realistic error. Then, the initial prototype of the single element transducer was built into a 14G needle, and was mounted on a holster equipped with a rotation tracking encoder. We experimentally evaluated the system using a metal wire phantom mimicking high reflection bone structures and an actual spine bone phantom with both the controlled motion and freehand scanning. An ultrasound image corresponding to the model phantom structure was reconstructed using the beam-forming algorithm, and the resolution was improved compared to without beam-forming. These results demonstrated the proposed system has the potential to be used as an ultrasound imaging system for lumbar puncture procedures.

A flight-test and simulation evaluation of the longitudinal final approach and landing performance of an automatic system for a light wing loading STOL aircraft equipped with wing spoilers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, S. C.; Hardy, G. H.; Hindson, W. S.

1984-01-01

As part of a comprehensive flight-test investigation of short takeoff and landing (STOL) operating systems for the terminal systems for the terminal area, an automatic landing system has been developed and evaluated for a light wing-loading turboprop-powered aircraft. An advanced digital avionics system performed display, navigation, guidance, and control functions for the test aircraft. Control signals were generated in order to command powered actuators for all conventional controls and for a set of symmetrically driven wing spoilers. This report describes effects of the spoiler control on longitudinal autoland (automatic landing) performance. Flight-test results, with and without spoiler control, are presented and compared with available (basically, conventional takeoff and landing) performance criteria. These comparisons are augmented by results from a comprehensive simulation of the controlled aircraft that included representations of the microwave landing system navigation errors that were encountered in flight as well as expected variations in atmospheric turbulence and wind shear. Flight-test results show that the addition of spoiler control improves the touchdown performance of the automatic landing system. Spoilers improve longitudinal touchdown and landing pitch-attitude performance, particularly in tailwind conditions. Furthermore, simulation results indicate that performance would probably be satisfactory for a wider range of atmospheric disturbances than those encountered in flight. Flight results also indicate that the addition of spoiler control during the final approach does not result in any measurable change in glidepath track performance, and results in a very small deterioration in airspeed tracking. This difference contrasts with simulations results, which indicate some improvement in glidepath tracking and no appreciable change in airspeed tracking. The modeling problem in the simulation that contributed to this discrepancy with flight was not resolved.

Marine mammal tracks from two-hydrophone acoustic recordings made with a glider

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Küsel, Elizabeth T.; Munoz, Tessa; Siderius, Martin; Mellinger, David K.; Heimlich, Sara

2017-04-01

A multinational oceanographic and acoustic sea experiment was carried out in the summer of 2014 off the western coast of the island of Sardinia, Mediterranean Sea. During this experiment, an underwater glider fitted with two hydrophones was evaluated as a potential tool for marine mammal population density estimation studies. An acoustic recording system was also tested, comprising an inexpensive, off-the-shelf digital recorder installed inside the glider. Detection and classification of sounds produced by whales and dolphins, and sometimes tracking and localization, are inherent components of population density estimation from passive acoustics recordings. In this work we discuss the equipment used as well as analysis of the data obtained, including detection and estimation of bearing angles. A human analyst identified the presence of sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) regular clicks as well as dolphin clicks and whistles. Cross-correlating clicks recorded on both data channels allowed for the estimation of the direction (bearing) of clicks, and realization of animal tracks. Insights from this bearing tracking analysis can aid in population density estimation studies by providing further information (bearings), which can improve estimates.

Java Architecture for Detect and Avoid Extensibility and Modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Santiago, Confesor; Mueller, Eric Richard; Johnson, Marcus A.; Abramson, Michael; Snow, James William

2015-01-01

Unmanned aircraft will equip with a detect-and-avoid (DAA) system that enables them to comply with the requirement to "see and avoid" other aircraft, an important layer in the overall set of procedural, strategic and tactical separation methods designed to prevent mid-air collisions. This paper describes a capability called Java Architecture for Detect and Avoid Extensibility and Modeling (JADEM), developed to prototype and help evaluate various DAA technological requirements by providing a flexible and extensible software platform that models all major detect-and-avoid functions. Figure 1 illustrates JADEM's architecture. The surveillance module can be actual equipment on the unmanned aircraft or simulators that model the process by which sensors on-board detect other aircraft and provide track data to the traffic display. The track evaluation function evaluates each detected aircraft and decides whether to provide an alert to the pilot and its severity. Guidance is a combination of intruder track information, alerting, and avoidance/advisory algorithms behind the tools shown on the traffic display to aid the pilot in determining a maneuver to avoid a loss of well clear. All these functions are designed with a common interface and configurable implementation, which is critical in exploring DAA requirements. To date, JADEM has been utilized in three computer simulations of the National Airspace System, three pilot-in-the-loop experiments using a total of 37 professional UAS pilots, and two flight tests using NASA's Predator-B unmanned aircraft, named Ikhana. The data collected has directly informed the quantitative separation standard for "well clear", safety case, requirements development, and the operational environment for the DAA minimum operational performance standards. This work was performed by the Separation Assurance/Sense and Avoid Interoperability team under NASA's UAS Integration in the NAS project.

Sacramento Regional Response Guide to Radiation Emergencies

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-09-01

emergency operations. Additionally, the utilization of thermo luminescence dosimeters ( TLD ) may be beneficial to track long term exposure for...a radiation area. Stakeholder agency emergency response equipment have been issued electronic dosimeters The purpose of the radiation dosimeter is...Incident.............................................................................84 2. Detection/ Dosimeter Equipment

Hard Facts.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shaw, Richard

1998-01-01

Discusses the selection of floor-care equipment so that the equipment's features and performance attributes can match their intended purposes. Offers tips such as buying only composite-material buckets and wringers, choosing cleaning machines with good maintenance track records, and buying automatic scrubbers that can operate in both large and…

Development of a multi-degree-of-freedom micropositioning, vibration isolation and vibration suppression system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaensch, M.; Lampérth, M. U.

2007-04-01

This paper describes the design and performance testing of a micropositioning, vibration isolation and suppression system, which can be used to position a piece of equipment with sub-micrometre accuracy and stabilize it against various types of external disturbance. The presented demonstrator was designed as part of a novel extremely open pre-polarization magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. The active control system utilizes six piezoelectric actuators, wide-bandwidth optical fibre displacement sensors and a very fast digital field programmable gate array (FPGA) controller. A PID feedback control algorithm with emphasis on a very high level of integral gain is employed. Due to the high external forces expected, the whole structure is designed to be as stiff as possible, including a novel hard mount approach with parallel passive damping for the suspension of the payload. The performance of the system is studied theoretically and experimentally. The sensitive equipment can be positioned in six degrees of freedom with an accuracy of ± 0.2 µm. External disturbances acting on the support structure or the equipment itself are attenuated in three degrees of freedom by more than -20 dB within a bandwidth of 0-200 Hz. Excellent impulse rejection and input tracking are demonstrated as well.

49 CFR 216.23 - Consideration of recommendation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Consideration of recommendation. 216.23 Section..., LOCOMOTIVE AND EQUIPMENT Emergency Order-Track § 216.23 Consideration of recommendation. Upon receipt of a... recommendation to the Administrator concerning the issuance of an Emergency order removing the affected track...

49 CFR 216.23 - Consideration of recommendation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Consideration of recommendation. 216.23 Section..., LOCOMOTIVE AND EQUIPMENT Emergency Order-Track § 216.23 Consideration of recommendation. Upon receipt of a... recommendation to the Administrator concerning the issuance of an Emergency order removing the affected track...

75 FR 49017 - America's Marine Highway Grant Notice of Funding Availability

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-12

... provide public benefit by transporting passengers and/or freight (container or wheeled) in support of all... infrastructure (wharves, docks, terminals, paving, etc.), --Cargo, passenger and/or vessel handling equipment... and keeping track of entities receiving Federal funds. The identifier is used for tracking purposes...

Steel bridge in interaction with modern slab track fastening systems under various vertical load levels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stančík, Vojtěch; Ryjáček, Pavel; Vokáč, Miroslav

2017-09-01

In modern slab tracks the continuously welded rail (CWR) is coupled through the fastening system with the substructure. The resulting restriction of expansion movement causes significant rail stress increments, which in the case of extreme loading may cause rail failures. These interaction phenomenon effects are naturally higher on a bridge due to different deformation capabilities of the bridge and the CWR. The presented contribution aims at investigating the state of the art European direct fastening system that is suitable for application on steel bridges. Analysis involves experimental determination of its nonlinear longitudinal interaction parameters under various vertical loads and numerical validation. During experimental procedures a two and a half meter long laboratory sample equipped with four nodes of the Vossloh DFF 300 was tested. There have been checked both DFF 300 modifications using the skl 15 tension clamps and the low resistance skl B15 tension clamps. The effects of clamping force lowering on the interaction parameters have also been investigated. Results are discussed in the paper.

TACTIC: the TRIUMF Annular Chamber for Tracking and Identification of Charged particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, L.; Ruprecht, G.; Hager, U.; Amaudruz, P.-A.; Buchmann, L.; Fox, S. P.; Laird, A. M.; Martin, E.

2018-01-01

An in-depth characterization of the TACTIC detector was performed using data from a 148Gd alpha source and some test runs with a stable ion beam. The detector is an active target time-projection chamber with a blind central region for maximizing beam tolerance and GEM-based electron amplification, equipped with a modern digitizing data acquisition system allowing the recording of full signals. The system was developed to study the reaction 8Li(α,n)11B, which is important for bridging the mass 8 gap in scenarios of low 4He density like Inhomogeneous Big Bang Nucleosynthesis and the production of r-process seeds in supernovae. Both energy resolution and tracking accuracy were found to agree with theoretical predictions and Geant4 simulations. The 8Li beam rate capability of the system is predicted to be of the order of 105s-1, several orders of magnitude higher than most previous measurements of the same reaction, while still maintaining a high detection efficiency of 70% to 80 %.

Hydraulic manipulator design, analysis, and control at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

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

Kress, R.L.; Jansen, J.F.; Love, L.J.

1996-09-01

To meet the increased payload capacities demanded by present-day tasks, manipulator designers have turned to hydraulics as a means of actuation. Hydraulics have always been the actuator of choice when designing heavy-life construction and mining equipment such as bulldozers, backhoes, and tunneling devices. In order to successfully design, build, and deploy a new hydraulic manipulator (or subsystem) sophisticated modeling, analysis, and control experiments are usually needed. To support the development and deployment of new hydraulic manipulators Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has outfitted a significant experimental laboratory and has developed the software capability for research into hydraulic manipulators, hydraulic actuators,more » hydraulic systems, modeling of hydraulic systems, and hydraulic controls. The hydraulics laboratory at ORNL has three different manipulators. First is a 6-Degree-of-Freedom (6-DoF), multi-planer, teleoperated, flexible controls test bed used for the development of waste tank clean-up manipulator controls, thermal studies, system characterization, and manipulator tracking. Finally, is a human amplifier test bed used for the development of an entire new class of teleoperated systems. To compliment the hardware in the hydraulics laboratory, ORNL has developed a hydraulics simulation capability including a custom package to model the hydraulic systems and manipulators for performance studies and control development. This paper outlines the history of hydraulic manipulator developments at ORNL, describes the hydraulics laboratory, discusses the use of the equipment within the laboratory, and presents some of the initial results from experiments and modeling associated with these hydraulic manipulators. Included are some of the results from the development of the human amplifier/de-amplifier concepts, the characterization of the thermal sensitivity of hydraulic systems, and end-point tracking accuracy studies. Experimental and analytical results are included.« less

Photometric and Spectroscopic Analysis for the Determination of Physical Parameters of an Eclipsing Binary Star System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reid, Piper

2013-01-01

A binary star system is a pair of stars that are bound together by gravity. Most of the stars that we see in the night sky are members of multiple star systems. A system of stars where one star passes in front of the other (as observed from Earth) on a periodic basis is called an eclipsing binary. Eclipsing binaries can have very short rotational periods and in all cases these pairs of stars are so far away that they can only be resolved from Earth as a single point of light. The interaction of the two stars serves to produce physical phenomena that can be observed and used to study stellar properties. By careful data collection and analysis is it possible for an amateur astronomer using commercial, low cost equipment (including a home built spectroscope) to gather photometric (brightness versus time) and spectroscopic (brightness versus wavelength) data, analyze the data, and calculate the physical properties of a binary star system? Using a CCD camera, tracking mount and telescope photometric data of BB Pegasi was collected and a light curve produced. 57 Cygni was also studied using a spectroscope, tracking mount and telescope to prove that Doppler shift of Hydrogen Balmer absorption lines can be used to determine radial velocity. The orbital period, orbital velocity, radius of each star, separation of the two stars and mass of each star was calculated for the eclipsing binary BB Pegasi using photometric and spectroscopic data and Kepler’s 3rd Law. These data were then compared to published data. By careful use of consumer grade astronomical equipment it is possible for an amateur astronomer to determine an array of physical parameters of a distant binary star system from a suburban setting.

Truck circuits diagnosis for railway lines equipped with an automatic block signalling system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spunei, E.; Piroi, I.; Muscai, C.; Răduca, E.; Piroi, F.

2018-01-01

This work presents a diagnosis method for detecting track circuits failures on a railway traffic line equipped with an Automatic Block Signalling installation. The diagnosis method uses the installation’s electrical schemas, based on which a series of diagnosis charts have been created. Further, the diagnosis charts were used to develop a software package, CDCBla, which substantially contributes to reducing the diagnosis time and human error during failure remedies. The proposed method can also be used as a training package for the maintenance staff. Since the diagnosis method here does not need signal or measurement inputs, using it does not necessitate additional IT knowledge and can be deployed on a mobile computing device (tablet, smart phone).

Today`s research development on the application of the superconductivity transport system in Japan

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

Kyotani, Y.

1995-04-01

At the Miyazaki test track today, the new test vehicle, MLU002N, is under test run to obtain necessary data for Yamanashi test track where the construction is underway, the test vehicle has been ordered and the first tunnel was completed in December 1993. Superconducting magnetohydrodynamic drive ship, MHDS, `Yamato 1` has completed its experiment in 1992 and it is now under preparation to exhibit to the public in 1994. Furthermore, to promote the research development of MHDS, the detailed discussion is underway on the magnetohydrodynamic drive equipment as well as the research on the future scheme. Neither an automobile normore » railway but a new transport system called EQUOS LIM CAR(ELC) has been proposed. By using the rotating magnetic field, it will levitate on the aluminum like reaction plate. On the normal road, it will run by rolling the wheels like an electric car but on the highway, it will levitate on the guideway resulting to less noise, less vibration and pollution free drive. To understand the concept of the ELC, the model was built and experimented by using permanent magnet. The same model was donated to the MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY in Chicago and was displayed to the public. Today, the trial superconducting magnet has been made and the research development of the subsystem is underway. Research development of superconducting elevator, equipment for the launching of spaceship, tube transportation system and others are in progress for the superconducting applied transportation system.« less

The Fermilab ISDN Pilot Project: Experiences and future plans

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

Martin, D.E.; Lego, A.J.; Clifford, A.E.

1995-12-31

Fully operational in June of 1994, the Fermilab ISDN Pilot Project was started to gain insight into the costs and benefits of providing ISDN service to the homes of Fermilab researchers. Fourteen users were chosen from throughout Fermilab, but the number of Fermilab-employed spouses pushed the total user count to 20. Each home was equipped with a basic rate ISDN (BRI) line, a BRI Ethernet half-bridge, and an NT-1. An inter-departmental team coordinated the project. Usage at each home was tracked and frequent surveys were attempted. Lessons learned include: working with Ameritech can be difficult; careful monitoring is essential; andmore » configuration of home computing equipment is very time consuming. Plans include moving entirely to primary rate ISDN hubs, support for different home ISDN equipment and better usage and performance tracking.« less

Optimal Placement Method of RFID Readers in Industrial Rail Transport for Uneven Rail Traflc Volume Management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rakhmangulov, Aleksandr; Muravev, Dmitri; Mishkurov, Pavel

2016-11-01

The issue of operative data reception on location and movement of railcars is significant the constantly growing requirements of the provision of timely and safe transportation. The technical solution for efficiency improvement of data collection on rail rolling stock is the implementation of an identification system. Nowadays, there are several such systems, distinguished in working principle. In the authors' opinion, the most promising for rail transportation is the RFID technology, proposing the equipping of the railway tracks by the stationary points of data reading (RFID readers) from the onboard sensors on the railcars. However, regardless of a specific type and manufacturer of these systems, their implementation is affiliated with the significant financing costs for large, industrial, rail transport systems, owning the extensive network of special railway tracks with a large number of stations and loading areas. To reduce the investment costs for creation, the identification system of rolling stock on the special railway tracks of industrial enterprises has developed the method based on the idea of priority installation of the RFID readers on railway hauls, where rail traffic volumes are uneven in structure and power, parameters of which is difficult or impossible to predict on the basis of existing data in an information system. To select the optimal locations of RFID readers, the mathematical model of the staged installation of such readers has developed depending on the non-uniformity value of rail traffic volumes, passing through the specific railway hauls. As a result of that approach, installation of the numerous RFID readers at all station tracks and loading areas of industrial railway stations might be not necessary,which reduces the total cost of the rolling stock identification and the implementation of the method for optimal management of transportation process.

49 CFR 523.2 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... device or container (or equivalent equipment) attached or that is designed to pull a trailer. Examples of... 567.3. Footprint is defined as the product of track width (measured in inches, calculated as the average of front and rear track widths, and rounded to the nearest tenth of an inch) times wheelbase...

49 CFR 523.2 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... device or container (or equivalent equipment) attached or that is designed to pull a trailer. Examples of... 567.3. Footprint is defined as the product of track width (measured in inches, calculated as the average of front and rear track widths, and rounded to the nearest tenth of an inch) times wheelbase...

A Simple and Low-Cost Monitoring System to Investigate Environmental Conditions in a Biological Research Laboratory

PubMed Central

Gurdita, Akshay; Vovko, Heather; Ungrin, Mark

2016-01-01

Basic equipment such as incubation and refrigeration systems plays a critical role in nearly all aspects of the traditional biological research laboratory. Their proper functioning is therefore essential to ensure reliable and repeatable experimental results. Despite this fact, in many academic laboratories little attention is paid to validating and monitoring their function, primarily due to the cost and/or technical complexity of available commercial solutions. We have therefore developed a simple and low-cost monitoring system that combines a “Raspberry Pi” single-board computer with USB-connected sensor interfaces to track and log parameters such as temperature and pressure, and send email alert messages as appropriate. The system is controlled by open-source software, and we have also generated scripts to automate software setup so that no background in programming is required to install and use it. We have applied it to investigate the behaviour of our own equipment, and present here the results along with the details of the monitoring system used to obtain them. PMID:26771659

Synchronisation, acquisition and tracking for telemetry and data reception

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vandoninck, A.

1992-06-01

The important parameters of synchronization, acquisition, and tracking are addressed, and each function is highlighted separately. The following sequence is such as the functions occur in the system in time and for the type of data to be received, with distinction between telemetry and data reception, between direct carrier modulation or the use of a subcarrier, and between deep space and normal reception. For the telemetry reception the acquisition is described taking into account the difference in performances as geostationary or polar orbits, and the dependencies on the different Doppler offsets and rates are distinguished. The related functions and parameters are covered and the specifications of an average receiver are summarized. The synchronization of the valid data is described with a distinction for data directly modulated or via a subcarrier, the type of modulation and bitrate. The relevant functions and parameters of the average receiver/demodulator are summarized. The tracking of the signal in the course of the operational phase is described and relevant parameters of an actual system are presented. The reception of real data is handled and a sequence of acquisition, synchronization, and tracking is applied. Here higher bitrates and direct modulation schemes play an important role. The market equipment with the relevant parameters are discussed. The three functions in cases where deep reception is needed are covered. The high performance receiver/demodulator functions and how the acquisition, synchronization, and tracking is handled in such application, are explained.

Global tracking and inventory of military hardware via LEO satellite: A system approach and likely scenario

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bell, David; Estabrook, Polly; Romer, Richard

1995-01-01

A system for global inventory control of electronically tagged military hardware is achievable using a LEO satellite constellation. An equipment Tag can communicate directly to the satellite with a power of 5 watts or less at a data rate of 2400 to 50,000 bps. As examples, two proposed commercial LEO systems, IRIDIUM and ORBCOMM, are both capable of providing global coverage but with dramatically different telecom capacities. Investigation of these two LEO systems as applied to the Tag scenario provides insight into satellite design trade-offs, constellation trade-offs and signal dynamics that effect the performance of a satellite-based global inventory control system.

TDRSS telecommunications study. Phase 1: Final report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cahn, C. R.; Cnossen, R. S.

1974-01-01

A parametric analysis of the telecommunications support capability of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) was performed. Emphasis was placed on maximizing support capability provided to the user while minimizing impact on the user spacecraft. This study evaluates the present TDRSS configuration as presented in the TDRSS Definition Phase Study Report, December 1973 to determine potential changes for improving the overall performance. In addition, it provides specifications of the user transponder equipment to be used in the TDRSS.

Orbit and clock determination of BDS regional navigation satellite system based on IGS M-GEX and WHU BETS tracking network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

GENG, T.; Zhao, Q.; Shi, C.; Shum, C.; Guo, J.; Su, X.

2013-12-01

BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) began to provide the regional open service on December 27th 2012 and will provide the global open service by the end of 2020. Compared to GPS, the space segment of BDS Regional System consists of 5 Geostationary Earth Orbit satellites (GEO), 5 Inclined Geosynchronous Orbit satellites (IGSO) and 4 Medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites. Since 2011, IGS Multiple-GNSS Experiment (M-GEX) focuses on tracking the newly available GNSS signals. This includes all signals from the modernized satellites of the GPS and GLONASS systems, as well as signals of the BDS, Galileo and QZSS systems. Up to now, BDS satellites are tracked by around 25 stations with a variety of different antennas and receivers from different GNSS manufacture communities in M-GEX network. Meanwhile, there are 17 stations with Unicore Communications Incorporation's GPS/BDS receivers in BeiDou Experimental Tracking Stations (BETS) network by Wuhan University. In addition, 5 BDS satellites have been tracking by the International Laser Ranging Service (ILRS). BDS performance is expected to be further studied by the GNSS communities. Following an introduction of the BDS system and above different tracking network, this paper discusses the achieved BDS characterization and performance assessment. Firstly, the BDS signal and measurement quality are analyzed with different antennas and receivers in detail compared to GPS. This includes depth of coverage for satellite observation, carrier-to-noise-density ratios, code noise and multipath, carrier phase errors. Secondly, BDS Precise Orbit Determination (POD) is processed. Different arc lengths and sets of orbit parameters are tested using Position And Navigation Data Analysis software (PANDA) which is developed at the Wuhan University. GEO, IGSO and MEO satellites orbit quality will be assessed using overlap comparison, 2-day orbit fit and external validations with Satellite Laser Range (SLR). Then BDS satellites are equipped with Rubidium clocks and clocks performance are also presented. Finally, benefits of BDS processing strategies and further developments are concluded.

49 CFR 214.515 - Overhead covers for existing on-track roadway maintenance machines.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... previously equipped with overhead covers for the operator's position, defective covers shall be repaired, and missing covers shall be reinstalled, by March 28, 2005 and thereafter maintained in accordance with the... equipped with overhead covers for the operator's position, the employer shall evaluate the feasibility of...

49 CFR 225.25 - Recordkeeping.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

...) Total number of cars that derailed; (20) Total amount of damage in dollars to equipment based on... damage in dollars to track, signal, way and structures based on computations as described in the “FRA... Equipment Accident/Incident Record (Form FRA F 6180.97) or an alternative railroad-designed record as...

Validity and reliability of the BOD POD® S/T tracking system.

PubMed

Tseh, W; Caputo, J L; Keefer, D J

2010-10-01

BOD POD(®) self-testing (S/T) body composition tracking system is a practical assessment tool designed for use in the health and fitness industries. Relative to its parent counterpart, the BOD POD(®) S/T has received little research attention. The primary purpose was to determine the validity of the BOD POD(®) S/T against hydrostatic weighing and 7-site skinfolds. Secondary aim was to determine the within-day and between-day reliability of the BOD POD(®) S/T. After a period of equipment and testing accommodation, volunteer's (N=50) body composition (%BF) via 7-site skinfolds, BOD POD(®) S/T, and hydrostatic weighing were obtained on the second and third visits. BOD POD(®) S/T significantly overestimated %BF when compared to hydrostatic weighing and 7-site skinfolds. There was no statistical difference between 7-site skinfolds and hydrostatic weighing values. BOD POD(®) S/T reliability within-day and between-days were high. While the BOD POD(®) S/T body composition tracking system is deemed reliable both within-day and between-days, it did significantly overestimate %BF in comparison to hydrostatic weighing and skinfolds. Future research should be aimed at deriving a correction factor for this body composition assessment tool. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Advanced Solar Power Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Atkinson, J. H.; Hobgood, J. M.

1984-01-01

The Advanced Solar Power System (ASPS) concentrator uses a technically sophisticated design and extensive tooling to produce very efficient (80 to 90%) and versatile energy supply equipment which is inexpensive to manufacture and requires little maintenance. The advanced optical design has two 10th order, generalized aspheric surfaces in a Cassegrainian configuration which gives outstanding performance and is relatively insensitive to temperature changes and wind loading. Manufacturing tolerances also have been achieved. The key to the ASPS is the direct absorption of concentrated sunlight in the working fluid by radiative transfers in a black body cavity. The basic ASPS design concepts, efficiency, optical system, and tracking and focusing controls are described.

New tracking implementation in the Deep Space Network

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berner, Jeff B.; Bryant, Scott H.

2001-01-01

As part of the Network Simplification Project, the tracking system of the Deep Space Network is being upgraded. This upgrade replaces the discrete logic sequential ranging system with a system that is based on commercial Digital Signal Processor boards. The new implementation allows both sequential and pseudo-noise types of ranging. The other major change is a modernization of the data formatting. Previously, there were several types of interfaces, delivering both intermediate data and processed data (called 'observables'). All of these interfaces were bit-packed blocks, which do not allow for easy expansion, and many of these interfaces required knowledge of the specific hardware implementations. The new interface supports four classes of data: raw (direct from the measuring equipment), derived (the observable data), interferometric (multiple antenna measurements), and filtered (data whose values depend on multiple measurements). All of the measurements are reported at the sky frequency or phase level, so that no knowledge of the actual hardware is required. The data is formatted into Standard Formatted Data Units, as defined by the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems, so that expansion and cross-center usage is greatly enhanced.

Based on interval type-2 fuzzy-neural network direct adaptive sliding mode control for SISO nonlinear systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Tsung-Chih

2010-12-01

In this paper, a novel direct adaptive interval type-2 fuzzy-neural tracking control equipped with sliding mode and Lyapunov synthesis approach is proposed to handle the training data corrupted by noise or rule uncertainties for nonlinear SISO nonlinear systems involving external disturbances. By employing adaptive fuzzy-neural control theory, the update laws will be derived for approximating the uncertain nonlinear dynamical system. In the meantime, the sliding mode control method and the Lyapunov stability criterion are incorporated into the adaptive fuzzy-neural control scheme such that the derived controller is robust with respect to unmodeled dynamics, external disturbance and approximation errors. In comparison with conventional methods, the advocated approach not only guarantees closed-loop stability but also the output tracking error of the overall system will converge to zero asymptotically without prior knowledge on the upper bound of the lumped uncertainty. Furthermore, chattering effect of the control input will be substantially reduced by the proposed technique. To illustrate the performance of the proposed method, finally simulation example will be given.

Effective Crew Operations: An Analysis of Technologies for Improving Crew Activities and Medical Procedures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harvey, Craig

2005-01-01

NASA's vision for space exploration (February 2004) calls for development of a new crew exploration vehicle, sustained lunar operations, and human exploration of Mars. To meet the challenges of planned sustained operations as well as the limited communications between Earth and the crew (e.g., Mars exploration), many systems will require crews to operate in an autonomous environment. It has been estimated that once every 2.4 years a major medical issue will occur while in space. NASA's future travels, especially to Mars, will begin to push this timeframe. Therefore, now is the time for investigating technologies and systems that will support crews in these environments. Therefore, this summer two studies were conducted to evaluate the technology and systems that may be used by crews in future missions. The first study evaluated three commercial Indoor Positioning Systems (IPS) (Versus, Ekahau, and Radianse) that can track equipment and people within a facility. While similar to Global Positioning Systems (GPS), the specific technology used is different. Several conclusions can be drawn from the evaluation conducted, but in summary it is clear that none of the systems provides a complete solution in meeting the tracking and technology integration requirements of NASA. From a functional performance (e.g., system meets user needs) evaluation perspective, Versus performed fairly well on all performance measures as compared to Ekahau and Radianse. However, the system only provides tracking at the room level. Thus, Versus does not provide the level of fidelity required for tracking assets or people for NASA requirements. From an engineering implementation perspective, Ekahau is far simpler to implement that the other two systems because of its wi-fi design (e.g., no required runs of cable). By looking at these two perspectives, one finds there was no clear system that met NASA requirements. Thus it would be premature to suggest that any of these systems are ready for implementation and further study is required.

Novel AC Servo Rotating and Linear Composite Driving Device for Plastic Forming Equipment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Jin-Tao; Zhao, Sheng-Dun; Li, Yong-Yi; Zhu, Mu-Zhi

2017-07-01

The existing plastic forming equipment are mostly driven by traditional AC motors with long transmission chains, low efficiency, large size, low precision and poor dynamic response are the common disadvantages. In order to realize high performance forming processes, the driving device should be improved, especially for complicated processing motions. Based on electric servo direct drive technology, a novel AC servo rotating and linear composite driving device is proposed, which features implementing both spindle rotation and feed motion without transmission, so that compact structure and precise control can be achieved. Flux switching topology is employed in the rotating drive component for strong robustness, and fractional slot is employed in the linear direct drive component for large force capability. Then the mechanical structure for compositing rotation and linear motion is designed. A device prototype is manufactured, machining of each component and the whole assembly are presented respectively. Commercial servo amplifiers are utilized to construct the control system of the proposed device. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed composite driving device, experimental study on the dynamic test benches are conducted. The results indicate that the output torque can attain to 420 N·m and the dynamic tracking errors are less than about 0.3 rad in the rotating drive. the dynamic tracking errors are less than about 1.6 mm in the linear feed. The proposed research provides a method to construct high efficiency and accuracy direct driving device in plastic forming equipment.

Balloon-borne air traffic management (ATM) as a precursor to space-based ATM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brodsky, Yuval; Rieber, Richard; Nordheim, Tom

2012-01-01

The International Space University—Balloon Air traffic control Technology Experiment (I-BATE ) has flown on board two stratospheric balloons and has tracked nearby aircraft by receiving their Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) transmissions. Air traffic worldwide is facing increasing congestion. It is predicted that daily European flight volumes will more than double by 2030 compared to 2009 volumes. ADS-B is an air traffic management system being used to mitigate air traffic congestion. Each aircraft is equipped with both a GPS receiver and an ADS-B transponder. The transponder transmits an equipped aircraft's unique identifier, position, heading, and velocity once per second. The ADS-B transmissions can then be received by ground stations for use in traditional air traffic management. Airspace not monitored by these ground stations or other traditional means remains uncontrolled and poorly monitored. A constellation of space-based ADS-B receivers could close these gaps and provide global air traffic monitoring. By flying an ADS-B receiver on a stratospheric balloon, I-BATE has served as a precursor to a constellation of ADS-B-equipped Earth-orbiting satellites. From the ˜30 km balloon altitude, I-BATE tracked aircraft ranging up to 850 km. The experiment has served as a proof of concept for space-based air traffic management and supports a technology readiness level 6 of space-based ADS-B reception. I-BATE: International Space University—Balloon Air traffic control Technology Experiment.

A new test method for the assessment of the arc tracking properties of wire insulation in air, oxygen enriched atmospheres and vacuum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koenig, Dieter

1994-01-01

Development of a new test method suitable for the assessment of the resistance of aerospace cables to arc tracking for different specific environmental and network conditions of spacecraft is given in view-graph format. The equipment can be easily adapted for tests at different realistic electrical network conditions incorporating circuit protection and the test system works equally well whatever the test atmosphere. Test results confirm that pure Kapton insulated wire has bad arcing characteristics and ETFE insulated wire is considerably better in air. For certain wires, arc tracking effects are increased at higher oxygen concentrations and significantly increased under vacuum. All tests on different cable insulation materials and in different environments, including enriched oxygen atmospheres, resulted in a more or less rapid extinguishing of all high temperature effects at the beginning of the post-test phase. In no case was a self-maintained fire initiated by the arc.

Simulation of an enhanced TCAS 2 system in operation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rojas, R. G.; Law, P.; Burnside, W. D.

1987-01-01

Described is a computer simulation of a Boeing 737 aircraft equipped with an enhanced Traffic and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS II). In particular, an algorithm is developed which permits the computer simulation of the tracking of a target airplane by a Boeing 373 which has a TCAS II array mounted on top of its fuselage. This algorithm has four main components: namely, the target path, the noise source, the alpha-beta filter, and threat detection. The implementation of each of these four components is described. Furthermore, the areas where the present algorithm needs to be improved are also mentioned.

KSC-04pd1037

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-05-05

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-114 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas (left) talks to NASA Systems Engineer Robert Rokobauer (right) about the Crawler-Transporters. At center is Pilot James Kelly. Behind them is one of the 5.5-million-pound crawlers. The 10-foot-high track, one of two, contains 278 “shoes,” weighing 2,200 pounds each. The crawlers are guided by four trucks, one on each corner. The crawlers had recent modifications to the cab and muffler system. The STS-114 mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.

Quantifying Novice and Expert Differences in Visual Diagnostic Reasoning in Veterinary Pathology Using Eye-Tracking Technology.

PubMed

Warren, Amy L; Donnon, Tyrone L; Wagg, Catherine R; Priest, Heather; Fernandez, Nicole J

2018-01-18

Visual diagnostic reasoning is the cognitive process by which pathologists reach a diagnosis based on visual stimuli (cytologic, histopathologic, or gross imagery). Currently, there is little to no literature examining visual reasoning in veterinary pathology. The objective of the study was to use eye tracking to establish baseline quantitative and qualitative differences between the visual reasoning processes of novice and expert veterinary pathologists viewing cytology specimens. Novice and expert participants were each shown 10 cytology images and asked to formulate a diagnosis while wearing eye-tracking equipment (10 slides) and while concurrently verbalizing their thought processes using the think-aloud protocol (5 slides). Compared to novices, experts demonstrated significantly higher diagnostic accuracy (p<.017), shorter time to diagnosis (p<.017), and a higher percentage of time spent viewing areas of diagnostic interest (p<.017). Experts elicited more key diagnostic features in the think-aloud protocol and had more efficient patterns of eye movement. These findings suggest that experts' fast time to diagnosis, efficient eye-movement patterns, and preference for viewing areas of interest supports system 1 (pattern-recognition) reasoning and script-inductive knowledge structures with system 2 (analytic) reasoning to verify their diagnosis.

Evaluation of the Jonker-Volgenant-Castanon (JVC) assignment algorithm for track association

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malkoff, Donald B.

1997-07-01

The Jonker-Volgenant-Castanon (JVC) assignment algorithm was used by Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Laboratories (ATL) for track association in the Rotorcraft Pilot's Associate (RPA) program. RPA is Army Aviation's largest science and technology program, involving an integrated hardware/software system approach for a next generation helicopter containing advanced sensor equipments and applying artificial intelligence `associate' technologies. ATL is responsible for the multisensor, multitarget, onboard/offboard track fusion. McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems is the prime contractor and Lockheed Martin Federal Systems is responsible for developing much of the cognitive decision aiding and controls-and-displays subsystems. RPA is scheduled for flight testing beginning in 1997. RPA is unique in requiring real-time tracking and fusion for large numbers of highly-maneuverable ground (and air) targets in a target-dense environment. It uses diverse sensors and is concerned with a large area of interest. Target class and identification data is tightly integrated with spatial and kinematic data throughout the processing. Because of platform constraints, processing hardware for track fusion was quite limited. No previous experience using JVC in this type environment had been reported. ATL performed extensive testing of the JVC, concentrating on error rates and run- times under a variety of conditions. These included wide ranging numbers and types of targets, sensor uncertainties, target attributes, differing degrees of target maneuverability, and diverse combinations of sensors. Testing utilized Monte Carlo approaches, as well as many kinds of challenging scenarios. Comparisons were made with a nearest-neighbor algorithm and a new, proprietary algorithm (the `Competition' algorithm). The JVC proved to be an excellent choice for the RPA environment, providing a good balance between speed of operation and accuracy of results.

Feasibility study of using the RoboEarth cloud engine for rapid mapping and tracking with small unmanned aerial systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li-Chee-Ming, J.; Armenakis, C.

2014-11-01

This paper presents the ongoing development of a small unmanned aerial mapping system (sUAMS) that in the future will track its trajectory and perform 3D mapping in near-real time. As both mapping and tracking algorithms require powerful computational capabilities and large data storage facilities, we propose to use the RoboEarth Cloud Engine (RCE) to offload heavy computation and store data to secure computing environments in the cloud. While the RCE's capabilities have been demonstrated with terrestrial robots in indoor environments, this paper explores the feasibility of using the RCE in mapping and tracking applications in outdoor environments by small UAMS. The experiments presented in this work assess the data processing strategies and evaluate the attainable tracking and mapping accuracies using the data obtained by the sUAMS. Testing was performed with an Aeryon Scout quadcopter. It flew over York University, up to approximately 40 metres above the ground. The quadcopter was equipped with a single-frequency GPS receiver providing positioning to about 3 meter accuracies, an AHRS (Attitude and Heading Reference System) estimating the attitude to about 3 degrees, and an FPV (First Person Viewing) camera. Video images captured from the onboard camera were processed using VisualSFM and SURE, which are being reformed as an Application-as-a-Service via the RCE. The 3D virtual building model of York University was used as a known environment to georeference the point cloud generated from the sUAMS' sensor data. The estimated position and orientation parameters of the video camera show increases in accuracy when compared to the sUAMS' autopilot solution, derived from the onboard GPS and AHRS. The paper presents the proposed approach and the results, along with their accuracies.

Precise estimation of tropospheric path delays with GPS techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lichten, S. M.

1990-01-01

Tropospheric path delays are a major source of error in deep space tracking. However, the tropospheric-induced delay at tracking sites can be calibrated using measurements of Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites. A series of experiments has demonstrated the high sensitivity of GPS to tropospheric delays. A variety of tests and comparisons indicates that current accuracy of the GPS zenith tropospheric delay estimates is better than 1-cm root-mean-square over many hours, sampled continuously at intervals of six minutes. These results are consistent with expectations from covariance analyses. The covariance analyses also indicate that by the mid-1990s, when the GPS constellation is complete and the Deep Space Network is equipped with advanced GPS receivers, zenith tropospheric delay accuracy with GPS will improve further to 0.5 cm or better.

The KLOE-2 Inner Tracker: Detector commissioning and operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balla, A.; Bencivenni, G.; Branchini, P.; Ciambrone, P.; Czerwinski, E.; De Lucia, E.; Cicco, A.; Di Domenici, D.; Felici, G.; Morello, G.

2017-02-01

The KLOE-2 experiment started its data taking campaign in November 2014 with an upgraded tracking system including an Inner Tracker built with the cylindrical GEM technology, to operate together with the Drift Chamber improving the apparatus tracking performance. The Inner Tracker is composed of four cylindrical triple-GEM, each provided with an X-V strips-pads stereo readout and equipped with the GASTONE ASIC developed inside the KLOE-2 collaboration. Although GEM detectors are already used in high energy physics experiment, this device is considered a frontier detector due to its cylindrical geometry: KLOE-2 is the first experiment to use this novel solution. The results of the detector commissioning, detection efficiency evaluation, calibration studies and alignment, both with dedicated cosmic-ray muon and Bhabha scattering events, will be reported.

A ground moving target emergency tracking method for catastrophe rescue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, X.; Li, D.; Li, G.

2014-11-01

In recent years, great disasters happen now and then. Disaster management test the emergency operation ability of the government and society all over the world. Immediately after the occurrence of a great disaster (e.g., earthquake), a massive nationwide rescue and relief operation need to be kicked off instantly. In order to improve the organizations efficiency of the emergency rescue, the organizers need to take charge of the information of the rescuer teams, including the real time location, the equipment with the team, the technical skills of the rescuers, and so on. One of the key factors for the success of emergency operations is the real time location of the rescuers dynamically. Real time tracking methods are used to track the professional rescuer teams now. But volunteers' participation play more and more important roles in great disasters. However, real time tracking of the volunteers will cause many problems, e.g., privacy leakage, expensive data consumption, etc. These problems may reduce the enthusiasm of volunteers' participation for catastrophe rescue. In fact, the great disaster is just small probability event, it is not necessary to track the volunteers (even rescuer teams) every time every day. In order to solve this problem, a ground moving target emergency tracking method for catastrophe rescue is presented in this paper. In this method, the handheld devices using GPS technology to provide the location of the users, e.g., smart phone, is used as the positioning equipment; an emergency tracking information database including the ID of the ground moving target (including the rescuer teams and volunteers), the communication number of the handheld devices with the moving target, and the usually living region, etc., is built in advance by registration; when catastrophe happens, the ground moving targets that living close to the disaster area will be filtered by the usually living region; then the activation short message will be sent to the selected ground moving target through the communication number of the handheld devices. The handheld devices receive and identify the activation short message, and send the current location information to the server. Therefore, the emergency tracking mode is triggered. The real time location of the filtered target can be shown on the organizer's screen, and the organizer can assign the rescue tasks to the rescuer teams and volunteers based on their real time location. The ground moving target emergency tracking prototype system is implemented using Oracle 11g, Visual Studio 2010 C#, Android, SMS Modem, and Google Maps API.

NMR Spectra through the Eyes of a Student: Eye Tracking Applied to NMR Items

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Topczewski, Joseph J.; Topczewski, Anna M.; Tang, Hui; Kendhammer, Lisa K.; Pienta, Norbert J.

2017-01-01

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) plays a key role in introductory organic chemistry, spanning theory, concepts, and experimentation. Therefore, it is imperative that the instruction methods for NMR are both efficient and effective. By utilizing eye tracking equipment, the researchers were able to monitor how second-semester organic…

Tires and Tracks. FOS: Fundamentals of Service.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

John Deere Co., Moline, IL.

This manual on tires and tracks servicing is one of a series of power mechanics texts and visual aids on operation, diagnosis and repair of automotive and off-the-road agricultural and construction equipment. Materials provide basic information and illustrations for use by vocational students and teachers as well as shop servicemen and laymen. The…

Implementation of a new blood cooler insert and tracking technology with educational initiatives and its effect on reducing red blood cell wastage.

PubMed

Fadeyi, Emmanuel A; Emery, Wanda; Simmons, Julie H; Jones, Mary Rose; Pomper, Gregory J

2017-10-01

The objective was to report a successful implementation of a blood cooler insert and tracking technology with educational initiatives and its effect on reducing red blood cell (RBC) wastage. The blood bank database was used to quantify and categorize total RBC units issued in blood coolers from January 2010 to December 2015 with and without the new inserts throughout the hospital. Radiofrequency identification tags were used with special software to monitor blood cooler tracking. An educational policy on how to handle the coolers was initiated. Data were gathered from the software that provided a real-time location monitoring of the blood coolers with inserts throughout the institution. The implementation of the blood cooler with inserts and tracking device reduced mean yearly RBC wastage by fourfold from 0.64% to 0.17% between 2010 and 2015. The conserved RBCs corresponded to a total cost savings of $167,844 during the 3-year postimplementation period. The implementation of new blood cooler inserts, tracking system, and educational initiatives substantially reduced the mean annual total RBC wastage. The cost to implement this initiative may be small if there is an existing institutional infrastructure to monitor and track hospital equipment into which the blood bank intervention can be adapted when compared to the cost of blood wastage. © 2017 AABB.

Distributed multimodal data fusion for large scale wireless sensor networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ertin, Emre

2006-05-01

Sensor network technology has enabled new surveillance systems where sensor nodes equipped with processing and communication capabilities can collaboratively detect, classify and track targets of interest over a large surveillance area. In this paper we study distributed fusion of multimodal sensor data for extracting target information from a large scale sensor network. Optimal tracking, classification, and reporting of threat events require joint consideration of multiple sensor modalities. Multiple sensor modalities improve tracking by reducing the uncertainty in the track estimates as well as resolving track-sensor data association problems. Our approach to solving the fusion problem with large number of multimodal sensors is construction of likelihood maps. The likelihood maps provide a summary data for the solution of the detection, tracking and classification problem. The likelihood map presents the sensory information in an easy format for the decision makers to interpret and is suitable with fusion of spatial prior information such as maps, imaging data from stand-off imaging sensors. We follow a statistical approach to combine sensor data at different levels of uncertainty and resolution. The likelihood map transforms each sensor data stream to a spatio-temporal likelihood map ideally suitable for fusion with imaging sensor outputs and prior geographic information about the scene. We also discuss distributed computation of the likelihood map using a gossip based algorithm and present simulation results.

The socialization effect on decision making in the Prisoner's Dilemma game: An eye-tracking study

PubMed Central

Myagkov, Mikhail G.; Harriff, Kyle

2017-01-01

We used a mobile eye-tracking system (in the form of glasses) to study the characteristics of visual perception in decision making in the Prisoner's Dilemma game. In each experiment, one of the 12 participants was equipped with eye-tracking glasses. The experiment was conducted in three stages: an anonymous Individual Game stage against a randomly chosen partner (one of the 12 other participants of the experiment); a Socialization stage, in which the participants were divided into two groups; and a Group Game stage, in which the participants played with partners in the groups. After each round, the respondent received information about his or her personal score in the last round and the overall winner of the game at the moment. The study proves that eye-tracking systems can be used for studying the process of decision making and forecasting. The total viewing time and the time of fixation on areas corresponding to noncooperative decisions is related to the participants’ overall level of cooperation. The increase in the total viewing time and the time of fixation on the areas of noncooperative choice is due to a preference for noncooperative decisions and a decrease in the overall level of cooperation. The number of fixations on the group attributes is associated with group identity, but does not necessarily lead to cooperative behavior. PMID:28394939

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

Tsai, H.; Chen, K.; Jusko, M.

The Packaging Certification Program (PCP) of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Environmental Management (EM), Office of Packaging and Transportation (EM-14), has developed a radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking and monitoring system for the management of nuclear materials during storage and transportation. The system, developed by the PCP team at Argonne National Laboratory, consists of hardware (Mk-series sensor tags, fixed and handheld readers, form factor for multiple drum types, seal integrity sensors, and enhanced battery management), software (application programming interface, ARG-US software for local and remote/web applications, secure server and database management), and cellular/satellite communication interfaces for vehicle tracking andmore » item monitoring during transport. The ability of the above system to provide accurate, real-time tracking and monitoring of the status of multiple, certified containers of nuclear materials has been successfully demonstrated in a week-long, 1,700-mile DEMO performed in April 2008. While the feedback from the approximately fifty (50) stakeholders who participated in and/or observed the DEMO progression were very positive and encouraging, two major areas of further improvements - system integration and web application enhancement - were identified in the post-DEMO evaluation. The principal purpose of the MiniDemo described in this report was to verify these two specific improvements. The MiniDemo was conducted on August 28, 2009. In terms of system integration, a hybrid communication interface - combining the RFID item-monitoring features and a commercial vehicle tracking system by Qualcomm - was developed and implemented. In the MiniDemo, the new integrated system worked well in reporting tag status and vehicle location accurately and promptly. There was no incompatibility of components. The robust commercial communication gear, as expected, helped improve system reliability. The MiniDemo confirmed that system integration is technically feasible and reliable with the existing RFID and Qualcomm satellite equipment. In terms of web application, improvements in mapping, tracking, data presentation, and post-incident spatial query reporting were implemented in ARG-US, the application software that manages the dataflow among the RFID tags, readers, and servers. These features were tested in the MiniDemo and found to be satisfactory. The resulting web application is both informative and user-friendly. A joint developmental project is being planned between the PCP and the DOE TRANSCOM that uses the Qualcomm gear in vehicles for tracking and communication of radioactive material shipments across the country. Adding an RFID interface to TRANSCOM is a significant enhancement to the DOE infrastructure for tracking and monitoring shipments of radioactive materials.« less

An Analysis of the Tracking Performances of Two Straight-wing and Two Swept-wing Fighter Airplanes with Fixed Sights in a Standardized Test Maneuver

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ziff, Howard L; Rathert, George A; Gadeberg, Burnett L

1953-01-01

Standard air-to-air-gunnery tracking runs were conducted with F-51H, F8F-1, F-86A, and F-86E airplanes equipped with fixed gunsights. The tracking performances were documented over the normal operating range of altitude, Mach number, and normal acceleration factor for each airplane. The sources of error were studied by statistical analyses of the aim wander.

RoboCal: An automated nondestructive assay system

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

Staley, H.C.; Hollen, R.M.; Bonner, C.A.

1990-01-01

The manager of a facility handling special nuclear material (SNM) is caught in a squeeze between increased state and federal regulations and tighter funding. RoboCal uses a robot to manipulate canisters containing SNM to lower worker radiation exposure and to provide increased utilization of expensive assay equipment. In addition, it helps with accountability and material tracking. It consists of a hierarchical network of more than a dozen computers and provides a single point of contact for the user to accomplish multiple assays.

Marine Ship Automatic Identification System (AIS) for Enhanced Coastal Security Capabilities: An Oil Spill Tracking Application

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-01

in port, harbor or waterway incidents; and, oil or oily wastes illegally dumped at sea, including illegal discharge of oily bilge or ballast waters ...quantities of oily waste and oily bilge water and sludge at sea using specially installed pipes, which they were careful to have removed and hidden...detailing specifics for oil and bilge water handling equipment, oil hold washing protocols, and a 15 part per million discharge limit of oil content in

Emergency Department Real Time Location System Patient and Equipment Tracking

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-01

accomplishments/Reportable Outcomes Patient Tagging: Getting staff to embrace the change in their workflow and apply the RFID tag and band as well as getting...goes on if a patient passes the exit with a RFID tag still on. We have received the device however the vendor is researching how best to utilize the...technology to meet the need. The ability to limit the range for reading an RFID tag to prevent false alerts is presently being worked on. Tag

A guide to onboard checkout. Volume 7: RF communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1971-01-01

The radio frequency communications subsystem for a space station is considered, with respect to onboard checkout requirements. The subsystem comprises all equipment necessary for transmitting and receiving, tracking and ranging, command, multiple voice and television information, and broadband experiment data. The communications subsystem provides a radio frequency interface between the space station and ground stations, either directly or indirectly, through a data relay satellite system, independent free-flying experiment modules, and logistics vehicles. Reliability, maintenance, and failure analyses are discussed, and computer programming techniques are presented.

Looking south through east portion of Centralized Work Equipment (C.W.E.) ...

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

Looking south through east portion of Centralized Work Equipment (C.W.E.) Storage Shed (Bldg. 126). Note overhead monorails for material-handling hoists. This shed stored track maintenance materials - Atchison, Topeka, Santa Fe Railroad, Albuquerque Shops, C.W.E. Storage Shed, 908 Second Street, Southwest, Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, NM

78 FR 76825 - 36(b)(1) Arms Sales Notification

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-19

... RF missiles, 91 TOW-2A Fly-to-Buy missiles, 49 TOW-2B Fly-to-Buy missiles, containers, spare and... missiles, containers, spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools and test equipment, publications and... launcher to track and guide the missile in flight. Guidance commands from the launcher are provided to the...

Low-cost TDRSS communications for NASA's long duration balloon project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Israel, David J.

1993-01-01

A new transponder and RF ground support equipment for the NASA Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) intended to support long duration scientific balloon flights in Antarctica are described. The new balloon class transponder features a highly integrated spread spectrum receiver design based on programmable charge coupled device (CCD) correlators and digital signal processing chips. The correlator chip is a Lincoln Labs 4ABC with four CCD channels. The balloon transponder is capable of reporting an estimate of its input bit error rate using digital signal processing. The TDRSS user RF test set is based on a set of RF ground support equipment capable of providing both the RF communications and direct control and monitoring necessary for transponder testing and a two-way RF link for preflight testing.

Electromagnetic guided couch and multileaf collimator tracking on a TrueBeam accelerator

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

Hansen, Rune; Ravkilde, Thomas; Worm, Esben Schjødt

2016-05-15

Purpose: Couch and MLC tracking are two promising methods for real-time motion compensation during radiation therapy. So far, couch and MLC tracking experiments have mainly been performed by different research groups, and no direct comparison of couch and MLC tracking of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans has been published. The Varian TrueBeam 2.0 accelerator includes a prototype tracking system with selectable couch or MLC compensation. This study provides a direct comparison of the two tracking types with an otherwise identical setup. Methods: Several experiments were performed to characterize the geometric and dosimetric performance of electromagnetic guided couch and MLCmore » tracking on a TrueBeam accelerator equipped with a Millennium MLC. The tracking system latency was determined without motion prediction as the time lag between sinusoidal target motion and the compensating motion of the couch or MLC as recorded by continuous MV portal imaging. The geometric and dosimetric tracking accuracies were measured in tracking experiments with motion phantoms that reproduced four prostate and four lung tumor trajectories. The geometric tracking error in beam’s eye view was determined as the distance between an embedded gold marker and a circular MLC aperture in continuous MV images. The dosimetric tracking error was quantified as the measured 2%/2 mm gamma failure rate of a low and a high modulation VMAT plan delivered with the eight motion trajectories using a static dose distribution as reference. Results: The MLC tracking latency was approximately 146 ms for all sinusoidal period lengths while the couch tracking latency increased from 187 to 246 ms with decreasing period length due to limitations in the couch acceleration. The mean root-mean-square geometric error was 0.80 mm (couch tracking), 0.52 mm (MLC tracking), and 2.75 mm (no tracking) parallel to the MLC leaves and 0.66 mm (couch), 1.14 mm (MLC), and 2.41 mm (no tracking) perpendicular to the leaves. The motion-induced gamma failure rate was in mean 0.1% (couch tracking), 8.1% (MLC tracking), and 30.4% (no tracking) for prostate motion and 2.9% (couch), 2.4% (MLC), and 41.2% (no tracking) for lung tumor motion. The residual tracking errors were mainly caused by inadequate adaptation to fast lung tumor motion for couch tracking and to prostate motion perpendicular to the MLC leaves for MLC tracking. Conclusions: Couch and MLC tracking markedly improved the geometric and dosimetric accuracies of VMAT delivery. However, the two tracking types have different strengths and weaknesses. While couch tracking can correct perfectly for slowly moving targets such as the prostate, MLC tracking may have considerably larger dose errors for persistent target shift perpendicular to the MLC leaves. Advantages of MLC tracking include faster dynamics with better adaptation to fast moving targets, the avoidance of moving the patient, and the potential to track target rotations and deformations.« less

Vertical farming monitoring system using the internet of things (IoT)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chin, Yap Shien; Audah, Lukman

2017-09-01

Vertical farming had become a hot topic among peak development countries. However, vertical farming is hard to practice because minor changes on the surrounding would leave big impact to the productivity and quality of farming activity. Thus, the aim of this project is to provide a vertical farming monitoring system to help keeping track on the physical conditions of crops. In this system, varieties of sensors will be used to detect current physical conditions, and send the data to BeagleBone Black (BBB) microcontroller either in analog or digital input. Then, the data will be processed by BBB and upload to the Thingspeak Cloud. Furthermore, the system will record the position of equipment in used, which make it easier for maintenance when there is equipment broken down. The system also provide basic remote function where users could turn on/off the watering system, and the LED light via web-based application. The web-based application will also be designed to analyze and display data gathered in the form of graphs, charts or figures, for better understanding. With the improvement implemented on the vertical farming culture, it is expected that the productivity and quality of crops would increase significantly.

SLOPE STABILITY EVALUATION AND EQUIPMENT SETBACK DISTANCES FOR BURIAL GROUND EXCAVATIONS

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

MCSHANE DS

2010-03-25

After 1970 Transuranic (TRU) and suspect TRU waste was buried in the ground with the intention that at some later date the waste would be retrieved and processed into a configuration for long term storage. To retrieve this waste the soil must be removed (excavated). Sloping the bank of the excavation is the method used to keep the excavation from collapsing and to provide protection for workers retrieving the waste. The purpose of this paper is to document the minimum distance (setback) that equipment must stay from the edge of the excavation to maintain a stable slope. This evaluation examinesmore » the equipment setback distance by dividing the equipment into two categories, (1) equipment used for excavation and (2) equipment used for retrieval. The section on excavation equipment will also discuss techniques used for excavation including the process of benching. Calculations 122633-C-004, 'Slope Stability Analysis' (Attachment A), and 300013-C-001, 'Crane Stability Analysis' (Attachment B), have been prepared to support this evaluation. As shown in the calculations the soil has the following properties: Unit weight 110 pounds per cubic foot; and Friction Angle (natural angle of repose) 38{sup o} or 1.28 horizontal to 1 vertical. Setback distances are measured from the top edge of the slope to the wheels/tracks of the vehicles and heavy equipment being utilized. The computer program utilized in the calculation uses the center of the wheel or track load for the analysis and this difference is accounted for in this evaluation.« less

Geocenter Motion Derived from GNSS and SLR Tracking Data of LEO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Y. S.; Ning, F. S.; Tseng, K. H.; Tseng, T. P.; Wu, J. M.; Chen, K. L.

2017-12-01

Space geodesy techniques can provide the monitoring data of global variations with high precision and large coverage through the satellites. Geocenter motion (GM) describes the difference of CF (Center of Figure) respect to CM (Center of Mass of the Earth System) due to the re-distribution and deformation of the earth system. Because satellite tracking data between ground stations and satellites orbit around the CM, geocenter motion is related to the realization of the ITRF (International Terrestrial Reference Frame) origin. In this study, GPS (Global Positioning System) observation data of IGS (International GNSS Service) and SLR (Satellite Laser Ranging) tracking data are applied to estimate the coordinates of observing sites on Earth's surface. The GPS observing sites are distributed deliberately and globally by 15° ×15° grids. Meanwhile, two different global ocean tide models are applied here. The model used in ITRF comparison and combination is parameter transformation, which is a mathematical formula allowing to transform the different frames between ITRF and CM system. Following the parameter transformation, the results of geocenter motion can be determined. The FORMOSAT-7/COSMIC-2 (F7C2) mission is a constellation of LEO (Low-Earth-Orbit) satellites, which will be launched in 2018. Besides the observing system for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate, the F7C2 will be equipped with LRR (Laser Ranging Retroreflector). This work is a pilot survey to study the application of LEO SLR data in Taiwan.

Tracking, sensing and predicting flood wave propagation using nomadic satellite communication systems and hydrodynamic models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hostache, R.; Matgen, P.; Giustarini, L.; Tailliez, C.; Iffly, J.-F.

2011-11-01

The main objective of this study is to contribute to the development and the improvement of flood forecasting systems. Since hydrometric stations are often poorly distributed for monitoring the propagation of extreme flood waves, the study aims at evaluating the hydrometric value of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Integrated with satellite telecommunication systems, drifting or anchored floaters equipped with navigation systems such as GPS and Galileo, enable the quasi-continuous measurement and near real-time transmission of water level and flow velocity data, from virtually any point in the world. The presented study investigates the effect of assimilating GNSS-derived water level and flow velocity measurements into hydraulic models in order to reduce the associated predictive uncertainty.

Track Dozer Operator. Open Pit Mining Job Training Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

British Columbia Dept. of Education, Victoria.

This training outline for track dozer operators, one in a series of eight outlines, is designed primarily for company training foremen or supervisors and for trainers to use as an industry-wide guideline for heavy equipment operator training in open pit mining in British Columbia. Intended as a guide for preparation of lesson plans both for…

Means to improve light source productivity: from proof of concept to field implementation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rausa, E.; Cacouris, T.; Conley, W.; Jackson, M.; Luo, S.; Murthy, S.; Rechtsteiner, G.; Steiner, K.

2016-03-01

Light source technological performance is key to enabling chipmaker yield and production success. Just as important is ensuring that performance is consistent over time to help maintain as high an uptime as possible on litho-cells (scanner and track combination). While it is common to see average tool uptime of over 99% based on service intervention time, we will show that there are opportunities to improve equipment availability through a multifaceted approach that can deliver favorable results and significantly improve on the actual production efficiency of equipment. The majority of chipmakers are putting light source data generated by tools such as Cymer OnLine (COL), OnPulse Plus, and SmartPulse to good use. These data sets, combined with in-depth knowledge of the equipment, makes it possible to draw powerful conclusions that help increase both chip manufacturing consistency as well as equipment productivity. This discussion will focus on the latter, equipment availability, and how data analysis can help increase equipment availability for Cymer customers. There are several types of opportunities for increasing equipment availability, but in general we can focus on two primary categories: 1) scheduled downtime and 2) unscheduled downtime. For equipment that is under control of a larger entity, as the laser is to the scanner, there are additional categories related to either communication errors or better synchronization of events that can maximize overall litho-cell efficiency. In this article we will focus on general availability without highlighting the specific cause of litho-cell (laser, scanner and track). The goal is to increase equipment available time with a primary focus is on opportunities to minimize errors and variabilities.

Autonomous Low Earth Orbit Satellite and Orbital Debris Tracking Using Mid Aperture COTS Optical Trackers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ehrhorn, B.; Azari, D.

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Orbital Debris tracking have become considerably important with regard to Space Situational Awareness (SSA). This paper discusses the capabilities of autonomous LEO and Orbital Debris Tracking Systems using commercially available (mid aperture 20-24 inch) telescopes, tracking gimbals, and CCD imagers. RC Optical Systems has been developing autonomous satellite trackers that allow for unattended acquisition, imaging, and orbital determination of LEOs using low cost COTS equipment. The test setup from which we are gathering data consists of an RC Optical Systems Professional Series Elevation over Azimuth Gimbal with field de-rotation, RC Optical Systems 20 inch Ritchey-Chretien Telescope coupled to an e2v CCD42-40 CCD array, and 77mm f/4 tracking lens coupled to a KAF-0402ME CCD array. Central to success of LEO acquisition and open loop tracking is accurate modeling of Gimbal and telescope misalignments and flexures. Using pro-TPoint and a simple automated mapping routine we have modeled our primary telescope to achieve pointing and tracking accuracies within a population standard deviation of 1.3 arc-sec (which is 1.1 arc-sec RMS). Once modeled, a mobile system can easily and quickly be calibrated to the sky using a simple 6-10 star map to solve for axis tilt and collimation coefficients. Acquisition of LEO satellites is accomplished through the use of a wide field imager. Using a 77mm f/4 lens and 765 x 510 x 9mu CCD array yields a 1.28 x 0.85 degree field of view in our test setup. Accurate boresite within the acquisition array is maintained throughout the full range of motion through differential tpoint modeling of the main and acquisition imagers. Satellite identification is accomplished by detecting a stationary centroid as a point source and differentiating from the background of streaked stars in a single frame. We found 100% detection rate of LEO with radar cross sections (RCS) of > 0.5 meter*meter within the acquisition array, and approximately 90% within 0.25 degrees of center. Tests of open loop tracking revealed a vast majority of satellites remain within the main detector area of 0.19 x 0.19 degrees after initial centering. Once acquired, the satellite is centered within the main imager via automated adjustment of the epoch and inclination using non-linear least square fit. Thereafter, real time satellite position is sequentially determined and recorded using the main imaging array. Real time determination of the SGP4 Keplerian elements are solved using non-linear least squares regression. The tracking propagator is periodically updated to reflect the solved Keplerian elements in order to maintain the satellite position near image center. These processes are accomplished without the need for user intervention. Unattended fully autonomous LEO satellite tracking and orbital determination simply requires scheduling of appropriate targets and scripted command of the tracking system.

Neural-network-based navigation and control of unmanned aerial vehicles for detecting unintended emissions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zargarzadeh, H.; Nodland, David; Thotla, V.; Jagannathan, S.; Agarwal, S.

2012-06-01

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are versatile aircraft with many applications, including the potential for use to detect unintended electromagnetic emissions from electronic devices. A particular area of recent interest has been helicopter unmanned aerial vehicles. Because of the nature of these helicopters' dynamics, high-performance controller design for them presents a challenge. This paper introduces an optimal controller design via output feedback control for trajectory tracking of a helicopter UAV using a neural network (NN). The output-feedback control system utilizes the backstepping methodology, employing kinematic, virtual, and dynamic controllers and an observer. Optimal tracking is accomplished with a single NN utilized for cost function approximation. The controller positions the helicopter, which is equipped with an antenna, such that the antenna can detect unintended emissions. The overall closed-loop system stability with the proposed controller is demonstrated by using Lyapunov analysis. Finally, results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control design for positioning the helicopter for unintended emissions detection.

High Speed A/D DSP Interface for Carrier Doppler Tracking

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baggett, Timothy

1998-01-01

As on-board satellite systems continue to increase in ability to perform self diagnostic checks, it will become more important for satellites to initiate ground communications contact. Currently, the NASA Space Network requires users to pre-arranged times for satellite communications links through the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS). One of the challenges in implementing an on-demand access protocol into the Space Network, is the fact that a low Earth orbiting (LEO) satellite's communications will be subject to a doppler shift which is outside the capability of the NASA ground station to lock onto. In a prearranged system, the satellite's doppler is known a priori, and the ground station is able to lock onto the satellite's signal. This paper describes the development of a high speed analog to digital interface into a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). This system will be used for identifying the doppler shift of a LEO satellite through the Space Network, and aiding the ground station equipment in locking onto the signal. Although this interface is specific to one application, it can be used as a basis for interfacing other devices with a DSP.

Simulation and experimental design of a new advanced variable step size Incremental Conductance MPPT algorithm for PV systems.

PubMed

Loukriz, Abdelhamid; Haddadi, Mourad; Messalti, Sabir

2016-05-01

Improvement of the efficiency of photovoltaic system based on new maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms is the most promising solution due to its low cost and its easy implementation without equipment updating. Many MPPT methods with fixed step size have been developed. However, when atmospheric conditions change rapidly , the performance of conventional algorithms is reduced. In this paper, a new variable step size Incremental Conductance IC MPPT algorithm has been proposed. Modeling and simulation of different operational conditions of conventional Incremental Conductance IC and proposed methods are presented. The proposed method was developed and tested successfully on a photovoltaic system based on Flyback converter and control circuit using dsPIC30F4011. Both, simulation and experimental design are provided in several aspects. A comparative study between the proposed variable step size and fixed step size IC MPPT method under similar operating conditions is presented. The obtained results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed MPPT algorithm in terms of speed in MPP tracking and accuracy. Copyright © 2015 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ubiquitous Indoor Geolocation: a Case Study of Jewellery Management System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikparvar, B.; Sadeghi-Niaraki, A.; Azari, P.

2014-10-01

Addressing and geolocation for indoor environments are important fields of research in the recent years. The problem of finding location of objects in indoor spaces is proposed to solve in two ways. The first, is to assign coordinates to objects and second is to divide space into cells and detect the presence or absence of objects in each cell to track them. In this paper the second approach is discussed by using Radio Frequency Identification technology to identify and track high value objects in jewellery retail industry. In Ubiquitous Sensor Networks, the reactivity or proactivity of the environment are important issues. Reactive environments wait for a request to response to it. Instead, in proactive spaces, the environment acts in advance to deal with an expected action. In this research, a geo-sensor network containing RFID readers, tags, and antennas which continuously exchange radio frequency signal streams is proposed to manage and monitor jewellery galleries ubiquitously. The system is also equipped with a GIS representation which provides a more user-friendly system to manage a jewellery gallery.

Heart rate, multiple body temperature, long-range and long-life telemetry system for free-ranging animals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lund, G. F.; Westbrook, R. M.; Fryer, T. B.

1980-01-01

The design details and rationale for a versatile, long-range, long-life telemetry data acquisition system for heart rates and body temperatures at multiple locations from free-ranging animals are presented. The design comprises an implantable transmitter for short to medium range transmission, a receiver retransmitter collar to be worn for long-range transmission, and a signal conditioner interface circuit to assist in signal discrimination and demodulation of receiver or tape-recorded audio outputs. Implanted electrodes are used to obtain an ECG, from which R-wave characteristics are selected to trigger a short RF pulse. Pulses carrying heart rate information are interrupted periodically by a series of pulse interval modulated RF pulses conveying temperature information sensed at desired locations by thermistors. Pulse duration and pulse sequencing are used to discriminate between heart rate and temperature pulses as well as radio frequency interference. The implanted transmitter may be used alone for medium and short-range tracking, or with a receiver-transmitter collar that employs commercial tracking equipment for transmissions of up to 12 km. A system prototype has been tested on a dog.

Worldwide differential GPS for Space Shuttle landing operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loomis, Peter V. W.; Denaro, Robert P.; Saunders, Penny

1990-01-01

Worldwide differential Global Positioning System (WWDGPS) is viewed as an effective method of offering continuous high-quality navigation worldwide. The concept utilizes a network with as few as 33 ground stations to observe most of the error sources of GPS and provide error corrections to users on a worldwide basis. The WWDGPS real-time GPS tracking concept promises a threefold or fourfold improvement in accuracy for authorized dual-frequency users, and in addition maintains an accurate and current ionosphere model for single-frequency users. A real-time global tracking network also has the potential to reverse declarations of poor health on marginal satellites, increasing the number of satellites in the constellation and lessening the probability of GPS navigation outage. For Space Shuttle operations, the use of WWDGPS-aided P-code equipment promises performance equal to or better than other current landing guidance systems in terms of accuracy and reliability. This performance comes at significantly less cost to NASA, which will participate as a customer in a system designed as a commercial operation serving the global civil navigation community.

Control performances of a piezoactuator direct drive valve system at high temperatures with thermal insulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Yung-Min; Han, Chulhee; Kim, Wan Ho; Seong, Ho Yong; Choi, Seung-Bok

2016-09-01

This technical note presents control performances of a piezoactuator direct drive valve (PDDV) operated at high temperature environment. After briefly discussing operating principle and mechanical dimensions of the proposed PDDV, an appropriate size of the PDDV is manufactured. As a first step, the temperature effect on the valve performance is experimentally investigated by measuring the spool displacement at various temperatures. Subsequently, the PDDV is thermally insulated using aerogel and installed in a large-size heat chamber in which the pneumatic-hydraulic cylinders and sensors are equipped. A proportional-integral-derivative feedback controller is then designed and implemented to control the spool displacement of the valve system. In this work, the spool displacement is chosen as a control variable since it is directly related to the flow rate of the valve system. Three different sinusoidal displacements with different frequencies of 1, 10 and 50 Hz are used as reference spool displacement and tracking controls are undertaken up to 150 °C. It is shown that the proposed PDDV with the thermal insulation can provide favorable control responses without significant tracking errors at high temperatures.

E-1152

NASA Image and Video Library

1954-01-17

These people and this equipment supported the flight of the NACA D-558-2 Skyrocket at the High-Speed Flight Station at South Base, Edwards AFB. Note the two Sabre chase planes, the P2B-1S launch aircraft, and the profusion of ground support equipment, including communications, tracking, maintenance, and rescue vehicles. Research pilot A. Scott Crossfield stands in front of the Skyrocket.

Equipping an automated wheelchair with an infrared encoder wheel odometer - biomed 2011.

PubMed

Schultz, D; Allen, M; Barrett, S F

2011-01-01

Assistive technology is a rapidly growing field that provides a degree of freedom and self-sufficiency to people of limited mobility. Smart wheelchairs are a subset of assistive technology, and are designed to be operated by people who are unable to use a traditional control system. Instead, smart wheelchairs are equipped with a combination of automated functionality and steering mechanisms specialized to meet a person’s individual needs. One feature common to the automated capabilities of smart wheelchairs is the tracking system. The wheelchair’s microcontroller needs to know how far the chair has travelled, its speed, and the rotational direction of its wheels in order to successfully navigate through an environment. The purpose of this research was to develop an odometer to track the motion of a motorized wheelchair. Due to federal regulations that prohibit changing the structure or internal mechanics of a medical device, the odometer had to be designed as a separate, removable part. The final design for the odometer consisted of two infrared sensors that measure edge transitions of a segmented black and white encoder wheel. The sensor output was then run through two comparator op amps and a high pass filter to produce a clean, crisp square wave signal output. The signal was then fed to an Atmel ATmega164P microcontroller. The microcontroller was programmed to compare the sensor signal with its internal clock, sense edge transitions, and thereby extrapolate the speed, travelled distance, and rotational direction of the wheelchair.

Label free cell tracking in 3D tissue engineering constructs with high resolution imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, W. A.; Lam, K.-P.; Dempsey, K. P.; Mazzocchi-Jones, D.; Richardson, J. B.; Yang, Y.

2014-02-01

Within the field of tissue engineering there is an emphasis on studying 3-D live tissue structures. Consequently, to investigate and identify cellular activities and phenotypes in a 3-D environment for all in vitro experiments, including shape, migration/proliferation and axon projection, it is necessary to adopt an optical imaging system that enables monitoring 3-D cellular activities and morphology through the thickness of the construct for an extended culture period without cell labeling. This paper describes a new 3-D tracking algorithm developed for Cell-IQ®, an automated cell imaging platform, which has been equipped with an environmental chamber optimized to enable capturing time-lapse sequences of live cell images over a long-term period without cell labeling. As an integral part of the algorithm, a novel auto-focusing procedure was developed for phase contrast microscopy equipped with 20x and 40x objectives, to provide a more accurate estimation of cell growth/trajectories by allowing 3-D voxels to be computed at high spatiotemporal resolution and cell density. A pilot study was carried out in a phantom system consisting of horizontally aligned nanofiber layers (with precise spacing between them), to mimic features well exemplified in cellular activities of neuronal growth in a 3-D environment. This was followed by detailed investigations concerning axonal projections and dendritic circuitry formation in a 3-D tissue engineering construct. Preliminary work on primary animal neuronal cells in response to chemoattractant and topographic cue within the scaffolds has produced encouraging results.

Implementation of the Regulatory Authority Information System in Egypt

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

Carson, S.D.; Schetnan, R.; Hasan, A.

2006-07-01

As part of the implementation of a bar-code-based system to track radioactive sealed sources (RSS) in Egypt, the Regulatory Authority Information System Personal Digital Assistant (RAIS PDA) Application was developed to extend the functionality of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA's) RAIS database by allowing users to download RSS data from the database to a portable PDA equipped with a bar-code scanner. [1, 4] The system allows users in the field to verify radioactive sealed source data, gather radioactive sealed source audit information, and upload that data to the RAIS database. This paper describes the development of the RAIS PDAmore » Application, its features, and how it will be implemented in Egypt. (authors)« less

IXV avionics architecture: Design, qualification and mission results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Succa, Massimo; Boscolo, Ilario; Drocco, Alessandro; Malucchi, Giovanni; Dussy, Stephane

2016-07-01

The paper details the IXV avionics presenting the architecture and the constituting subsystems and equipment. It focuses on the novelties introduced, such as the Ethernet-based protocol for the experiment data acquisition system, and on the synergy with Ariane 5 and Vega equipment, pursued in order to comply with the design-to-cost requirement for the avionics system development. Emphasis is given to the adopted model philosophy in relation to OTS/COTS items heritage and identified activities necessary to extend the qualification level to be compliant with the IXV environment. Associated lessons learned are identified. Then, the paper provides the first results and interpretation from the flight recorders telemetry, covering the behavior of the Data Handling System, the quality of telemetry recording and real-time/delayed transmission, the performance of the batteries and the Power Protection and Distribution Unit, the ground segment coverage during visibility windows and the performance of the GNC sensors (IMU and GPS) and actuators. Finally, some preliminary tracks of the IXV follow on are given, introducing the objectives of the Innovative Space Vehicle and the necessary improvements to be developed in the frame of PRIDE.

Application of Modern Tools and Techniques for Mine Safety & Disaster Management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Dheeraj

2016-04-01

The implementation of novel systems and adoption of improvised equipment in mines help mining companies in two important ways: enhanced mine productivity and improved worker safety. There is a substantial need for adoption of state-of-the-art automation technologies in the mines to ensure the safety and to protect health of mine workers. With the advent of new autonomous equipment used in the mine, the inefficiencies are reduced by limiting human inconsistencies and error. The desired increase in productivity at a mine can sometimes be achieved by changing only a few simple variables. Significant developments have been made in the areas of surface and underground communication, robotics, smart sensors, tracking systems, mine gas monitoring systems and ground movements etc. Advancement in information technology in the form of internet, GIS, remote sensing, satellite communication, etc. have proved to be important tools for hazard reduction and disaster management. This paper is mainly focused on issues pertaining to mine safety and disaster management and some of the recent innovations in the mine automations that could be deployed in mines for safe mining operations and for avoiding any unforeseen mine disaster.

Multi-GNSS orbit determination using satellite laser ranging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bury, Grzegorz; Sośnica, Krzysztof; Zajdel, Radosław

2018-04-01

Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, and NavIC are emerging global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs) and regional navigation satellite systems all of which are equipped with laser retroreflector arrays for range measurements. This paper summarizes the GNSS-intensive tracking campaigns conducted by the International Laser Ranging Service and provides results from multi-GNSS orbit determination using solely SLR observations. We consider the whole constellation of GLONASS, all active Galileo, four BeiDou satellites: 1 MEO, 3 IGSO, and one QZSS. We analyze the influence of the number of SLR observations on the quality of the 3-day multi-GNSS orbit solution. About 60 SLR observations are needed for obtaining MEO orbits of sufficient quality with the root mean square (RMS) of 3 cm for the radial component when compared to microwave-based orbits. From the analysis of a minimum number of tracking stations, when considering the 3-day arcs, 5 SLR stations do not provide a sufficient geometry of observations. The solution obtained using ten stations is characterized with RMS of 4, 9, and 18 cm in the radial, along-track, and cross-track direction, respectively, for MEO satellites. We also investigate the impact of the length of orbital arc on the quality of SLR-derived orbits. Hence, 5- and 7-day arcs constitute the best solution, whereas 3-day arcs are of inferior quality due to an insufficient number of SLR observations and 9-day arcs deteriorate the along-track component. The median RMS from the comparison between 7-day orbital arcs determined using SLR data with microwave-based orbits assumes values in the range of 3-4, 11-16, and 15-27 cm in radial, along-track, and cross-track, respectively, for MEO satellites. BeiDou IGSO and QZSS are characterized by RMS values higher by a factor of 8 and 24, respectively, than MEO orbits.

An intelligent, free-flying robot

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reuter, G. J.; Hess, C. W.; Rhoades, D. E.; Mcfadin, L. W.; Healey, K. J.; Erickson, J. D.

1988-01-01

The ground-based demonstration of EVA Retriever, a voice-supervised, intelligent, free-flying robot, is designed to evaluate the capability to retrieve objects (astronauts, equipment, and tools) which have accidentally separated from the Space Station. The major objective of the EVA Retriever Project is to design, develop, and evaluate an integrated robotic hardware and on-board software system which autonomously: (1) performs system activation and check-out, (2) searches for and acquires the target, (3) plans and executes a rendezvous while continuously tracking the target, (4) avoids stationary and moving obstacles, (5) reaches for and grapples the target, (6) returns to transfer the object, and (7) returns to base.

An intelligent, free-flying robot

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reuter, G. J.; Hess, C. W.; Rhoades, D. E.; Mcfadin, L. W.; Healey, K. J.; Erickson, J. D.; Phinney, Dale E.

1989-01-01

The ground based demonstration of the extensive extravehicular activity (EVA) Retriever, a voice-supervised, intelligent, free flying robot, is designed to evaluate the capability to retrieve objects (astronauts, equipment, and tools) which have accidentally separated from the Space Station. The major objective of the EVA Retriever Project is to design, develop, and evaluate an integrated robotic hardware and on-board software system which autonomously: (1) performs system activation and check-out; (2) searches for and acquires the target; (3) plans and executes a rendezvous while continuously tracking the target; (4) avoids stationary and moving obstacles; (5) reaches for and grapples the target; (6) returns to transfer the object; and (7) returns to base.

KSC-04pd1036

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-05-05

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-114 (left) Pilot James Kelly and Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas (right) are given a tour of the Crawler-Transporter storage area by NASA Systems Engineer Robert Rokobauer. Behind them is one of the 5.5-million-pound crawlers. The 10-foot-high track, one of two, contains 278 “shoes,” weighing 2,200 pounds each. The crawlers are guided by four trucks, one on each corner. The crawlers had recent modifications to the cab and muffler system. The STS-114 mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.

Dewar technology study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, W.

1975-01-01

The development of a Dewar system for handling liquid helium under weightless conditions is described. Porous plug designs for the prevention of superfluid creep out of the dewar through the vent line were evaluated. For the purpose of designing a neck to provide a transition from the cold cavity to the outside, the loads carried by the neck and equipment supports were studied. Temperature, pressure, and mass flow instrumentation for monitoring Dewar performance were also evaluated. In addition, multilayer blankets consisting of aluminized Mylar separated by Dacron net sheets were designed to insulate the pressure vessel. The dewar system is suggested for use with the star tracking telescope aboard the relativity satellite.

Research on electromechanical resonance of two-axis tracking system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Zhi-ming; Xue, Ying-jie; Zeng, Shu-qin; Li, Zhi-guo

2017-02-01

The multi-axes synchronous system about the spatial two-axis turntable is the key equipment for semi-physical simulation and test in aerospace. In this paper, the whole structure design of the turntable is created by using Solidworks, then putting the three-dimensional solid model into ANSYS to build the finite element model. The software ANSYS is used to do the simulation about the static and dynamic analysis of two-axis turntable. Based on the modal analysis, we can forecast the inherent frequencies and the mode of vibration during the launch conditions which is very important to the design and safety of the structure.

EDCATS: An Evaluation Tool

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heard, Pamala D.

1998-01-01

The purpose of this research is to explore the development of Marshall Space Flight Center Unique Programs. These academic tools provide the Education Program Office with important information from the Education Computer Aided Tracking System (EDCATS). This system is equipped to provide on-line data entry, evaluation, analysis, and report generation, with full archiving for all phases of the evaluation process. Another purpose is to develop reports and data that is tailored to Marshall Space Flight Center Unique Programs. It also attempts to acquire knowledge on how, why, and where information is derived. As a result, a user will be better prepared to decide which available tool is the most feasible for their reports.

30 CFR 75.1003-2 - Requirements for movement of off-track mining equipment in areas of active workings where...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... chapter (Bureau of Mines Schedule 2G). (e) Electrical contact shall be maintained between the mine track...)(i) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this section electric power shall be supplied to... transported. (ii) Where direct current electric power is used and such electric power can be supplied only...

30 CFR 75.1003-2 - Requirements for movement of off-track mining equipment in areas of active workings where...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... chapter (Bureau of Mines Schedule 2G). (e) Electrical contact shall be maintained between the mine track...)(i) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this section electric power shall be supplied to... transported. (ii) Where direct current electric power is used and such electric power can be supplied only...

30 CFR 75.1003-2 - Requirements for movement of off-track mining equipment in areas of active workings where...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... chapter (Bureau of Mines Schedule 2G). (e) Electrical contact shall be maintained between the mine track...)(i) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this section electric power shall be supplied to... transported. (ii) Where direct current electric power is used and such electric power can be supplied only...

30 CFR 75.1003-2 - Requirements for movement of off-track mining equipment in areas of active workings where...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... chapter (Bureau of Mines Schedule 2G). (e) Electrical contact shall be maintained between the mine track...)(i) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this section electric power shall be supplied to... transported. (ii) Where direct current electric power is used and such electric power can be supplied only...

30 CFR 75.1003-2 - Requirements for movement of off-track mining equipment in areas of active workings where...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... chapter (Bureau of Mines Schedule 2G). (e) Electrical contact shall be maintained between the mine track...)(i) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this section electric power shall be supplied to... transported. (ii) Where direct current electric power is used and such electric power can be supplied only...

49 CFR 214.336 - On-track safety procedures for certain roadway work groups and adjacent tracks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... or more of the following types of equipment: (i) A hi-rail vehicle or other rail-bound vehicle (other than a catenary maintenance tower vehicle) being used for inspection or minor correction purposes, provided that such vehicle is not coupled to one or more railroad cars. In accordance with § 214.315(a...

Improved accuracy of markerless motion tracking on bone suppression images: preliminary study for image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Rie; Sanada, Shigeru; Sakuta, Keita; Kawashima, Hiroki

2015-05-01

The bone suppression technique based on advanced image processing can suppress the conspicuity of bones on chest radiographs, creating soft tissue images obtained by the dual-energy subtraction technique. This study was performed to evaluate the usefulness of bone suppression image processing in image-guided radiation therapy. We demonstrated the improved accuracy of markerless motion tracking on bone suppression images. Chest fluoroscopic images of nine patients with lung nodules during respiration were obtained using a flat-panel detector system (120 kV, 0.1 mAs/pulse, 5 fps). Commercial bone suppression image processing software was applied to the fluoroscopic images to create corresponding bone suppression images. Regions of interest were manually located on lung nodules and automatic target tracking was conducted based on the template matching technique. To evaluate the accuracy of target tracking, the maximum tracking error in the resulting images was compared with that of conventional fluoroscopic images. The tracking errors were decreased by half in eight of nine cases. The average maximum tracking errors in bone suppression and conventional fluoroscopic images were 1.3   ±   1.0 and 3.3   ±   3.3 mm, respectively. The bone suppression technique was especially effective in the lower lung area where pulmonary vessels, bronchi, and ribs showed complex movements. The bone suppression technique improved tracking accuracy without special equipment and implantation of fiducial markers, and with only additional small dose to the patient. Bone suppression fluoroscopy is a potential measure for respiratory displacement of the target. This paper was presented at RSNA 2013 and was carried out at Kanazawa University, JAPAN.

23 CFR Appendix to Subpart B of... - Horizontal and Vertical Clearance Provisions for Overpass and Underpass Structures

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... maintenance road or by evidence of future need for such equipment. All piers should be placed at least 2.8... up to 2.5 meters as may be necessary for off-track maintenance equipment, provided adequate... road crossings for this purpose. Where not feasible, an additional structure width of 2.5 meters may be...

Potential for a small, tracked vehicle in small tree management activities

Treesearch

Jeff Halbrook; Harry Lee

2002-01-01

Small diameter timber offers unique challenges for resource managers. Soil disturbance, residual stand damage, and high equipment capital are often associated with using large logging equipment to extract this timber. In an ongoing project at the University of Idaho, an All Season Vehicle (ASV) RC 30 has been modified for use as a low impact skidding device. Several...

78 FR 16051 - Vehicle/Track Interaction Safety Standards; High-Speed and High Cant Deficiency Operations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-13

...FRA is amending the Track Safety Standards and Passenger Equipment Safety Standards to promote the safe interaction of rail vehicles with the track over which they operate under a variety of conditions at speeds up to 220 m.p.h. The final rule revises standards for track geometry and safety limits for vehicle response to track conditions, enhances vehicle/track qualification procedures, and adds flexibility for permitting high cant deficiency train operations through curves at conventional speeds. The rule accounts for a range of vehicle types that are currently in operation, as well as vehicle types that may likely be used in future high-speed or high cant deficiency rail operations, or both. The rule is based on the results of simulation studies designed to identify track geometry irregularities associated with unsafe wheel/rail forces and accelerations, thorough reviews of vehicle qualification and revenue service test data, and consideration of international practices.

Visual Earth observation performance in the space environment. Human performance measurement 4: Flight experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huth, John F.; Whiteley, James D.; Hawker, John E.

1993-01-01

A wide variety of secondary payloads have flown on the Space Transportation System (STS) since its first flight in the 1980's. These experiments have typically addressed specific issues unique to the zero-gravity environment. Additionally, the experiments use the experience and skills of the mission and payload specialist crew members to facilitate data collection and ensure successful completion. This paper presents the results of the Terra Scout experiment, which flew aboard STS-44 in November 1991. This unique Earth Observation experiment specifically required a career imagery analyst to operate the Spaceborne Direct-View Optical System (SpaDVOS), a folded optical path telescope system designed to mount inside the shuttle on the overhead aft flight deck windows. Binoculars and a small telescope were used as backup optics. Using his imagery background, coupled with extensive target and equipment training, the payload specialist was tasked with documenting the following: (1) the utility of the equipment; (2) his ability to acquire and track ground targets; (3) the level of detail he could discern; (4) the atmospheric conditions; and (5) other in-situ elements which contributed to or detracted from his ability to analyze targets. Special emphasis was placed on the utility of a manned platform for research and development of future spaceborne sensors. The results and lessons learned from Terra Scout will be addressed including human performance and equipment design issues.

The Astrophysics Major at the University of California, Berkeley

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arons, J.; Heiles, C.

2001-12-01

The Astrophysics major offered by the Berkeley Astronomy Department has been redesigned to reflect broad educational goals. Students preparing for graduate school study mostly Physics and Mathematics, leavened with four semesters of astrophysics at the sophomore and senior level. These courses make heavy use of their concurrent Physics and Math. Astrophysics and Physics majors differ in the astrophysics courses replacing other electives which a Physics major might choose. The major's redesign also opened the door to students who wish to pursue a major which gives them broad technical training without having graduate school as a goal. Many such students follow the same track as those pursuing the graduate school option; others take courses specifically designed for people with alternate careers in mind. The major change has been a laboratory requirement for all Astrophysics majors, in either track. We now have advanced undergraduate laboratories: optical, radio, and near infrared; details are on our web page. These share the common thread of development of deep capabilities in data gathering, analysis, and presentation. Students achieve expertise in these areas because the labs include the complete range of activities normally encountered in observational or experimental research. Students use laboratory equipment to measure the fundamental parameters of devices and systems, make astronomical observations with those systems, write software in UNIX and IDL to control equipment and analyze the results, and write formal lab reports in LATEX. We avoid ``black box'' or ``cookbook'' procedures . The students leave the course having gained experience and knowledge, and a ``feel'' for how to proceed when faced with sometimes recalcitrant equipment and imperfect data. A by product of the training has been an increase in student involvement in undergraduate research projects. These innovations have led to a major that has doubled in size and, in a quite unanticipated development, has become gender balanced. We will present a number of aspects, both statistically and anecdotally, from this decade long experience with reform of an astronomy major.

Equipment and Tracking Test Results for the NRL Ship-to- Ship DF Laser Transmission Experiment.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-04-05

combined with the 2" collimated HeNe laser beam at dichoric beam splitter TBSI. TF2, TF1 , and TPFI direct the beam onto the f/6 parabola Pl. From...following work was done on the pumping system: 1. Install new valves , springs, and seats. 2. Install a new drive shaft, with new bearings and seals. 3...Install a new needle valve in the oil regulator. 4. Steam clean the inside pump surface. The new components were tested first with F2 fuel, then with NF 3

Software development to support sensor control of robot arc welding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Silas, F. R., Jr.

1986-01-01

The development of software for a Digital Equipment Corporation MINC-23 Laboratory Computer to provide functions of a workcell host computer for Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) robotic welding is documented. Routines were written to transfer robot programs between the MINC and an Advanced Robotic Cyro 750 welding robot. Other routines provide advanced program editing features while additional software allows communicatin with a remote computer aided design system. Access to special robot functions were provided to allow advanced control of weld seam tracking and process control for future development programs.

Possibilities of Uas for Maritime Monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klimkowska, A.; Lee, I.; Choi, K.

2016-06-01

In the last few years, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) have become more important and its use for different application is appreciated. At the beginning UAS were used for military purposes. These successful applications initiated interest among researchers to find uses of UAS for civilian purposes, as they are alternative to both manned and satellite systems in acquiring high-resolution remote sensing data at lower cost while long flight duration. As UAS are built from many components such as unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), sensing payloads, communication systems, ground control stations, recovery and launch equipment, and supporting equipment, knowledge about its functionality and characteristics is crucial for missions. Therefore, finding appropriate configuration of all elements to fulfill requirements of the mission is a very difficult, yet important task. UAS may be used in various maritime applications such as ship detection, red tide detection and monitoring, border patrol, tracking of pollution at sea and hurricane monitoring just to mention few. One of the greatest advantages of UAV is their ability to fly over dangerous and hazardous areas, where sending manned aircraft could be risky for a crew. In this article brief description of aerial unmanned system components is introduced. Firstly characteristics of unmanned aerial vehicles are presented, it continues with introducing inertial navigation system, communication systems, sensing payloads, ground control stations, and ground and recovery equipment. Next part introduces some examples of UAS for maritime applications. This is followed by suggestions of key indicators which should be taken into consideration while choosing UAS. Last part talks about configuration schemes of UAVs and sensor payloads suggested for some maritime applications.

A Study on Immersion and Presence of a Portable Hand Haptic System for Immersive Virtual Reality

PubMed Central

Kim, Mingyu; Jeon, Changyu; Kim, Jinmo

2017-01-01

This paper proposes a portable hand haptic system using Leap Motion as a haptic interface that can be used in various virtual reality (VR) applications. The proposed hand haptic system was designed as an Arduino-based sensor architecture to enable a variety of tactile senses at low cost, and is also equipped with a portable wristband. As a haptic system designed for tactile feedback, the proposed system first identifies the left and right hands and then sends tactile senses (vibration and heat) to each fingertip (thumb and index finger). It is incorporated into a wearable band-type system, making its use easy and convenient. Next, hand motion is accurately captured using the sensor of the hand tracking system and is used for virtual object control, thus achieving interaction that enhances immersion. A VR application was designed with the purpose of testing the immersion and presence aspects of the proposed system. Lastly, technical and statistical tests were carried out to assess whether the proposed haptic system can provide a new immersive presence to users. According to the results of the presence questionnaire and the simulator sickness questionnaire, we confirmed that the proposed hand haptic system, in comparison to the existing interaction that uses only the hand tracking system, provided greater presence and a more immersive environment in the virtual reality. PMID:28513545

A Study on Immersion and Presence of a Portable Hand Haptic System for Immersive Virtual Reality.

PubMed

Kim, Mingyu; Jeon, Changyu; Kim, Jinmo

2017-05-17

This paper proposes a portable hand haptic system using Leap Motion as a haptic interface that can be used in various virtual reality (VR) applications. The proposed hand haptic system was designed as an Arduino-based sensor architecture to enable a variety of tactile senses at low cost, and is also equipped with a portable wristband. As a haptic system designed for tactile feedback, the proposed system first identifies the left and right hands and then sends tactile senses (vibration and heat) to each fingertip (thumb and index finger). It is incorporated into a wearable band-type system, making its use easy and convenient. Next, hand motion is accurately captured using the sensor of the hand tracking system and is used for virtual object control, thus achieving interaction that enhances immersion. A VR application was designed with the purpose of testing the immersion and presence aspects of the proposed system. Lastly, technical and statistical tests were carried out to assess whether the proposed haptic system can provide a new immersive presence to users. According to the results of the presence questionnaire and the simulator sickness questionnaire, we confirmed that the proposed hand haptic system, in comparison to the existing interaction that uses only the hand tracking system, provided greater presence and a more immersive environment in the virtual reality.

Model development and system performance optimization for staring infrared search and track (IRST) sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olson, Craig; Theisen, Michael; Pace, Teresa; Halford, Carl; Driggers, Ronald

2016-05-01

The mission of an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system is to detect and locate (sometimes called find and fix) enemy aircraft at significant ranges. Two extreme opposite examples of IRST applications are 1) long range offensive aircraft detection when electronic warfare equipment is jammed, compromised, or intentionally turned off, and 2) distributed aperture systems where enemy aircraft may be in the proximity of the host aircraft. Past IRST systems have been primarily long range offensive systems that were based on the LWIR second generation thermal imager. The new IRST systems are primarily based on staring infrared focal planes and sensors. In the same manner that FLIR92 did not work well in the design of staring infrared cameras (NVTherm was developed to address staring infrared sensor performance), current modeling techniques do not adequately describe the performance of a staring IRST sensor. There are no standard military IRST models (per AFRL and NAVAIR), and each program appears to perform their own modeling. For this reason, L-3 has decided to develop a corporate model, working with AFRL and NAVAIR, for the analysis, design, and evaluation of IRST concepts, programs, and solutions. This paper provides some of the first analyses in the L-3 IRST model development program for the optimization of staring IRST sensors.

Two-Way Communication Using RFID Equipment and Techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jedry, Thomas; Archer, Eric

2007-01-01

Equipment and techniques used in radio-frequency identification (RFID) would be extended, according to a proposal, to enable short-range, two-way communication between electronic products and host computers. In one example of a typical contemplated application, the purpose of the short-range radio communication would be to transfer image data from a user s digital still or video camera to the user s computer for recording and/or processing. The concept is also applicable to consumer electronic products other than digital cameras (for example, cellular telephones, portable computers, or motion sensors in alarm systems), and to a variety of industrial and scientific sensors and other devices that generate data. Until now, RFID has been used to exchange small amounts of mostly static information for identifying and tracking assets. Information pertaining to an asset (typically, an object in inventory to be tracked) is contained in miniature electronic circuitry in an RFID tag attached to the object. Conventional RFID equipment and techniques enable a host computer to read data from and, in some cases, to write data to, RFID tags, but they do not enable such additional functions as sending commands to, or retrieving possibly large quantities of dynamic data from, RFID-tagged devices. The proposal would enable such additional functions. The figure schematically depicts an implementation of the proposal for a sensory device (e.g., a digital camera) that includes circuitry that converts sensory information to digital data. In addition to the basic sensory device, there would be a controller and a memory that would store the sensor data and/or data from the controller. The device would also be equipped with a conventional RFID chipset and antenna, which would communicate with a host computer via an RFID reader. The controller would function partly as a communication interface, implementing two-way communication protocols at all levels (including RFID if needed) between the sensory device and the memory and between the host computer and the memory. The controller would perform power V

A Space Based Internet Protocol System for Sub-Orbital Tracking and Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bull, Barton; Grant, Charles; Morgan, Dwayne; Streich, Ron; Bauer, Frank (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Personnel from the Goddard Space Flight Center Wallops Flight Facility (GSFC/WFF) in Virginia are responsible for the overall management of the NASA Sounding Rocket Program. Payloads are generally in support of NASA's Space Science Enterprise's missions and return a variety of scientific data as well as providing a reasonably economical means of conducting engineering tests for instruments and devices used on satellites and other spacecraft. The fifteen types of sounding rockets used by NASA can carry payloads of various weights to altitudes from 50 km to more than 1,300 km. Launch activities are conducted not only from established missile ranges, but also from remote locations worldwide requiring mobile tracking and command equipment to be transported and set up at considerable expense. The advent of low earth orbit (LEO) commercial communications satellites provides an opportunity to dramatically reduce tracking and control costs of launch vehicles and Unpiloted Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) by reducing or eliminating this ground infrastructure. Additionally, since data transmission is by packetized Internet Protocol (IP), data can be received and commands initiated from practically any location. A low cost Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) system is currently under development for sounding rockets which also has application to UAVs and scientific balloons. Due to relatively low data rate (9600 baud) currently available, the system will first be used to provide GPS data for tracking and vehicle recovery. Range safety requirements for launch vehicles usually stipulate at least two independent tracking sources. Most sounding rockets flown by NASA now carry GPS receivers that output position data via the payload telemetry system to the ground station. The Flight Modem can be configured as a completely separate link thereby eliminating requirement for tracking radar. The system architecture which integrates antennas, GPS receiver, commercial satellite packet data modem, and a single board computer with custom software is described along with the technical challenges and the plan for their resolution. These include antenna development, high Doppler rates, reliability, environmental ruggedness, hand over between satellites and data security. An aggressive test plan is included which in addition to environmental testing measures bit error rate, latency and antenna patterns. Actual flight tests are planned for the near future on aircraft, long duration balloons and sounding rockets and these results as well as the current status of the project are reported.

A Method for Recognizing State of Finger Flexure and Extension

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Terado, Toshihiko; Fujiwara, Osamu

In our country, the handicapped and the elderly people in bed increase rapidly. In the bedridden person’s daily life, there may be limitations in the physical movement and the means of mutual communication. For the support of their comfortable daily lives, therefore, the development of human interface equipment becomes an important task. The equipment of this kind is being already developed by means of laser beam, eye-tracking, breathing motion and myo-electric signals, while the attachment and handling are normally not so easy. In this study, paying attention to finger motion, we have developed human interface equipment easily attached to the body, which enables one to measure the finger flexure and extension for mutual communication. The state of finger flexure and extension is identified by a threshold level analysis from the 3D-locus data for the finger movement, which can be measured through the infrared rays from the LED markers attached to a glove with the previously developed prototype system. We then have confirmed from an experiment that nearly 100% recognition for the finger movement can be achieved.

Magnetosensitive e-skins with directional perception for augmented reality

PubMed Central

Cañón Bermúdez, Gilbert Santiago; Karnaushenko, Dmitriy D.; Karnaushenko, Daniil; Lebanov, Ana; Bischoff, Lothar; Kaltenbrunner, Martin; Fassbender, Jürgen; Schmidt, Oliver G.; Makarov, Denys

2018-01-01

Electronic skins equipped with artificial receptors are able to extend our perception beyond the modalities that have naturally evolved. These synthetic receptors offer complimentary information on our surroundings and endow us with novel means of manipulating physical or even virtual objects. We realize highly compliant magnetosensitive skins with directional perception that enable magnetic cognition, body position tracking, and touchless object manipulation. Transfer printing of eight high-performance spin valve sensors arranged into two Wheatstone bridges onto 1.7-μm-thick polyimide foils ensures mechanical imperceptibility. This resembles a new class of interactive devices extracting information from the surroundings through magnetic tags. We demonstrate this concept in augmented reality systems with virtual knob-turning functions and the operation of virtual dialing pads, based on the interaction with magnetic fields. This technology will enable a cornucopia of applications from navigation, motion tracking in robotics, regenerative medicine, and sports and gaming to interaction in supplemented reality. PMID:29376121

Time-lapse microscopy and image processing for stem cell research: modeling cell migration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gustavsson, Tomas; Althoff, Karin; Degerman, Johan; Olsson, Torsten; Thoreson, Ann-Catrin; Thorlin, Thorleif; Eriksson, Peter

2003-05-01

This paper presents hardware and software procedures for automated cell tracking and migration modeling. A time-lapse microscopy system equipped with a computer controllable motorized stage was developed. The performance of this stage was improved by incorporating software algorithms for stage motion displacement compensation and auto focus. The microscope is suitable for in-vitro stem cell studies and allows for multiple cell culture image sequence acquisition. This enables comparative studies concerning rate of cell splits, average cell motion velocity, cell motion as a function of cell sample density and many more. Several cell segmentation procedures are described as well as a cell tracking algorithm. Statistical methods for describing cell migration patterns are presented. In particular, the Hidden Markov Model (HMM) was investigated. Results indicate that if the cell motion can be described as a non-stationary stochastic process, then the HMM can adequately model aspects of its dynamic behavior.

The adoption and implementation of RFID technologies in healthcare: a literature review.

PubMed

Yao, Wen; Chu, Chao-Hsien; Li, Zang

2012-12-01

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology not only offers tracking capability to locate equipment, supplies and people in real time, but also provides efficient and accurate access to medical data for health professionals. However, the reality of RFID adoption in healthcare is far behind earlier expectation. This study reviews literature on the use of RFID in healthcare/hospitals following a formal innovation-decision framework. We aim to identify the common applications, potential benefits, barriers, and critical success factors. Our study facilitates quick assessment and provides guidance for researchers and practitioners in adopting RFID in medical arenas. Many earlier adopters in healthcare found RFID to be functional and useful in such areas as asset tracking and patient identification. Major barriers to adoption include technological limitations, interference concerns, prohibitive costs, lack of global standards and privacy concerns. Better designed RFID systems with low cost and privacy issues addressed are needed to increase acceptance of RFID in healthcare.

The Online System for Lidar Data Handling and Real Time Monitoring of Lidar Operations at ALO-USU

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Navarro, Luis A.; Wickwar, Vincent B.; Gamboa, Jose; Milla, Marco

2016-06-01

It is no longer sufficient to use lidar, such as the Rayleigh lidar at the Atmospheric Lidar Observatory (ALO) at Utah State University (USU), to observe the middle atmosphere and reduce the data to geophysical parameters. Extended operations, with inevitable equipment, data reduction, and analysis improvements, require us to keep careful track of all these changes and how they affect the scientific products. Furthermore, many of the funding agencies and the journals now require us to do, at least, some of this. We have built three interconnected data structures to organize and manage the different hardware and software setups from the Internet as well as to keep track of the products generated by these. These structures were implemented as a database, which is particularly important for groups with a large volume of information like the Rayleigh Group at ALO-USU.

Initial Determination of Low Earth Orbits Using Commercial Telescopes

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-03-01

many new technologies have significantly changed the face of private astronomy . Developments such as inexpensive but high-quality sensors, rapid... astronomy . Unpar- alleled access to quality equipment, rapid personal computing, and extensive community support enable nearly anyone to achieve feats in...other subdisciplines of astronomy , this field benefits greatly from recent advances. This project examines how modern equipment is used to track Low Earth

Automatic methods of the processing of data from track detectors on the basis of the PAVICOM facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aleksandrov, A. B.; Goncharova, L. A.; Davydov, D. A.; Publichenko, P. A.; Roganova, T. M.; Polukhina, N. G.; Feinberg, E. L.

2007-02-01

New automatic methods essentially simplify and increase the rate of the processing of data from track detectors. This provides a possibility of processing large data arrays and considerably improves their statistical significance. This fact predetermines the development of new experiments which plan to use large-volume targets, large-area emulsion, and solid-state track detectors [1]. In this regard, the problem of training qualified physicists who are capable of operating modern automatic equipment is very important. Annually, about ten Moscow students master the new methods, working at the Lebedev Physical Institute at the PAVICOM facility [2 4]. Most students specializing in high-energy physics are only given an idea of archaic manual methods of the processing of data from track detectors. In 2005, on the basis of the PAVICOM facility and the physicstraining course of Moscow State University, a new training work was prepared. This work is devoted to the determination of the energy of neutrons passing through a nuclear emulsion. It provides the possibility of acquiring basic practical skills of the processing of data from track detectors using automatic equipment and can be included in the educational process of students of any physical faculty. Those who have mastered the methods of automatic data processing in a simple and pictorial example of track detectors will be able to apply their knowledge in various fields of science and technique. Formulation of training works for pregraduate and graduate students is a new additional aspect of application of the PAVICOM facility described earlier in [4].

Data-Driven Based Asynchronous Motor Control for Printing Servo Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bian, Min; Guo, Qingyun

Modern digital printing equipment aims to the environmental-friendly industry with high dynamic performances and control precision and low vibration and abrasion. High performance motion control system of printing servo systems was required. Control system of asynchronous motor based on data acquisition was proposed. Iterative learning control (ILC) algorithm was studied. PID control was widely used in the motion control. However, it was sensitive to the disturbances and model parameters variation. The ILC applied the history error data and present control signals to approximate the control signal directly in order to fully track the expect trajectory without the system models and structures. The motor control algorithm based on the ILC and PID was constructed and simulation results were given. The results show that data-driven control method is effective dealing with bounded disturbances for the motion control of printing servo systems.

Equipment Management for Sensor Networks: Linking Physical Infrastructure and Actions to Observational Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, A. S.; Horsburgh, J. S.; Matos, M.; Caraballo, J.

2015-12-01

Networks conducting long term monitoring using in situ sensors need the functionality to track physical equipment as well as deployments, calibrations, and other actions related to site and equipment maintenance. The observational data being generated by sensors are enhanced if direct linkages to equipment details and actions can be made. This type of information is typically recorded in field notebooks or in static files, which are rarely linked to observations in a way that could be used to interpret results. However, the record of field activities is often relevant to analysis or post-processing of the observational data. We have developed an underlying database schema and deployed a web interface for recording and retrieving information on physical infrastructure and related actions for observational networks. The database schema for equipment was designed as an extension to the Observations Data Model 2 (ODM2), a community-developed information model for spatially discrete, feature based earth observations. The core entities of ODM2 describe location, observed variable, and timing of observations, and the equipment extension contains entities to provide additional metadata specific to the inventory of physical infrastructure and associated actions. The schema is implemented in a relational database system for storage and management with an associated web interface. We designed the web-based tools for technicians to enter and query information on the physical equipment and actions such as site visits, equipment deployments, maintenance, and calibrations. These tools were implemented for the iUTAH (innovative Urban Transitions and Aridregion Hydrosustainability) ecohydrologic observatory, and we anticipate that they will be useful for similar large-scale monitoring networks desiring to link observing infrastructure to observational data to increase the quality of sensor-based data products.

Launching Payloads Into Orbit at Relatively Low Cost

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilcox, Brian

2007-01-01

A report proposes the development of a system for launching payloads into orbit at about one-fifth the cost per unit payload weight of current systems. The PILOT system was a solid-fuel, aerodynamically spun and spin-stabilized, five-stage rocket with onboard controls including little more than an optoelectronic horizon sensor and a timer for triggering the second and fifth stages, respectively. The proposal calls for four improvements over the PILOT system to enable control of orbital parameters: (1) the aerodynamic tipover of the rocket at the top of the atmosphere could be modeled as a nonuniform gyroscopic precession and could be controlled by selection of the initial rocket configuration and launch conditions; (2) the attitude of the rocket at the top of the first-stage trajectory could be measured by use of radar tracking or differential Global Positioning System receivers to determine when to trigger the second stage; (3) the final-stage engines could be configured around the payload to enhance spin stabilization during a half-orbit coast up to apoapsis where the final stage would be triggered; and (4) the final payload stage could be equipped with a "beltline" of small thrusters for correcting small errors in the trajectory as measured by an off-board tracking subsystem.

49 CFR 220.61 - Radio transmission of mandatory directives.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RAILROAD COMMUNICATIONS Radio and Wireless Communication Procedures... the duration of the train crew's work assignment. (ii) For on-track equipment, before a mandatory...

Teaching animal habitat selection using wildlife tracking equipment

USGS Publications Warehouse

Laskowski, Jessica; Gillespie, Caitlyn R.; Corral, Lucia; Oden, Amy; Fricke, Kent A.; Fontaine, Joseph J.

2016-01-01

We present a hands-on outdoor activity coupled with classroom discussion to teach students about wildlife habitat selection, the process by which animals choose where to live. By selecting locations or habitats with many benefits (e.g., food, shelter, mates) and few costs (e.g., predators), animals improve their ability to survive and reproduce. Biologists track animal movement using radio telemetry technology to study habitat selection so they can better provide species with habitats that promote population growth. We present a curriculum in which students locate “animals” (transmitters) using radio telemetry equipment and apply math skills (use of fractions and percentages) to assess their “animal's” habitat selection by comparing the availability of habitat types with the proportion of “animals” they find in each habitat type.

Construction and Performance Studies of Large Resistive Micromegas Quadruplets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farina, E.; Iengo, P.; Bianco, M.; Sidiropoulou, O.; Kuger, F.; Sekhniaidze, G.; Vergain, M.; Wotschack, J.; Danielsson, H.; Degrange, J.; De Oliveira, R.; Schott, M.; Lin, Tai-Hua; Valderanis, C.; Düdder, A.

2018-02-01

In view of the use of Micromegas detectors for the upgrade of the ATLAS muon system, two detector quadruplets with an area of 0.3 m2 per plane serving as prototypes for future ATLAS chambers have been constructed. They are based on the resistive-strip technology and thus spark tolerant. The detectors were built in a modular way. The quadruplets consist of two double-sided readout panels and three support (or drift) panels equipped with the micromesh and the drift electrode. The panels are bolted together such that the detector can be opened and cleaned, if required. Two of the readout planes are equipped with readout strips inclined by 1.5 degree. In this talk, we present the results of detailed performance studies based on X-Ray and cosmic ray measurements as well as measurements with 855 MeV electrons at the MAMI accelerator. In particular, results on reconstruction efficiencies, track resolution and gain homogeneity is presented.

Sci—Fri PM: Topics — 08: The Role and Benefits of Electromagnetic Needle-Tracking Technologies in Brachytherapy

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

Beaulieu, L.; Racine, E.; Boutaleb, S.

In modern brachytherapy, application of large doses of ionizing radiation in a limited number of fractions is frequent. Furthermore, as with any surgical procedures, brachytherapy is subject to learning curve effects. In this context, there could be advantages of integrating real-time tracking of needles/catheters to existing protocols given the recent prominent advances in tracking technologies. In this work, we review the use of an electromagnetic tracking system (EMTS) based on the second generation Aurora® Planar Field Generator (Northern Digital Inc) and custom design needles (Philips Healthcare) for brachytherapy applications. The position and orientation information is obtained from 5 degrees ofmore » freedom sensors. Basic system performance characterization is performed in well-controlled conditions to establish accuracy and reproducibility as well as potential interference from standard brachytherapy equipment. The results show that sensor locations can be tracked to within 0.04mm (la) when located within 26cm of the generator. Orientation accuracy of the needle remained within ±1° in the same region, but rose quickly at larger distances. The errors on position and orientation strongly dependent the sensor position in the characterization volume (500×500×500mm{sup 3}). The presence of an ultrasound probe was shown to have negligible effects on tracking accuracy. The use of EMTS for automatic catheter/applicator reconstruction was also explored. Reconstruction time was less than 10 sec/channel and tips identification was within 0.69±0.29mm of the reference values. Finally, we demonstrate that hollow needle designs with special EM adaptation also allow for real-time seed drop position estimation. In phantom experiments showed that drop positions were on average within 1.6±0.9mm of the reference position measured from μCT. Altogether, EMTS offer promising benefits in a wide range of brachytherapy applications.« less

Design and fabrication of prototype system for early warning of impending bearing failure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meacher, J.; Chen, H. M.

1974-01-01

A test program was conducted with the objective of developing a method and equipment for on-line monitoring of installed ball bearings to detect deterioration or impending failure of the bearings. The program was directed at the spin-axis bearings of a control moment gyro. The bearings were tested at speeds of 6000 and 8000 rpm, thrust loads from 50 to 1000 pounds, with a wide range of lubrication conditions, with and without a simulated fatigue spall implanted in the inner race ball track. It was concluded that a bearing monitor system based on detection and analysis of modulations of a fault indicating bearing resonance frequency can provide a low threshold of sensitivity.

STS-70 mission highlights

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1995-09-01

The highlights of the STS-70 mission are presented in this video. The flight crew consisted of Cmdr. John Hendricks, Pilot Kevin Kregel, Flight Engineer Nancy Curie, and Mission Specialists Dr. Don Thomas and Dr. Mary Ellen Weber. The mission's primary objective was the deployment of the 7th Tracking Data and Relay Satellite (TDRS), which will provide a communication, tracking, telemetry, data acquisition, and command services space-based network system essential to low Earth orbital spacecraft. Secondary mission objectives included activating and studying the Physiological and Anatomical Rodent Experiment/National Institutes of Health-Rodents (PARE/NIH-R), The Bioreactor Demonstration System (BDS), the Commercial Protein Crystal Growth (CPCG) studies, the Space Tissue Loss/National Institutes of Health-Cells (STL/NIH-C) experiment, the Biological Research in Canisters (BRIC) experiment, Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment-2 (SAREX-2), the Visual Function Tester-4 (VFT-4), the Hand-Held, Earth Oriented, Real-Time, Cooperative, User-Friendly, Location-Targeting and Environmental System (HERCULES), the Microcapsules in Space-B (MIS-B) experiment, the Windows Experiment (WINDEX), the Radiation Monitoring Equipment-3 (RME-3), and the Military Applications of Ship Tracks (MAST) experiment. There was an in-orbit dedication ceremony by the spacecrew and the newly Integrated Mission Control Center to commemorate the Center's integration. The STS-70 mission was the first mission monitored by this new control center. Earth views included the Earth's atmosphere, a sunrise over the Earth's horizon, several views of various land masses, some B/W lightning shots, some cloud cover, and a tropical storm.

Detection and laser ranging of orbital objects using optical methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wagner, P.; Hampf, D.; Sproll, F.; Hasenohr, T.; Humbert, L.; Rodmann, J.; Riede, W.

2016-09-01

Laser ranging to satellites (SLR) in earth orbit is an established technology used for geodesy, fundamental science and precise orbit determination. A combined active and passive optical measurement system using a single telescope mount is presented which performs precise ranging measurements of retro reflector equipped objects in low earth orbit (LEO). The German Aerospace Center (DLR) runs an observatory in Stuttgart where a system has been assembled completely from commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components. The visible light directed to the tracking camera is used to perform angular measurements of objects under investigation. This is done astrometrically by comparing the apparent target position with cataloged star positions. First successful satellite laser ranging was demonstrated recently using an optical fiber directing laser pulses onto the astronomical mount. The transmitter operates at a wavelength of 1064 nm with a repetition rate of 3 kHz and pulse energy of 25 μJ. A motorized tip/tilt mount allows beam steering of the collimated beam with μrad accuracy. The returning photons reflected from the object in space are captured with the tracking telescope. A special low aberration beam splitter unit was designed to separate the infrared from visible light. This allows passive optical closed loop tracking and operation of a single photon detector for time of flight measurements at a single telescope simultaneously. The presented innovative design yields to a compact and cost effective but very precise ranging system which allows orbit determination.

Aerodynamics of High-Lift Configuration Civil Aircraft Model in JAXA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yokokawa, Yuzuru; Murayama, Mitsuhiro; Ito, Takeshi; Yamamoto, Kazuomi

This paper presents basic aerodynamics and stall characteristics of the high-lift configuration aircraft model JSM (JAXA Standard Model). During research process of developing high-lift system design method, wind tunnel testing at JAXA 6.5m by 5.5m low-speed wind tunnel and Navier-Stokes computation on unstructured hybrid mesh were performed for a realistic configuration aircraft model equipped with high-lift devices, fuselage, nacelle-pylon, slat tracks and Flap Track Fairings (FTF), which was assumed 100 passenger class modern commercial transport aircraft. The testing and the computation aimed to understand flow physics and then to obtain some guidelines for designing a high performance high-lift system. As a result of the testing, Reynolds number effects within linear region and stall region were observed. Analysis of static pressure distribution and flow visualization gave the knowledge to understand the aerodynamic performance. CFD could capture the whole characteristics of basic aerodynamics and clarify flow mechanism which governs stall characteristics even for complicated geometry and its flow field. This collaborative work between wind tunnel testing and CFD is advantageous for improving or has improved the aerodynamic performance.

Breadboard stellar tracker system test report, volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kollodge, J. C.; Hubbard, M. W.; Jain, S.; Schons, C. A.

1981-01-01

The performance of a star tracker equipped with a focal plane detector was evaluated. The CID board is an array of 256 x 256 pixels which are 20 x 20 micrometers in dimension. The tracker used for test was a breadboard tracker system developed by BASD. Unique acquisition and tracking algorithms are employed to enhance performance. A pattern recognition process is used to test for proper image spread function and to avoid false acquisition on noise. A very linear, high gain, interpixel transfer function is derived for interpolating star position. The lens used in the tracker has an EFL of 100 mm. The tracker has an FOV of 2.93 degrees resulting in a pixel angular subtense of 41.253 arc sec in each axis. The test procedure used for the program presented a star to the tracker in a circular pattern of positions; the pattern was formed by projecting a simulated star through a rotatable deviation wedge. Further tests determined readout noise, Noise Equivalent Displacement during track, and spatial noise during acquisition by taking related data and reducing it.

Ground-based measurements of inflight antenna patterns for imaging radar systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seifert, Pedro; Lentz, Harald; Zink, Manfred; Heel, Franz

1992-11-01

An approach is presented on how to determine the inflight antenna pattern in the cross-track direction for air- and spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems. In the 1991 Oberpfaffenhofen DC-8/E-SAR calibration campaign there was a good opportunity to test ground-based measurement equipment comprising 18 precision calibration receivers and nine polarimetric active radar calibrators (PARC's), all operating in C-band. These devices were designed and manufactured by the Institute of Navigation at the University of Stuttgart (INS). These instruments are capable of handling various pulse lengths, PRF's, and have a very high dynamic range. Together with precise internal clocks, these instruments are suitable for recording the actual radar transmit pulse shape for the later evaluation of the desired inflight antenna pattern. Lining up these devices in the cross-track direction, each receiver yields an azimuth cut of the three-dimensional antenna pattern. The elevation pattern was then obtained by time correlation of these azimuth cuts. Further results concerning pulse shapes, squint angles, and H-V pattern misalignment are presented.

Research and Development in Optical Communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, Keith

2004-01-01

A report in the form of lecture slides summarizes the optical-communications program of NASA s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and describes the JPL Optical Communications Telescope Laboratory (OCTL) and its role in the program. The purpose of the program is to develop equipment and techniques for laser communication between (1) ground stations and (2) spacecraft (both near Earth and in deep space) and aircraft. The OCTL is an astronomical- style telescope facility that includes a 1-m-diameter, 75.8-m-focal length telescope in an elevation/azimuth mount, plus optical and electronic subsystems for tracking spacecraft and aircraft, receiving laser signals from such moving targets, and transmitting high-power laser signals to such targets. Near-term research at the OCTL is expected to focus on mitigating the effects of atmospheric scintillation on uplinks and on beacon-assisted tracking of ground stations by stations in deep space. Near-term experiments are expected to be performed with retroreflector-equipped aircraft and Earth-orbiting spacecraft techniques to test mathematical models of propagation of laser beams, multiple-beam strategies to mitigate uplink scintillation, and pointing and tracking accuracy of the telescope.

State Recognition of High Voltage Isolation Switch Based on Background Difference and Iterative Search

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jiayuan; Yu, Chengtao; Bo, Bin; Xue, Yu; Xu, Changfu; Chaminda, P. R. Dushantha; Hu, Chengbo; Peng, Kai

2018-03-01

The automatic recognition of the high voltage isolation switch by remote video monitoring is an effective means to ensure the safety of the personnel and the equipment. The existing methods mainly include two ways: improving monitoring accuracy and adopting target detection technology through equipment transformation. Such a method is often applied to specific scenarios, with limited application scope and high cost. To solve this problem, a high voltage isolation switch state recognition method based on background difference and iterative search is proposed in this paper. The initial position of the switch is detected in real time through the background difference method. When the switch starts to open and close, the target tracking algorithm is used to track the motion trajectory of the switch. The opening and closing state of the switch is determined according to the angle variation of the switch tracking point and the center line. The effectiveness of the method is verified by experiments on different switched video frames of switching states. Compared with the traditional methods, this method is more robust and effective.

Soil compaction effects of forwarding and its relationship with 6- and 8-wheel drive machines

Treesearch

Fernando Seixas; Tim McDonald

1997-01-01

A study was done to determine the impact, if any, of a range of drive train options on the soil compaction effects of forwarders. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the cost of optional forwarder equipment versus its ability to reduce detrimental soil physical property changes. Tests were done on forwarders equipped with wide and narrow tires, rear steel tracks,...

A User Guide for Smoothing Air Traffic Radar Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bach, Ralph E.; Paielli, Russell A.

2014-01-01

Matlab software was written to provide smoothing of radar tracking data to simulate ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) data in order to test a tactical conflict probe. The probe, called TSAFE (Tactical Separation-Assured Flight Environment), is designed to handle air-traffic conflicts left undetected or unresolved when loss-of-separation is predicted to occur within approximately two minutes. The data stream that is down-linked from an aircraft equipped with an ADS-B system would include accurate GPS-derived position and velocity information at sample rates of 1 Hz. Nation-wide ADS-B equipage (mandated by 2020) should improve surveillance accuracy and TSAFE performance. Currently, position data are provided by Center radar (nominal 12-sec samples) and Terminal radar (nominal 4.8-sec samples). Aircraft ground speed and ground track are estimated using real-time filtering, causing lags up to 60 sec, compromising performance of a tactical resolution tool. Offline smoothing of radar data reduces wild-point errors, provides a sample rate as high as 1 Hz, and yields more accurate and lag-free estimates of ground speed, ground track, and climb rate. Until full ADS-B implementation is available, smoothed radar data should provide reasonable track estimates for testing TSAFE in an ADS-B-like environment. An example illustrates the smoothing of radar data and shows a comparison of smoothed-radar and ADS-B tracking. This document is intended to serve as a guide for using the smoothing software.

Polarized-interferometer feasibility study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raab, F. H.

1983-01-01

The feasibility of using a polarized-interferometer system as a rendezvous and docking sensor for two cooperating spacecraft was studied. The polarized interferometer is a radio frequency system for long range, real time determination of relative position and attitude. Range is determined by round trip signal timing. Direction is determined by radio interferometry. Relative roll is determined from signal polarization. Each spacecraft is equipped with a transponder and an antenna array. The antenna arrays consist of four crossed dipoles that can transmit or receive either circularly or linearly polarized signals. The active spacecraft is equipped with a sophisticated transponder and makes all measurements. The transponder on the passive spacecraft is a relatively simple repeater. An initialization algorithm is developed to estimate position and attitude without any a priori information. A tracking algorithm based upon minimum variance linear estimators is also developed. Techniques to simplify the transponder on the passive spacecraft are investigated and a suitable configuration is determined. A multiple carrier CW signal format is selected. The dependence of range accuracy and ambiguity resolution error probability are derived and used to design a candidate system. The validity of the design and the feasibility of the polarized interferometer concept are verified by simulation.

50 kW laser weapon demonstrator of Rheinmetall Waffe munition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ludewigt, K.; Riesbeck, Th.; Graf, A.; Jung, M.

2013-10-01

We will present the setup of a 50 kW Laser Weapon Demonstrator (LWD) and results achieved with this system. The LWD is a ground based Air Defence system consisting of a Skyguard sensor unit for target acquisition and two laser equipped weapon turrets. The weapon turrets used are standard air defence turrets of Rheinmetall Air Defence which were equipped with several 10 kW Laser Weapon Modules (LWM). Each LWM consists of one 10 kW fiber laser and a beam forming unit (BFU). Commercial of the shelf fiber laser were modified for our defence applications. The BFU providing diffraction limited beam focusing, target imaging and fine tracking of the target was developed. The LWD was tested in a firing campaign at Rheinmetall test ground in Switzerland. All laser beams of both weapon turrets were superimposed on stationary and dynamic targets. Test results of the LWD for the scenarios Air Defence and C-RAMM (counter rockets, artillery, mortar and missiles) will be presented. An outlook for the next development stage towards a 100 kW class laser weapon on RWM will be given.

Sediment transport measurements: Chapter 5

USGS Publications Warehouse

Diplas, P.; Kuhnle, R.; Gray, J.; Glysson, D.; Edwards, T.; García, Marcelo H.

2008-01-01

Sediment erosion, transport, and deposition in fluvial systems are complex processes that are treated in detail in other sections of this book. Development of methods suitable for the collection of data that contribute to understanding these processes is a still-evolving science. Sediment and ancillary data are fundamental requirements for the proper management of river systems, including the design of structures, the determination of aspects of stream behavior, ascertaining the probable effect of removing an existing structure, estimation of bulk erosion, transport, and sediment delivery to the oceans, ascertaining the long-term usefulness of reservoirs and other public works, tracking movement of solid-phase contaminants, restoration of degraded or otherwise modified streams, and assistance in the calibration and validation of numerical models. This chapter presents techniques for measuring bed-material properties and suspended and bed-load discharges. Well-established and relatively recent, yet adequately tested, sampling equipment and methodologies, with designs that are guided by sound physical and statistical principles, are described. Where appropriate, the theory behind the development of the equipment and guidelines for its use are presented.

Radio frequency identification: the big role player in health care management.

PubMed

Mehrjerdi, Yahia Zare

2011-01-01

This paper seeks to review the fundamental concepts of radio frequency identification (RFID) and to discuss the fact that the road to success for healthcare systems is the thorough management of patients, employees, equipment, medications, and records throughout the industry. Thereafter, it aims to prepare a deep review of the technology, study seven new cases on the topic of healthcare management and deliver a broad applications area thereof. The paper identifies key elements of RFID through the review of healthcare management literature and case studies. For this purpose, seven cases from the healthcare industry are reviewed to demonstrate the extent of the applications of RFID in this area. To make healthcare management systems functional and successfully operational, RFID solutions can be used to reduce operating costs through management of patients, employees, equipment, medications, and records to improve tracking and tracing, and preventing the lost of resources under any circumstances. This paper delivers a review of RFID on the healthcare industry. For this reason, the basic and key point on RFID technology is discussed and seven cases from the literature are reviewed.

Automated and comprehensive link engineering supporting branched, ring, and mesh network topologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farina, J.; Khomchenko, D.; Yevseyenko, D.; Meester, J.; Richter, A.

2016-02-01

Link design, while relatively easy in the past, can become quite cumbersome with complex channel plans and equipment configurations. The task of designing optical transport systems and selecting equipment is often performed by an applications or sales engineer using simple tools, such as custom Excel spreadsheets. Eventually, every individual has their own version of the spreadsheet as well as their own methodology for building the network. This approach becomes unmanageable very quickly and leads to mistakes, bending of the engineering rules and installations that do not perform as expected. We demonstrate a comprehensive planning environment, which offers an efficient approach to unify, control and expedite the design process by controlling libraries of equipment and engineering methodologies, automating the process and providing the analysis tools necessary to predict system performance throughout the system and for all channels. In addition to the placement of EDFAs and DCEs, performance analysis metrics are provided at every step of the way. Metrics that can be tracked include power, CD and OSNR, SPM, XPM, FWM and SBS. Automated routine steps assist in design aspects such as equalization, padding and gain setting for EDFAs, the placement of ROADMs and transceivers, and creating regeneration points. DWDM networks consisting of a large number of nodes and repeater huts, interconnected in linear, branched, mesh and ring network topologies, can be designed much faster when compared with conventional design methods. Using flexible templates for all major optical components, our technology-agnostic planning approach supports the constant advances in optical communications.

Tracking with a Cooperatively Controlled Swarm of GMTI Equipped UAVS

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-12-02

with Ground Optimal Placement of GMTI UAVs for ground target tracking Abhijit Sinha°, Thia. Kirubarajana and Yaakov Bar-Shalom6 " Electrical and...Storrs, CT 06269, USA Abstract—With the recent advent of moderate-cost unmanned (or uninhabited) aerial vehicles (UAV) and their success in...the sensor platforms are mobile one has to decide the optimal placement of sensors. With the recent advent of af- fordable unmanned aerial vehicles

Performance of a Tracked Feller-Buncher with a Shear Head Operating in Small-Diameter Pine

Treesearch

J. Klepac

2013-01-01

A Tigercat 845D tracked feller-buncher equipped with a shear head was evaluated while performing a clearcut in a 15-year old Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) plantation and a 18-year old natural stand. Mean density of the plantation was 573 TPA (Trees per Acre) while the natural stand averaged 328 TPA, with a slightly higher density of 390 TPA in the study area. Total cycle...

Programmatic Environmental Assessment High Speed Test Track (HSTT) Operations Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-01

include a machine shop, a welding shop, carpenter and wood shop, metal heat treatment shop, bead blast shop, paint shop, non-destructive inspection...annually. In 2005, 227 motors were fired. Sled operation can involve activities such as carrying explosives, testing ejection seats, shooting lasers ...Cinetheodolite-type metric cameras and/or laser tracking equipment are used for aircraft flight trajectories exceeding 500 feet above ground level

High-Energy Cosmic-Ray Antiprotons with the CAPRICE98 experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boezio, M.; Ambriola, M.; Bartalucci, S.; Bellotti, R.; Bergström, D.; Bonvicini, V.; Bravar, U.; Cafagna, F.; Carlson, P.; Casolino, M.; Ciacio, F.; Circella, M.; De Marzo, C. N.; De Pascale, M. P.; Finetti, N.; Francke, T.; Hansen, P.; Hof, M.; Kremer, J.; Menn, W.; Mitchell, J. W.; Mocchitti, E.; Morselli, A.; Ormes, J. F.; Papini, P.; Piccardi, S.; Picozza, P.; Ricci, M.; Schiavon, P.; Simon, M.; Sparvoli, R.; Spillantini, P.; Stephens, S. A.; Stochaj, S. J.; Streitmatter, R. E.; Suffert, M.; Vacchi, A.; Vannuccini, E.; Zampa, N.; WIZARD/CAPRICE Collaboration

2001-08-01

Observations of cosmic-ray antiprotons were performed by the balloon-borne experiment CAPRICE98 that was flown on 28-29 May 1998 from Fort Sumner, New Mexico, USA. The experiment used the NMSU-WIZARD/CAPRICE98 balloon-borne magnet spectrometer equipped with a gas Ring Imaging Cherenkov detector, a time-of-flight system, a tracking device consisting of drift chambers and a superconducting magnet and a silicon-tungsten calorimeter. We report on the absolute-antiproton-energy spectrum determined in the kinetic energy region at the top of the atmosphere between 3.2 and 49.1 GeV.

A Participatory Agent-Based Simulation for Indoor Evacuation Supported by Google Glass.

PubMed

Sánchez, Jesús M; Carrera, Álvaro; Iglesias, Carlos Á; Serrano, Emilio

2016-08-24

Indoor evacuation systems are needed for rescue and safety management. One of the challenges is to provide users with personalized evacuation routes in real time. To this end, this project aims at exploring the possibilities of Google Glass technology for participatory multiagent indoor evacuation simulations. Participatory multiagent simulation combines scenario-guided agents and humans equipped with Google Glass that coexist in a shared virtual space and jointly perform simulations. The paper proposes an architecture for participatory multiagent simulation in order to combine devices (Google Glass and/or smartphones) with an agent-based social simulator and indoor tracking services.

Results Of Automating A Photolithography Cell In A Clean Tunnel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

June, David H.

1987-01-01

A prototype automated photobay was installed in an existing fab area utilizing flexible material handling techniques within a clean tunnel. The project objective was to prove design concepts of automated cassette-to-cassette handling within a clean tunnel that isolated operators from the wafers being processed. Material handling was by monorail track transport system to feed cassettes to pick and place robots. The robots loaded and unloaded cassettes of wafers to each of the various pieces of process equipment. The material handling algorithms, recipe downloading and statistical process control functions were all performed by custom software on the photobay cell controller.

Major technological innovations introduced in the large antennas of the Deep Space Network

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Imbriale, W. A.

2002-01-01

The NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) is the largest and most sensitive scientific, telecommunications and radio navigation network in the world. Its principal responsibilities are to provide communications, tracking, and science services to most of the world's spacecraft that travel beyond low Earth orbit. The network consists of three Deep Space Communications Complexes. Each of the three complexes consists of multiple large antennas equipped with ultra sensitive receiving systems. A centralized Signal Processing Center (SPC) remotely controls the antennas, generates and transmits spacecraft commands, and receives and processes the spacecraft telemetry.

Influence of track surface on the equine superficial digital flexor tendon loading in two horses at high speed trot.

PubMed

Crevier-Denoix, N; Pourcelot, P; Ravary, B; Robin, D; Falala, S; Uzel, S; Grison, A C; Valette, J P; Denoix, J M; Chateau, H

2009-03-01

Although track surfaces are a risk factor of tendon injuries, their effects on tendon loading at high speed are unknown. Using a noninvasive ultrasonic technique, it is now possible to evaluate the forces in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in exercise conditions. To compare the effects of an all-weather waxed track (W) vs. a crushed sand track (S), on the SDFT loading in the trotter horse at high speed. Two trotter horses were equipped with the ultrasonic device (1 MHz ultrasonic probe, fixed on the palmar metacarpal area of the right forelimb). For each trial, data acquisition was made at 400 Hz and 10 consecutive strides were analysed. In each session, the 2 track surfaces were tested in a straight line. The speed was imposed at 10 m/s and recorded. The right forelimb was also equipped with a dynamometric horseshoe and skin markers. The horse was filmed with a high-speed camera (600 Hz); all recordings were synchronised. Statistical differences were tested using the GLM procedure (SAS; P < 0.05). Maximal tendon force was significantly lower on W compared with S. In addition to maximal force peaks around mid-stance, earlier peaks were observed, more pronounced on S than on W, at about 13% (horse 2) and 30% (both horses) of the stance phase. Comparison with kinematic data revealed that these early peaks were accompanied by plateaux in the fetlock angle-time chart. For high tendon forces, the tendon maximal loading rate was significantly lower on W than on S. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The all-weather waxed track appears to induce a lesser and more gradual SDFT loading than crushed sand. The SDFT loading pattern at high speed trot suggests proximal interphalangeal joint movements during limb loading.

Dynamic Performance of Maximum Power Point Trackers in TEG Systems Under Rapidly Changing Temperature Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Man, E. A.; Sera, D.; Mathe, L.; Schaltz, E.; Rosendahl, L.

2016-03-01

Characterization of thermoelectric generators (TEG) is widely discussed and equipment has been built that can perform such analysis. One method is often used to perform such characterization: constant temperature with variable thermal power input. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods for TEG systems are mostly tested under steady-state conditions for different constant input temperatures. However, for most TEG applications, the input temperature gradient changes, exposing the MPPT to variable tracking conditions. An example is the exhaust pipe on hybrid vehicles, for which, because of the intermittent operation of the internal combustion engine, the TEG and its MPPT controller are exposed to a cyclic temperature profile. Furthermore, there are no guidelines on how fast the MPPT must be under such dynamic conditions. In the work discussed in this paper, temperature gradients for TEG integrated in several applications were evaluated; the results showed temperature variation up to 5°C/s for TEG systems. Electrical characterization of a calcium-manganese oxide TEG was performed at steady-state for different input temperatures and a maximum temperature of 401°C. By using electrical data from characterization of the oxide module, a solar array simulator was emulated to perform as a TEG. A trapezoidal temperature profile with different gradients was used on the TEG simulator to evaluate the dynamic MPPT efficiency. It is known that the perturb and observe (P&O) algorithm may have difficulty accurately tracking under rapidly changing conditions. To solve this problem, a compromise must be found between the magnitude of the increment and the sampling frequency of the control algorithm. The standard P&O performance was evaluated experimentally by using different temperature gradients for different MPPT sampling frequencies, and efficiency values are provided for all cases. The results showed that a tracking speed of 2.5 Hz can be successfully implemented on a TEG system to provide ˜95% MPPT efficiency when the input temperature is changing at 5°C/s.

19 CFR 114.22 - Coverage of carnets.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... photographs (with or without sound track) showing the nature or operation of products or equipment whose... or in containers, even if the containers, without being loaded on road vehicles, are carried by other...

19 CFR 114.22 - Coverage of carnets.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... photographs (with or without sound track) showing the nature or operation of products or equipment whose... or in containers, even if the containers, without being loaded on road vehicles, are carried by other...

19 CFR 114.22 - Coverage of carnets.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... photographs (with or without sound track) showing the nature or operation of products or equipment whose... or in containers, even if the containers, without being loaded on road vehicles, are carried by other...

19 CFR 114.22 - Coverage of carnets.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... photographs (with or without sound track) showing the nature or operation of products or equipment whose... or in containers, even if the containers, without being loaded on road vehicles, are carried by other...

19 CFR 114.22 - Coverage of carnets.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... photographs (with or without sound track) showing the nature or operation of products or equipment whose... or in containers, even if the containers, without being loaded on road vehicles, are carried by other...

Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) development programme in India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janardhana, E.

The design of the Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), for the launching (by 1990) of 1-1.5-tonne payloads into 900-km sun-synchronous orbit, is discussed, and the mission development program is described. The first stage is a solid propellant motor augmented by six solid strap-ons, and the second stage of liquid storable propellant has a high thrust gimballed engine. A high performance solid motor incorporates a flex nozzle for control as the third stage, and the fourth stage is a liquid propulsion system using N204 and MMH propellant with two regeneratively cooled engines. The vehicle equipment bay, housing the inertial guidance and control system, and the TTC system are located around the fourth stage for guidance and tracking with the associated ground segment until spacecraft ejection into orbit.

Quantitative comparison of the application accuracy between NDI and IGT tracking systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Qinghang; Zamorano, Lucia J.; Jiang, Charlie Z. W.; Gong, JianXing; Diaz, Fernando

1999-07-01

The application accuracy is a crucial factor for the stereotactic surgical localization system in which space digitization system is one of the most important part of equipment. In this study we compared the application accuracy of using the OPTOTRAK space digitization system (OPTOTRAK 3020, Northern Digital, Waterloo, CAN) and FlashPoint Model 3000 and 5000 3-D digitizer systems (FlashPoint Model 3000 and 5000, Image Guided Surgery Technology Inc., Boulder, CO 80301, USA) for interactive localization of intracranial lesions. A phantom was mounted with the implantable frameless marker system (Fischer- Leibinger, Freiburg, Germany) which randomly distributed markers on the surface of the phantom. The target point was digitized and the coordinates were recorded and compared with reference points. The differences from the reference points were used as the deviation from the `true point'. The mean square root was calculated to show the sum of vectors. A paired t-test was used to analyze results. The results of the phantom showed that the mean square roots were 0.76 +/- 0.54 mm for the OPTOTRAK system and 1.23 +/- 0.53 mm for FlashPoint Model 3000 3-D digitizer system and 1.00 +/- 0.42 mm for FlashPoint Model 3000 3-D digitizer system in the 1 mm sections of CT scan. This preliminary results showed that there is no significant difference between two tracking systems. Both of them can be used for image guided surgery procedure.

Audit Report on "Management Controls over the Department's Excess Weapons Inventories and Selected Sensitive Equipment used by Protective Forces"

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

None

2009-01-01

Since September 11, 2001, the Department of Energy has, on several occasions, revised its security posture based on identified threats and adversaries. These revisions in security posture have driven Departmental sites to upgrade their defensive and tactical equipment. Subsequent changes in the perceived threats have, in some cases, led to a reduction in the need for certain types of weapons, thus creating a pool of surplus equipment. These surplus weapons could potentially be used by other Department sites and Federal law enforcement agencies. Recent Office of Inspector General reports have raised concerns with the adequacy of controls related to defensivemore » and tactical equipment. For example, our report on Management Controls Over Defense Related High Risk Property (OAS-M-08-06, April 2008) found that administrative controls over certain defense related high risk property were not sufficient for providing accountability over these items. Because of prior reported weaknesses in controls over defensive and tactical equipment, we initiated this audit to determine whether the Department and its contractors were properly managing excess weapons inventories and selected sensitive equipment used by protective forces. Our review disclosed that the Department was not always properly managing its inventories of excess weapons and selected sensitive equipment. We identified issues with the retention of unneeded weapons at many locations and with the identification and tracking of sensitive items. More specifically: Sites maintained large inventories of weapons that were no longer needed but had not been made available for use by either other Departmental sites or other Federal law enforcement agencies. For instance, at six of the locations included in our review we identified a total of 2,635 unneeded weapons with a total acquisition value of over $2.8 million that had not been officially declared as excess - an action that would have made them available for others to use. In addition; Sites were not always identifying, tracking and properly disposing of potentially high risk and sensitive equipment. In particular, we identified control weaknesses in this area related to weapons sights and scopes. These issues occurred because the Department did not have processes in place to properly manage excess inventories of weapons. In particular, the Department does not have requirements for ensuring timely declaration of excess weapons. Additionally, certain sites indicated that they were unwilling to give up excess weapons because of the possibility that they may be needed in the future. However, other sites had a need for some of these weapons and could have avoided purchasing them had they been made available through the excess screening process. Also, we found that the Department lacks clear guidance on the identification of high risk/sensitive equipment. Except for immaterial differences, we were able to locate and verify accountability over the items of defensive and tactical equipment we selected for review. Specifically, we took statistical samples of weapons, ammunition, and other related equipment and were able to verify their existence. While these accountability measures were noteworthy, additional action is necessary to strengthen controls over weapon and sensitive equipment management. Untimely declaration of excess weapons may result in an inefficient use of scarce Government resources. Similarly, if selected high risk/sensitive equipment is not properly categorized and tracked, accountability issues may occur. To address these issues, we made recommendations aimed at improving the management of these categories of defensive and tactical equipment.« less

Enabling Disabled Persons to Gain Access to Digital Media

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beach, Glenn; OGrady, Ryan

2011-01-01

A report describes the first phase in an effort to enhance the NaviGaze software to enable profoundly disabled persons to operate computers. (Running on a Windows-based computer equipped with a video camera aimed at the user s head, the original NaviGaze software processes the user's head movements and eye blinks into cursor movements and mouse clicks to enable hands-free control of the computer.) To accommodate large variations in movement capabilities among disabled individuals, one of the enhancements was the addition of a graphical user interface for selection of parameters that affect the way the software interacts with the computer and tracks the user s movements. Tracking algorithms were improved to reduce sensitivity to rotations and reduce the likelihood of tracking the wrong features. Visual feedback to the user was improved to provide an indication of the state of the computer system. It was found that users can quickly learn to use the enhanced software, performing single clicks, double clicks, and drags within minutes of first use. Available programs that could increase the usability of NaviGaze were identified. One of these enables entry of text by using NaviGaze as a mouse to select keys on a virtual keyboard.

A software-based tool for video motion tracking in the surgical skills assessment landscape.

PubMed

Ganni, Sandeep; Botden, Sanne M B I; Chmarra, Magdalena; Goossens, Richard H M; Jakimowicz, Jack J

2018-01-16

The use of motion tracking has been proved to provide an objective assessment in surgical skills training. Current systems, however, require the use of additional equipment or specialised laparoscopic instruments and cameras to extract the data. The aim of this study was to determine the possibility of using a software-based solution to extract the data. 6 expert and 23 novice participants performed a basic laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure in the operating room. The recorded videos were analysed using Kinovea 0.8.15 and the following parameters calculated the path length, average instrument movement and number of sudden or extreme movements. The analysed data showed that experts had significantly shorter path length (median 127 cm vs. 187 cm, p = 0.01), smaller average movements (median 0.40 cm vs. 0.32 cm, p = 0.002) and fewer sudden movements (median 14.00 vs. 21.61, p = 0.001) than their novice counterparts. The use of software-based video motion tracking of laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a simple and viable method enabling objective assessment of surgical performance. It provides clear discrimination between expert and novice performance.

Modernization of Deployable Airfield Debris Removal Equipment

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-04-01

cleared the debris away from the crater by lowering the front bucket and setting the bottom blade at a 45-deg angle. The debris was pushed...the Komatsu WA 150 baseline loader. The crater clearing process involved the loader orienting the bucket blade at approximately 45 deg to the...wider than the track’s width (Figure 30). This caused debris to run under the track and lift the equipment, potentially throwing the operator. The final

AI mass spectrometers for space shuttle health monitoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, F. W.

1991-01-01

The facility Hazardous Gas Detection System (HGDS) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is a mass spectrometer based gas analyzer. Two instruments make up the HGDS, which is installed in a prime/backup arrangement, with the option of using both analyzers on the same sample line, or on two different lines simultaneously. It is used for monitoring the Shuttle during fuel loading, countdown, and drainback, if necessary. The use of complex instruments, operated over many shifts, has caused problems in tracking the status of the ground support equipment (GSE) and the vehicle. A requirement for overall system reliability has been a major force in the development of Shuttle GSE, and is the ultimate driver in the choice to pursue artificial intelligence (AI) techniques for Shuttle and Advanced Launch System (ALS) mass spectrometer systems. Shuttle applications of AI are detailed.

Electronic Equipment Proposal to Improve the Photovoltaic Systems Efficiency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flores-Mena, J. E.; Juárez Morán, L. A.; Díaz Reyes, J.

2011-05-01

This paper reports a new technique proposal to improve the photovoltaic systems. It was made to design and implement an electronic system that will detect, capture, and transfer the maximum power of the photovoltaic (PV) panel to optimize the supplied power of a solar panel. The electronic system works on base technical proposal of electrical sweeping of electric characteristics using capacitive impedance. The maximum power is transformed and the solar panel energy is sent to an automotive battery. This electronic system reduces the energy lost originated when the solar radiation level decreases or the PV panel temperature is increased. This electronic system tracks, captures, and stores the PV module's maximum power into a capacitor. After, a higher voltage level step-up circuit was designed to increase the voltage of the PV module's maximum power and then its current can be sent to a battery. The experimental results show that the developed electronic system has 95% efficiency. The measurement was made to 50 W, the electronic system works rightly with solar radiation rate from 100 to 1,000 W m - 2 and the PV panel temperature rate changed from 1 to 75°C. The main advantage of this electronic system compared with conventional methods is the elimination of microprocessors, computers, and sophisticated numerical approximations, and it does not need any small electrical signals to track the maximum power. The proposed method is simple, fast, and it is also cheaper.

77 FR 69922 - Petition for Waiver of Compliance

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-21

... equipment and locked ``with an effective locking device.'' The combination of the yard layout at Spring..., the layout of switches to individual tracks is such that the use of the method of lining switches...

SU-C-18A-02: Image-Based Camera Tracking: Towards Registration of Endoscopic Video to CT

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

Ingram, S; Rao, A; Wendt, R

Purpose: Endoscopic examinations are routinely performed on head and neck and esophageal cancer patients. However, these images are underutilized for radiation therapy because there is currently no way to register them to a CT of the patient. The purpose of this work is to develop a method to track the motion of an endoscope within a structure using images from standard clinical equipment. This method will be incorporated into a broader endoscopy/CT registration framework. Methods: We developed a software algorithm to track the motion of an endoscope within an arbitrary structure. We computed frame-to-frame rotation and translation of the cameramore » by tracking surface points across the video sequence and utilizing two-camera epipolar geometry. The resulting 3D camera path was used to recover the surrounding structure via triangulation methods. We tested this algorithm on a rigid cylindrical phantom with a pattern spray-painted on the inside. We did not constrain the motion of the endoscope while recording, and we did not constrain our measurements using the known structure of the phantom. Results: Our software algorithm can successfully track the general motion of the endoscope as it moves through the phantom. However, our preliminary data do not show a high degree of accuracy in the triangulation of 3D point locations. More rigorous data will be presented at the annual meeting. Conclusion: Image-based camera tracking is a promising method for endoscopy/CT image registration, and it requires only standard clinical equipment. It is one of two major components needed to achieve endoscopy/CT registration, the second of which is tying the camera path to absolute patient geometry. In addition to this second component, future work will focus on validating our camera tracking algorithm in the presence of clinical imaging features such as patient motion, erratic camera motion, and dynamic scene illumination.« less

Performance and economic risk evaluation of dispersed solar thermal power systems by Monte Carlo simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Manvi, R.; Fujita, T.

1978-01-01

A preliminary comparative evaluation of dispersed solar thermal power plants utilizing advanced technologies available in 1985-2000 time frame is under way at JPL. The solar power plants of 50 KWe to 10 MWe size are equipped with two axis tracking parabolic dish concentrator systems operating at temperatures in excess of 1000 F. The energy conversion schemes under consideration include advanced steam, open and closed cycle gas turbines, stirling, and combined cycle. The energy storage systems include advanced batteries, liquid metal, and chemical. This paper outlines a simple methodology for a probabilistic assessment of such systems. Sources of uncertainty in the development of advanced systems are identified, and a computer Monte Carlo simulation is exercised to permit an analysis of the tradeoffs of the risk of failure versus the potential for large gains. Frequency distribution of energy cost for several alternatives are presented.

A Space Based Internet Protocol System for Launch Vehicle Tracking and Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bull, Barton; Grant, Charles; Morgan, Dwayne; Streich, Ron; Bauer, Frank (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Personnel from the Goddard Space Flight Center Wallops Flight Facility (GSFC/WFF) in Virginia are responsible for the overall management of the NASA Sounding Rocket and Scientific Balloon Programs. Payloads are generally in support of NASA's Space Science Enterprise's missions and return a variety of scientific data as well as providing a reasonably economical means of conducting engineering tests for instruments and devices used on satellites and other spacecraft. Sounding rockets used by NASA can carry payloads of various weights to altitudes from 50 km to more than 1,300 km. Scientific balloons can carry a payload weighing as much as 3,630 Kg to an altitude of 42 km. Launch activities for both are conducted not only from established ranges, but also from remote locations worldwide requiring mobile tracking and command equipment to be transported and set up at considerable expense. The advent of low earth orbit (LEO) commercial communications satellites provides an opportunity to dramatically reduce tracking and control costs of these launch vehicles and Unpiloted Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) by reducing or eliminating this ground infrastructure. Additionally, since data transmission is by packetized Internet Protocol (IP), data can be received and commands initiated from practically any location. A low cost Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) system is currently under development for sounding rockets that also has application to UAVs and scientific balloons. Due to relatively low data rate (9600 baud) currently available, the system will first be used to provide GPS data for tracking and vehicle recovery. Range safety requirements for launch vehicles usually stipulate at least two independent tracking sources. Most sounding rockets flown by NASA now carry GP receivers that output position data via the payload telemetry system to the ground station. The Flight Modem can be configured as a completely separate link thereby eliminating the requirement for tracking radar. The system architecture that integrates antennas, GPS receiver, commercial satellite packet data modem, and a single board computer with custom software is described along with the technical challenges and the plan for their resolution. These include antenna development, high Doppler rates, reliability, environmental ruggedness, hand over between satellites, and data security. An aggressive test plan is included which, in addition to environmental testing, measures bit error rate, latency and antenna patterns. Actual launches on a sounding rocket and various aircraft flights have taken place. Flight tests are planned for the near future on aircraft, long duration balloons and sounding rockets. These results, as well as the current status of the project, are reported.

Measurement of joint kinematics using a conventional clinical single-perspective flat-panel radiography system.

PubMed

Seslija, Petar; Teeter, Matthew G; Yuan, Xunhua; Naudie, Douglas D R; Bourne, Robert B; Macdonald, Steven J; Peters, Terry M; Holdsworth, David W

2012-10-01

The ability to accurately measure joint kinematics is an important tool in studying both normal joint function and pathologies associated with injury and disease. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy, accuracy, precision, and clinical safety of measuring 3D joint motion using a conventional flat-panel radiography system prior to its application in an in vivo study. An automated, image-based tracking algorithm was implemented to measure the three-dimensional pose of a sparse object from a two-dimensional radiographic projection. The algorithm was tested to determine its efficiency and failure rate, defined as the number of image frames where automated tracking failed, or required user intervention. The accuracy and precision of measuring three-dimensional motion were assessed using a robotic controlled, tibiofemoral knee phantom programmed to mimic a subject with a total knee replacement performing a stair ascent activity. Accuracy was assessed by comparing the measurements of the single-plane radiographic tracking technique to those of an optical tracking system, and quantified by the measurement discrepancy between the two systems using the Bland-Altman technique. Precision was assessed through a series of repeated measurements of the tibiofemoral kinematics, and was quantified using the across-trial deviations of the repeated kinematic measurements. The safety of the imaging procedure was assessed by measuring the effective dose of ionizing radiation associated with the x-ray exposures, and analyzing its relative risk to a human subject. The automated tracking algorithm displayed a failure rate of 2% and achieved an average computational throughput of 8 image frames/s. Mean differences between the radiographic and optical measurements for translations and rotations were less than 0.08 mm and 0.07° in-plane, and 0.24 mm and 0.6° out-of-plane. The repeatability of kinematics measurements performed using the radiographic tracking technique was better than ±0.09 mm and 0.12° in-plane, and ±0.70 mm and ±0.07° out-of-plane. The effective dose associated with the imaging protocol used was 15 μSv for 10 s of radiographic cine acquisition. This study demonstrates the ability to accurately measure knee-joint kinematics using a single-plane radiographic measurement technique. The measurement technique can be easily implemented at most clinical centers equipped with a modern-day radiographic x-ray system. The dose of ionizing radiation associated with the image acquisition represents a minimal risk to any subjects undergoing the examination.

Design of model experiments for melt flow and solidification in a square container under time-dependent magnetic fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meier, D.; Lukin, G.; Thieme, N.; Bönisch, P.; Dadzis, K.; Büttner, L.; Pätzold, O.; Czarske, J.; Stelter, M.

2017-03-01

This paper describes novel equipment for model experiments designed for detailed studies on electromagnetically driven flows as well as solidification and melting processes with low-melting metals in a square-based container. Such model experiments are relevant for a validation of numerical flow simulation, in particular in the field of directional solidification of multi-crystalline photovoltaic silicon ingots. The equipment includes two square-shaped electromagnetic coils and a melt container with a base of 220×220 mm2 and thermostat-controlled heat exchangers at top and bottom. A system for dual-plane, spatial- and time-resolved flow measurements as well as for in-situ tracking of the solid-liquid interface is developed on the basis of the ultrasound Doppler velocimetry. The parameters of the model experiment are chosen to meet the scaling laws for a transfer of experimental results to real silicon growth processes. The eutectic GaInSn alloy and elemental gallium with melting points of 10.5 °C and 29.8 °C, respectively, are used as model substances. Results of experiments for testing the equipment are presented and discussed.

Image-guided surgery and therapy: current status and future directions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peters, Terence M.

2001-05-01

Image-guided surgery and therapy is assuming an increasingly important role, particularly considering the current emphasis on minimally-invasive surgical procedures. Volumetric CT and MR images have been used now for some time in conjunction with stereotactic frames, to guide many neurosurgical procedures. With the development of systems that permit surgical instruments to be tracked in space, image-guided surgery now includes the use of frame-less procedures, and the application of the technology has spread beyond neurosurgery to include orthopedic applications and therapy of various soft-tissue organs such as the breast, prostate and heart. Since tracking systems allow image- guided surgery to be undertaken without frames, a great deal of effort has been spent on image-to-image and image-to- patient registration techniques, and upon the means of combining real-time intra-operative images with images acquired pre-operatively. As image-guided surgery systems have become increasingly sophisticated, the greatest challenges to their successful adoption in the operating room of the future relate to the interface between the user and the system. To date, little effort has been expended to ensure that the human factors issues relating to the use of such equipment in the operating room have been adequately addressed. Such systems will only be employed routinely in the OR when they are designed to be intuitive, unobtrusive, and provide simple access to the source of the images.

Optoelectronics applications in multimedia shooting training systems: SPARTAN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glogowski, Tomasz; Hlosta, Pawel; Stepniak, Slawomir; Swiderski, Waldemar

2017-10-01

Multimedia shooting training systems are increasingly being used in the training of security staff and uniformed services. An advanced practicing-training system SPARTAN for simulation of small arms shooting has been designed and manufactured by Autocomp Management Ltd. and Military Institute of Armament Technology for the Polish Ministry of National Defence. SPARTAN is a stationary device designed to teach, monitor and evaluate the targeting of small arms and to prepare soldiers for: • firing the live ammunition at open ranges for combat targets and silhouettes • detection, classification and engagement of real targets upon different terrains, weather conditions and periods during the day • team work as a squad during the mission by using different types of arms • suitable reactions in untypical scenarios. Placed in any room the training set consists of: • the projection system that generates realistic 3D imaging of the battlefield (such as combat shooting range) in high-resolution • system that tracks weapons aiming points • sound system which delivers realistic mapping of acoustic surroundings • operator station with which the training is conducted and controlled • central processing unit based on PC computers equipped with specialist software realizing individual system functions • units of smart weapons equipped with radio communication modules, injection laser diodes and pneumatic reloading system. The system make possible training by firing in dynamic scenarios, using combat weapons and live ammunition against visible targets moving on a screen. The use of infrared camera for detecting the position of impact of a projectile.

Monitour: Tracking global routes of electronic waste.

PubMed

Lee, David; Offenhuber, Dietmar; Duarte, Fábio; Biderman, Assaf; Ratti, Carlo

2018-02-01

Many nations seek to control or prevent the inflow of waste electronic and electrical equipment, but such flows are difficult to track due to undocumented, often illegal global trade in e-waste. We apply wireless GPS location trackers to this problem, detecting potential cases of non-compliant recycling operations in the United States as well as the global trajectories of exported e-waste. By planting hidden trackers inside discarded computer monitors and printers, we tracked dozens of devices being sent overseas to various ports in Asia, flows likely unreported in official trade data. We discuss how location tracking enables new ways to monitor, regulate, and enforce rules on the international movement of hazardous electronic waste materials, and the limitations of such methods. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Brigade Intelligence Operations. Implications for the Nonlinear Battlefield

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-11-21

Intellingence School of Advanced Military Studies United States Army Command and General Staff College Fort Leavenworth2 Kansas~~First Term 90-91 / Approved...has few equipment needs. The section has an M577 staff track and a wheeled vehicle for transportion and communications. It acts as the net control... vehicle for operating on the move or for monitoring the brigade command net. There is no intelligence specific equipment assigned to the S2 section

A search for minor bodies in the Jovian tenuous ring system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malinnikova Bang, A.; Joergensen, J. L.; Connerney, J. E.; Benn, M.; Denver, T.; Oliversen, R. J.; Lawton, P.

2013-12-01

The magnetometer experiment on the Juno spacecraft, is equipped with four fully autonomous star trackers, which apart from delivering highly accurate attitude information for the magnetometer sensors, and the inherent imaging capabilities of a low light camera system, also can detect and track luminous objects that exhibit an apparent motion rate relative to the background. The Juno magnetometer star trackers are pointed 13deg of the spacecraft anti-spin vector, each having a field of view of 13 by 18 degrees and operated at 4Hz. As the spacecraft spin, each camera will cover an annulus shaped disk with an inner radius of 7.5 degrees, and an outer radius of 20.5deg. When in science orbit, the Juno trajectory near peri-jove, will result in the anti-spin vector scanning across the tenuous rings. The combination of this scanning motion with the rotation of the camera field of view results in a near perfect opportunity to detect and track minor bodies in the inner part of the rings. The operations of this mode, is first tested in flight during the Juno Earth Flyby 9th October 2013, where the Moon is used as a known target. We present a few results of this test, and based on scale laws we will discuss the systems capability of detecting minor bodies in the Jovian ring system in terms of distance, velocity, albedo and range. Also, because the magnetometer star trackers are offset from the spin axis, the distance to a detected object can be derived by simple triangulation of the apparent direction as observed before, under and after passage under the rings. We discuss how this technique may be used to determine the orbit, size and albedo, of minor bodies thus detected and tracked.

Marky: a tool supporting annotation consistency in multi-user and iterative document annotation projects.

PubMed

Pérez-Pérez, Martín; Glez-Peña, Daniel; Fdez-Riverola, Florentino; Lourenço, Anália

2015-02-01

Document annotation is a key task in the development of Text Mining methods and applications. High quality annotated corpora are invaluable, but their preparation requires a considerable amount of resources and time. Although the existing annotation tools offer good user interaction interfaces to domain experts, project management and quality control abilities are still limited. Therefore, the current work introduces Marky, a new Web-based document annotation tool equipped to manage multi-user and iterative projects, and to evaluate annotation quality throughout the project life cycle. At the core, Marky is a Web application based on the open source CakePHP framework. User interface relies on HTML5 and CSS3 technologies. Rangy library assists in browser-independent implementation of common DOM range and selection tasks, and Ajax and JQuery technologies are used to enhance user-system interaction. Marky grants solid management of inter- and intra-annotator work. Most notably, its annotation tracking system supports systematic and on-demand agreement analysis and annotation amendment. Each annotator may work over documents as usual, but all the annotations made are saved by the tracking system and may be further compared. So, the project administrator is able to evaluate annotation consistency among annotators and across rounds of annotation, while annotators are able to reject or amend subsets of annotations made in previous rounds. As a side effect, the tracking system minimises resource and time consumption. Marky is a novel environment for managing multi-user and iterative document annotation projects. Compared to other tools, Marky offers a similar visually intuitive annotation experience while providing unique means to minimise annotation effort and enforce annotation quality, and therefore corpus consistency. Marky is freely available for non-commercial use at http://sing.ei.uvigo.es/marky. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

PandASoft: Open Source Instructional Laboratory Administration Software

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gay, P. L.; Braasch, P.; Synkova, Y. N.

2004-12-01

PandASoft (Physics and Astronomy Software) is software for organizing and archiving a department's teaching resources and materials. An easy to use, secure interface allows faculty and staff to explore equipment inventories, see what laboratory experiments are available, find handouts, and track what has been used in different classes in the past. Divided into five sections: classes, equipment, laboratories, links, and media, its database cross links materials, allowing users to see what labs are used with which classes, what media and equipment are used with which labs, or simply what equipment is lurking in which room. Written in PHP and MySQL, this software can be installed on any UNIX / Linux platform, including Macintosh OS X. It is designed to allow users to easily customize the headers, footers and colors to blend with existing sites - no programming experience required. While initial data input is labor intensive, the system will save time later by allowing users to quickly answer questions related to what is in inventory, where it is located, how many are in stock, and where online they can learn more. It will also provide a central location for storing PDFs of handouts, and links to applets and cool sites at other universities. PandASoft comes with over 100 links to online resources pre-installed. We would like to thank Dr. Wolfgang Rueckner and the Harvard University Science Center for providing computers and resources for this project.

Mobile terawatt laser propagation facility (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shah, Lawrence; Roumayah, Patrick; Bodnar, Nathan; Bradford, Joshua D.; Maukonen, Douglas; Richardson, Martin C.

2017-03-01

This presentation will describe the design and construction status of a new mobile high-energy femtosecond laser systems producing 500 mJ, 100 fs pulses at 10 Hz. This facility is built into a shipping container and includes a cleanroom housing the laser system, a separate section for the beam director optics with a retractable roof, and the environmental control equipment necessary to maintain stable operation. The laser system includes several innovations to improve the utility of the system for "in field" experiments. For example, this system utilizes a fiber laser oscillator and a monolithic chirped Bragg grating stretcher to improve system robustness/size and employs software to enable remote monitoring and system control. Uniquely, this facility incorporates a precision motion-controlled gimbal altitude-azimuth mount with a coudé path to enable aiming of the beam over a wide field of view. In addition to providing the ability to precisely aim at multiple targets, it is also possible to coordinate the beam with separate tracking/diagnostic sensing equipment as well as other laser systems. This mobile platform will be deployed at the Townes Institute Science and Technology Experimental Facility (TISTEF) located at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, to utilize the 1-km secured laser propagation range and the wide array of meteorological instrumentation for atmospheric and turbulence characterization. This will provide significant new data on the propagation of high peak power ultrashort laser pulses and detailed information on the atmospheric conditions in a coastal semi-tropical environment.

Development of an Indexing Media Filtration System for Long Duration Space Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Agui, Juan H.; Vijayakumar, R.

2013-01-01

The effective maintenance of air quality aboard spacecraft cabins will be vital to future human exploration missions. A key component will be the air cleaning filtration system which will need to remove a broad size range of particles including skin flakes, hair and clothing fibers, other biological matter, and particulate matter derived from material and equipment wear. In addition, during surface missions any extraterrestrial planetary dust, including dust generated by near-by ISRU equipment, which is tracked into the habitat will also need to be managed by the filtration system inside the pressurized habitat compartments. An indexing media filter system is being developed to meet the demand for long-duration missions that will result in dramatic increases in filter service life and loading capacity, and will require minimal crew involvement. These features may also benefit other closed systems, such as submarines, and remote location terrestrial installations where servicing and replacement of filter units is not practical. The filtration system consists of three stages: an inertial impactor stage, an indexing media stage, and a high-efficiency filter stage, packaged in a stacked modular cartridge configuration. Each stage will target a specific range of particle sizes that optimize the filtration and regeneration performance of the system. An 1/8th scale and full-scale prototype of the filter system have been fabricated and have been tested in the laboratory and reduced gravity environments that simulate conditions on spacecrafts, landers and habitats. Results from recent laboratory and reducegravity flight tests data will be presented.

BioMICADAS: Compact next generation AMS system for pharmaceutical science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schulze-König, Tim; Dueker, Stephen R.; Giacomo, Jason; Suter, Martin; Vogel, John S.; Synal, Hans-Arno

2010-04-01

The next generation Accelerator Mass Spectrometer system specifically designed to address the needs of the growing pharmaceutical science market has passed validation testing. The system dubbed BioMICADAS is based on a previously developed compact carbon dating instrument, the MICADAS. Like its predecessor, it has an overall footprint of only 2.5 × 3 m 2 and uses a 200 kV high voltage platform for tandem based ion acceleration. The ion source can accommodate samples as graphite or gaseous CO 2. It is equipped with two independently operating vacuum locks, allowing continuous measurement sequence and providing a capacity of ˜20,000 samples per annum. A barcoded cathode tracking system allows data capture into Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) regulated work. It can be housed in research laboratories alongside other complementary bioanalytical equipment and operated by general laboratory staff as the system is designed to be robust and user-friendly. The system has undergone rigorous validation over the range from 0.1 to 100 Modern Carbon, including accuracy, linearity, robustness, and precision experiments over the course of 7 months. It has been shipped and installed at the site of our collaborative partner, Vitalea Science in Davis, California. The installation process took ˜2 weeks from boxes to beam. The feasibility of the system to determine the absolute specific activity of biogenic samples was also shown by using the method of isotopic dilution.

Study of a Large Prototype TPC for the ILC using Micro-Pattern Gas Detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Münnich, A.; LCTPC Collaboration

2016-04-01

In the last decade, R&D for detectors for the future International Linear Collider (ILC) has been performed by the community. The International Large Detector (ILD) is one of two detector concepts at the ILC. Its tracking system consists of a Si vertex detector, forward tracking disks and a large volume Time Projection Chamber (TPC). Within the LCTPC collaboration, a Large Prototype (LP) TPC has been built as a demonstrator. Its endplate is able to house up to seven identical modules with Micro-Pattern Gas Detectors (MPGD) amplification. Recently, the LP has been equipped with resistive anode Micromegas (MM) or Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) modules. Both the MM and GEM technologies have been studied with an electron beam up to 6 GeV in a 1 Tesla solenoid magnet. After introducing the current R&D status, recent results will be presented including field distortions, ion gating and spatial resolution as well as future plans of the LCTPC R&D.

Evaluation of electrostatic charge effects on the data processing system and the orbiter communication and tracking receivers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lawton, R. M.

1975-01-01

An analysis of radiated interference test results obtained from frictionally charged Orbiter TPS tile was presented. The tests included the measurement of noise pick-up by Orbiter S-band, L-band, C-band, and Ku-band antennas located beneath the tiles in a manner simulating their installation on Orbiter. In addition, the radiated field characteristics resulting from the static discharge was determined. The results are analyzed as to their effect on data bus equipment and on Orbiter Communications and Tracking (C&T) receivers. It was concluded that the radiated interference should have no effect on MDM's. However the CPU, IOP and PMU enclosures require some minor modification to assure immunity from P-static interference. Orbiter antenna tests indicate that the S-band receiver should not be affected by P-static noise. The TACAN and Radar Altimeter performance appears to be adequate but with a small margin. MSBLS performance is uncertain because laboratory instrumentation cannot approach the MSBLS sensitivity.

A wirelessly-powered homecage with animal behavior analysis and closed-loop power control.

PubMed

Yaoyao Jia; Zheyuan Wang; Canales, Daniel; Tinkler, Morgan; Chia-Chun Hsu; Madsen, Teresa E; Mirbozorgi, S Abdollah; Rainnie, Donald; Ghovanloo, Maysam

2016-08-01

This paper presents a new EnerCage-homecage system, EnerCage-HC2, for longitudinal electrophysiology data acquisition experiments on small freely moving animal subjects, such as rodents. EnerCage-HC2 is equipped with multi-coil wireless power transmission (WPT), closed-loop power control, bidirectional data communication via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Microsoft Kinect® based animal behavior tracking and analysis. The EnerCage-HC2 achieves a homogeneous power transfer efficiency (PTE) of 14% on average, with ~42 mW power delivered to the load (PDL) at a nominal height of 7 cm by the closed-loop power control mechanism. The Microsoft Kinect® behavioral analysis algorithm can not only track the animal position in real-time but also classify 5 different types of rodent behaviors: standstill, walking, grooming, rearing, and rotating. A proof-of-concept in vivo experiment was conducted on two awake freely behaving rats while successfully operating a one-channel stimulator and generating an ethogram.

Understanding the migratory orientation program of birds: extending laboratory studies to study free-flying migrants in a natural setting.

PubMed

Thorup, Kasper; Holland, Richard A; Tøttrup, Anders P; Wikelski, Martin

2010-09-01

For many years, orientation in migratory birds has primarily been studied in the laboratory. Although a laboratory-based setting enables greater control over environmental cues, the laboratory-based findings must be confirmed in the wild in free-flying birds to be able to fully understand how birds orient during migration. Despite the difficulties associated with following free-flying birds over long distances, a number of possibilities currently exist for tracking the long distance, sometimes even globe-spanning, journeys undertaken by migrating birds. Birds fitted with radio transmitters can either be located from the ground or from aircraft (conventional tracking), or from space. Alternatively, positional information obtained by onboard equipment (e.g., GPS units) can be transmitted to receivers in space. Use of these tracking methods has provided a wealth of information on migratory behaviors that are otherwise very difficult to study. Here, we focus on the progress in understanding certain components of the migration-orientation system. Comparably exciting results can be expected in the future from tracking free-flying migrants in the wild. Use of orientation cues has been studied in migrating raptors (satellite telemetry) and thrushes (conventional telemetry), highlighting that findings in the natural setting may not always be as expected on the basis of cage-experiments. Furthermore, field tracking methods combined with experimental approaches have finally allowed for an extension of the paradigmatic displacement experiments performed by Perdeck in 1958 on the short-distance, social migrant, the starling, to long-distance migrating storks and long-distance, non-socially migrating passerines. Results from these studies provide fundamental insights into the nature of the migratory orientation system that enables experienced birds to navigate and guide inexperienced, young birds to their species-specific winter grounds. © The Author 2010. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology. All rights reserved.

Wireless data transfer with mm-waves for future tracking detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pelikan, D.; Bingefors, N.; Brenner, R.; Dancila, D.; Gustafsson, L.

2014-11-01

Wireless data transfer has revolutionized the consumer market for the last decade generating many products equipped with transmitters and receivers for wireless data transfer. Wireless technology opens attractive possibilities for data transfer in future tracking detectors. The reduction of wires and connectors for data links is certainly beneficial both for the material budget and the reliability of the system. An advantage of wireless data transfer is the freedom of routing signals which today is particularly complicated when bringing the data the first 50 cm out of the tracker. With wireless links intelligence can be built into a tracker by introducing communication between tracking layers within a region of interest which would allow the construction of track primitives in real time. The wireless technology used in consumer products is however not suitable for tracker readouts. The low data transfer capacity of current 5 GHz transceivers and the relatively large feature sizes of the components is a disadvantage.Due to the requirement of high data rates in tracking detectors high bandwidth is required. The frequency band around 60 GHz turns out to be a very promising candidate for data transfer in a detector system. The high baseband frequency allows for data transfer in the order of several Gbit/s. Due to the small wavelength in the mm range only small structures are needed for the transmitting and receiving electronics. The 60 GHz frequency band is a strong candidate for future WLAN applications hence components are already starting to be available on the market.Patch antennas produced on flexible Printed Circuit Board substrate that can be used for wireless communication in future trackers are presented in this article. The antennas can be connected to transceivers for data transmission/reception or be connected by wave-guides to structures capable of bringing the 60 GHz signal behind boundaries. Results on simulation and fabrication of these antennas are presented as well as studies on the sensitivity of production tolerances.

A fiber Bragg grating acceleration sensor for ground surveillance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Shaodong; Zhang, Faxiang; Lv, Jingsheng; Ni, Jiasheng; Wang, Chang

2017-10-01

Ground surveillance system is a kind of intelligent monitoring equipment for detecting and tracking the ground target. This paper presents a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) acceleration sensor for ground surveillance, which has the characteristics of no power supply, anti-electromagnetic interference, easy large-scale networking, and small size. Which make it able to achieve the advantage of the ground surveillance system while avoiding the shortcoming of the electric sensing. The sensor has a double cantilever beam structure with a sensitivity of 1000 pm/g. Field experiment has been carried out on a flood beach to examine the sensor performance. The result shows that the detection distance on the walking of personnel reaches 70m, and the detection distance on the ordinary motor vehicle reaches 200m. The performance of the FBG sensor can satisfy the actual needs of the ground surveillance system.

REDEX - The ranging equipment diagnostic expert system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luczak, Edward C.; Gopalakrishnan, K.; Zillig, David J.

1989-01-01

REDEX, an advanced prototype expert system that diagnoses hardware failures in the Ranging Equipment (RE) at NASA's Ground Network tracking stations is described. REDEX will help the RE technician identify faulty circuit cards or modules that must be replaced, and thereby reduce troubleshooting time. It features a highly graphical user interface that uses color block diagrams and layout diagrams to illustrate the location of a fault. A semantic network knowledge representation technique was used to model the design structure of the RE. A catalog of generic troubleshooting rules was compiled to represent heuristics that are applied in diagnosing electronic equipment. Specific troubleshooting rules were identified to represent additional diagnostic knowledge that is unique to the RE. Over 50 generic and 250 specific troubleshooting rules have been derived. REDEX is implemented in Prolog on an IBM PC AT-compatible workstation. Block diagram graphics displays are color-coded to identify signals that have been monitored or inferred to have nominal values, signals that are out of tolerance, and circuit cards and functions that are diagnosed as faulty. A hypertext-like scheme is used to allow the user to easily navigate through the space of diagrams and tables. Over 50 graphic and tabular displays have been implemented. REDEX is currently being evaluated in a stand-alone mode using simulated RE fault scenarios. It will soon be interfaced to the RE and tested in an online environment. When completed and fielded, REDEX will be a concrete example of the application of expert systems technology to the problem of improving performance and reducing the lifecycle costs of operating NASA's communications networks in the 1990s.

REDEX: The ranging equipment diagnostic expert system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luczak, Edward C.; Gopalakrishnan, K.; Zillig, David J.

1989-01-01

REDEX, an advanced prototype expert system that diagnoses hardware failures in the Ranging Equipment (RE) at NASA's Ground Network tracking stations is described. REDEX will help the RE technician identify faulty circuit cards or modules that must be replaced, and thereby reduce troubleshooting time. It features a highly graphical user interface that uses color block diagrams and layout diagrams to illustrate the location of a fault. A semantic network knowledge representation technique was used to model the design structure of the RE. A catalog of generic troubleshooting rules was compiled to represent heuristics that are applied in diagnosing electronic equipment. Specific troubleshooting rules were identified to represent additional diagnostic knowledge that is unique to the RE. Over 50 generic and 250 specific troubleshooting rules have been derived. REDEX is implemented in Prolog on an IBM PC AT-compatible workstation. Block diagram graphics displays are color-coded to identify signals that have been monitored or inferred to have nominal values, signals that are out of tolerance, and circuit cards and functions that are diagnosed as faulty. A hypertext-like scheme is used to allow the user to easily navigate through the space of diagrams and tables. Over 50 graphic and tabular displays have been implemented. REDEX is currently being evaluated in a stand-alone mode using simulated RE fault scenarios. It will soon be interfaced to the RE and tested in an online environment. When completed and fielded, REDEX will be a concrete example of the application of expert systems technology to the problem of improving performance and reducing the lifecycle costs of operating NASA's communications networks in the 1990's.

REDEX - The ranging equipment diagnostic expert system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luczak, Edward C.; Gopalakrishnan, K.; Zillig, David J.

REDEX, an advanced prototype expert system that diagnoses hardware failures in the Ranging Equipment (RE) at NASA's Ground Network tracking stations is described. REDEX will help the RE technician identify faulty circuit cards or modules that must be replaced, and thereby reduce troubleshooting time. It features a highly graphical user interface that uses color block diagrams and layout diagrams to illustrate the location of a fault. A semantic network knowledge representation technique was used to model the design structure of the RE. A catalog of generic troubleshooting rules was compiled to represent heuristics that are applied in diagnosing electronic equipment. Specific troubleshooting rules were identified to represent additional diagnostic knowledge that is unique to the RE. Over 50 generic and 250 specific troubleshooting rules have been derived. REDEX is implemented in Prolog on an IBM PC AT-compatible workstation. Block diagram graphics displays are color-coded to identify signals that have been monitored or inferred to have nominal values, signals that are out of tolerance, and circuit cards and functions that are diagnosed as faulty. A hypertext-like scheme is used to allow the user to easily navigate through the space of diagrams and tables. Over 50 graphic and tabular displays have been implemented. REDEX is currently being evaluated in a stand-alone mode using simulated RE fault scenarios. It will soon be interfaced to the RE and tested in an online environment. When completed and fielded, REDEX will be a concrete example of the application of expert systems technology to the problem of improving performance and reducing the lifecycle costs of operating NASA's communications networks in the 1990s.

REDEX: The ranging equipment diagnostic expert system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luczak, Edward C.; Gopalakrishnan, K.; Zillig, David J.

1989-04-01

REDEX, an advanced prototype expert system that diagnoses hardware failures in the Ranging Equipment (RE) at NASA's Ground Network tracking stations is described. REDEX will help the RE technician identify faulty circuit cards or modules that must be replaced, and thereby reduce troubleshooting time. It features a highly graphical user interface that uses color block diagrams and layout diagrams to illustrate the location of a fault. A semantic network knowledge representation technique was used to model the design structure of the RE. A catalog of generic troubleshooting rules was compiled to represent heuristics that are applied in diagnosing electronic equipment. Specific troubleshooting rules were identified to represent additional diagnostic knowledge that is unique to the RE. Over 50 generic and 250 specific troubleshooting rules have been derived. REDEX is implemented in Prolog on an IBM PC AT-compatible workstation. Block diagram graphics displays are color-coded to identify signals that have been monitored or inferred to have nominal values, signals that are out of tolerance, and circuit cards and functions that are diagnosed as faulty. A hypertext-like scheme is used to allow the user to easily navigate through the space of diagrams and tables. Over 50 graphic and tabular displays have been implemented. REDEX is currently being evaluated in a stand-alone mode using simulated RE fault scenarios. It will soon be interfaced to the RE and tested in an online environment. When completed and fielded, REDEX will be a concrete example of the application of expert systems technology to the problem of improving performance and reducing the lifecycle costs of operating NASA's communications networks in the 1990's.