Virtual targeting in three-dimensional space with sound and light interference

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chua, Florence B.; DeMarco, Robert M.; Bergen, Michael T.; Short, Kenneth R.; Servatius, Richard J.

2006-05-01

Law enforcement and the military are critically concerned with the targeting and firing accuracy of opponents. Stimuli which impede opponent targeting and firing accuracy can be incorporated into defense systems. An automated virtual firing range was developed to assess human targeting accuracy under conditions of sound and light interference, while avoiding dangers associated with live fire. This system has the ability to quantify sound and light interference effects on targeting and firing accuracy in three dimensions. This was achieved by development of a hardware and software system that presents the subject with a sound or light target, preceded by a sound or light interference. SonyXplod. TM 4-way speakers present sound interference and sound targeting. The Martin ® MiniMAC TM Profile operates as a source of light interference, while a red laser light serves as a target. A tracking system was created to monitor toy gun movement and firing in three-dimensional space. Data are collected via the Ascension ® Flock of Birds TM tracking system and a custom National Instrument ® LabVIEW TM 7.0 program to monitor gun movement and firing. A test protocol examined system parameters. Results confirm that the system enables tracking of virtual shots from a fired simulation gun to determine shot accuracy and location in three dimensions.

Simple Schlieren Light Meter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rhodes, David B.; Franke, John M.; Jones, Stephen B.; Leighty, Bradley D.

1992-01-01

Simple light-meter circuit used to position knife edge of schlieren optical system to block exactly half light. Enables operator to check quickly position of knife edge between tunnel runs to ascertain whether or not in alignment. Permanent measuring system made part of each schlieren system. If placed in unused area of image plane, or in monitoring beam from mirror knife edge, provides real-time assessment of alignment of schlieren system.

Tunable Laser Development for In-Flight Fiber Optic Based Structural Health Monitoring Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richards, Lance; Parker, Allen; Chan, Patrick

2013-01-01

Briefing based on tunable laser development for in flight fiber optic based structural health monitoring systems. The objective of this task is to investigate, develop, and demonstrate a low-cost swept lasing light source for NASA DFRC's fiber optics sensing system (FOSS) to perform structural health monitoring on current and future aerospace vehicles.

81. THREE ADDITIONAL BLACK AND WHITE VIDEO MONITORS LOCATED IMMEDIATELY ...

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

81. THREE ADDITIONAL BLACK AND WHITE VIDEO MONITORS LOCATED IMMEDIATELY WEST OF THOSE IN CA-133-1-A-80. COMPLEX SAFETY WARNING LIGHTS FOR SLC-3E (PAD 2) AND BLDG. 763 (LOB) LOCATED ABOVE MONITOR 3; GREEN LIGHTS ON BOTTOM OF EACH STACK ILLUMINATED. LEFT TO RIGHT BELOW MONITORS: ACCIDENT REPORTING EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM TELEPHONE, ATLAS H FUEL COUNTER, AND DIGITAL COUNTDOWN CLOCK. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

An IR Navigation System for Pleural PDT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Timothy; Liang, Xing; Kim, Michele; Finlay, Jarod; Dimofte, Andreea; Rodriguez, Carmen; Simone, Charles; Friedberg, Joseph; Cengel, Keith

2015-03-01

Pleural photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used as an adjuvant treatment with lung-sparing surgical treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). In the current pleural PDT protocol, a moving fiber-based point source is used to deliver the light. The light fluences at multiple locations are monitored by several isotropic detectors placed in the pleural cavity. To improve the delivery of light fluence uniformity, an infrared (IR) navigation system is used to track the motion of the light source in real-time at a rate of 20 - 60 Hz. A treatment planning system uses the laser source positions obtained from the IR camera to calculate light fluence distribution to monitor the light dose uniformity on the surface of the pleural cavity. A novel reconstruction algorithm is used to determine the pleural cavity surface contour. A dual-correction method is used to match the calculated fluences at detector locations to the detector readings. Preliminary data from a phantom shows superior light uniformity using this method. Light fluence uniformity from patient treatments is also shown with and without the correction method.

Diagnostic Systems Plan for the Advanced Light Source Top-OffUpgrade

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

Barry, Walter; Chin, Mike; Robin, David

2005-05-10

The Advanced Light Source (ALS) will soon be upgraded to enable top-off operations [1], in which electrons are quasi-continuously injected to produce constant stored beam current. The upgrade is structured in two phases. First, we will upgrade our injector from 1.5 GeV to 1.9 GeV to allow full energy injection and will start top-off operations. In the second phase, we will upgrade the Booster Ring (BR) with a bunch cleaning system to allow high bunch purity top-off injection. A diagnostics upgrade will be crucial for success in both phases of the top-off project, and our plan for it is describedmore » in this paper. New booster ring diagnostics will include updated beam position monitor (BPM) electronics, a tune monitoring system, and a new scraper. Two new synchrotron light monitors and a beam stop will be added to the booster-to-storage ring transfer line (BTS), and all the existing beam current monitors along the accelerator chain will be integrated into a single injection efficiency monitoring application. A dedicated bunch purity monitor will be installed in the storage ring (SR). Together, these diagnostic upgrades will enable smooth commissioning of the full energy injector and a quick transition to high quality top-off operation at the ALS.« less

Laser schlieren crystal monitor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Owen, Robert B. (Inventor); Johnston, Mary H. (Inventor)

1987-01-01

A system and method for monitoring the state of a crystal which is suspended in a solution is described which includes providing a light source for emitting a beam of light along an optical axis. A collimating lens is arranged along the optical axis for collimating the emitted beam to provide a first collimated light beam consisting of parallel light rays. By passing the first collimated light beam through a transparent container, a number of the parallel light rays are deflected off the surfaces of said crystal being monitored according to the refractive index gradient to provide a deflected beam of deflected light rays. A focusing lens is arranged along optical axis for focusing the deflected rays towards a desired focal point. A knife edge is arranged in a predetermined orientation at the focal point; and a screen is provided. A portion of the deflected beam is blocked with the knife edge to project only a portion of the deflected beam. A band is created at one edge of the image of the crystal which indicates the state of change of the surface of the crystal being monitored.

Blind spot monitoring in light vehicles -- system performance.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-07-01

This report summarizes findings of a small population study of blind spot monitoring systems (BSM) installed by : original vehicle manufacturers on standard production vehicles. The primary goals of these tests were to simulate real-world driving sce...

Tunable Laser Development for In-flight Fiber Optic Based Structural Health Monitoring Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richards, Lance; Parker, Allen; Chan, Patrick

2014-01-01

The objective of this task is to investigate, develop, and demonstrate a low-cost swept lasing light source for NASA DFRC's fiber optics sensing system (FOSS) to perform structural health monitoring on current and future aerospace vehicles. This is the regular update of the Tunable Laser Development for In-flight Fiber Optic Based Structural Health Monitoring Systems website.

Short-wavelength light beam in situ monitoring growth of InGaN/GaN green LEDs by MOCVD

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

In this paper, five-period InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well green light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition with 405-nm light beam in situ monitoring system. Based on the signal of 405-nm in situ monitoring system, the related information of growth rate, indium composition and interfacial quality of each InGaN/GaN QW were obtained, and thus, the growth conditions and structural parameters were optimized to grow high-quality InGaN/GaN green LED structure. Finally, a green LED with a wavelength of 509 nm was fabricated under the optimal parameters, which was also proved by ex situ characterization such as high-resolution X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence, and electroluminescence. The results demonstrated that short-wavelength in situ monitoring system was a quick and non-destroyed tool to provide the growth information on InGaN/GaN, which would accelerate the research and development of GaN-based green LEDs. PMID:22650991

A quality monitor and monitoring technique employing optically stimulated electron emission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yost, William T. (Inventor); Welch, Christopher S. (Inventor); Joe, Edmond J. (Inventor); Hefner, Bill Bryan, Jr. (Inventor)

1995-01-01

A light source directs ultraviolet light onto a test surface and a detector detects a current of photoelectrons generated by the light. The detector includes a collector which is positively biased with respect to the test surface. Quality is indicated based on the photoelectron current. The collector is then negatively biased to replace charges removed by the measurement of a nonconducting substrate to permit subsequent measurements. Also, the intensity of the ultraviolet light at a particular wavelength is monitored and the voltage of the light source varied to maintain the light a constant desired intensity. The light source is also cooled via a gas circulation system. If the test surface is an insulator, the surface is bombarded with ultraviolet light in the presence of an electron field to remove the majority of negative charges from the surface. The test surface is then exposed to an ion field until it possesses no net charge. The technique described above is then performed to assess quality.

RGB imaging system for monitoring of skin vascular malformation's laser therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jakovels, Dainis; Kuzmina, Ilona; Berzina, Anna; Spigulis, Janis

2012-06-01

A prototype RGB imaging system for mapping of skin chromophores consists of a commercial RGB CMOS sensor, RGB LEDs ring-light illuminator and orthogonally orientated polarizers for reducing specular reflectance. The system was used for monitoring of vascular malformations (hemagiomas and telangiectasias) therapy.

Environmental Technology Verification Program Advanced Monitoring Systems Center Quality Assurance Project Plan for Verification of Black Carbon Monitors

EPA Science Inventory

Black carbon is a term that is commonly used to describe strongly light absorbing carbon (LAC), which is thought to play a significant role in global climate change through direct absorption of light, interaction with clouds, and by reducing the reflectivity of snow and ice. BC ...

A fiber optic multi-stress monitoring system for power transformer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Dae-gil; Sampath, Umesh; Kim, Hyunjin; Song, Minho

2017-04-01

A fiber-optic multi-stress monitoring system which uses 4 FBG sensors and a fiber-optic mandrel acoustic emission sensor is proposed. FBG sensors and a mandrel sensor measure different types of stresses occurring in electrical power transformer, such as temperature and acoustic signals. The sensor system uses single broadband light source to address the outputs of both sensors using single fiber-optic circuitry. An athermal-packaged FBG is used to supply quasi-coherent light for the Sagnac interferometer demodulation which processes the mandrel sensor output. The proposed sensor system could simplify the optical circuit for the multi-stress measurements and enhance the cost-effectiveness of the sensor system.

A survey of light-scattering techniques used in the remote monitoring of atmospheric aerosols

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deirmendjian, D.

1980-01-01

A critical survey of the literature on the use of light-scattering mechanisms in the remote monitoring of atmospheric aerosols, their geographical and spatial distribution, and temporal variations was undertaken to aid in the choice of future operational systems, both ground based and air or space borne. An evaluation, mainly qualitative and subjective, of various techniques and systems is carried out. No single system is found to be adequate for operational purposes. A combination of earth surface and space-borne systems based mainly on passive techniques involving solar radiation with active (lidar) systems to provide auxiliary or backup information is tentatively recommended.

Light-pollution measurement with the Wide-field all-sky image analyzing monitoring system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vítek, S.

2017-07-01

The purpose of this experiment was to measure light pollution in the capital of Czech Republic, Prague. As a measuring instrument is used calibrated consumer level digital single reflex camera with IR cut filter, therefore, the paper reports results of measuring and monitoring of the light pollution in the wavelength range of 390 - 700 nm, which most affects visual range astronomy. Combining frames of different exposure times made with a digital camera coupled with fish-eye lens allow to create high dynamic range images, contain meaningful values, so such a system can provide absolute values of the sky brightness.

A real-time monitoring system for night glare protection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Jun; Ni, Xuxiang

2010-11-01

When capturing a dark scene with a high bright object, the monitoring camera will be saturated in some regions and the details will be lost in and near these saturated regions because of the glare vision. This work aims at developing a real-time night monitoring system. The system can decrease the influence of the glare vision and gain more details from the ordinary camera when exposing a high-contrast scene like a car with its headlight on during night. The system is made up of spatial light modulator (The liquid crystal on silicon: LCoS), image sensor (CCD), imaging lens and DSP. LCoS, a reflective liquid crystal, can modular the intensity of reflective light at every pixel as a digital device. Through modulation function of LCoS, CCD is exposed with sub-region. With the control of DSP, the light intensity is decreased to minimum in the glare regions, and the light intensity is negative feedback modulated based on PID theory in other regions. So that more details of the object will be imaging on CCD and the glare protection of monitoring system is achieved. In experiments, the feedback is controlled by the embedded system based on TI DM642. Experiments shows: this feedback modulation method not only reduces the glare vision to improve image quality, but also enhances the dynamic range of image. The high-quality and high dynamic range image is real-time captured at 30hz. The modulation depth of LCoS determines how strong the glare can be removed.

SU-G-JeP3-10: Update On a Real-Time Treatment Guidance System Using An IR Navigation System for Pleural PDT

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

Kim, M; Penjweini, R; Zhu, T

Purpose: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is used in conjunction with surgical debulking of tumorous tissue during treatment for pleural mesothelioma. One of the key components of effective PDT is uniform light distribution. Currently, light is monitored with 8 isotropic light detectors that are placed at specific locations inside the pleural cavity. A tracking system with real-time feedback software can be utilized to improve the uniformity of light in addition to the existing detectors. Methods: An infrared (IR) tracking camera is used to monitor the movement of the light source. The same system determines the pleural geometry of the treatment area. Softwaremore » upgrades allow visualization of the pleural cavity as a two-dimensional volume. The treatment delivery wand was upgraded for ease of light delivery while incorporating the IR system. Isotropic detector locations are also displayed. Data from the tracking system is used to calculate the light fluence rate delivered. This data is also compared with in vivo data collected via the isotropic detectors. Furthermore, treatment volume information will be used to form light dose volume histograms of the pleural cavity. Results: In a phantom study, the light distribution was improved by using real-time guidance compared to the distribution when using detectors without guidance. With the tracking system, 2D data can be collected regarding light fluence rather than just the 8 discrete locations inside the pleural cavity. Light fluence distribution on the entire cavity can be calculated at every time in the treatment. Conclusion: The IR camera has been used successfully during pleural PDT patient treatment to track the motion of the light source and provide real-time display of 2D light fluence. It is possible to use the feedback system to deliver a more uniform dose of light throughout the pleural cavity.« less

Design of Dual-Road Transportable Portal Monitoring System for Visible Light and Gamma-Ray Imaging

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

Karnowski, Thomas Paul; Cunningham, Mark F; Goddard Jr, James Samuel

2010-01-01

The use of radiation sensors as portal monitors is increasing due to heightened concerns over the smuggling of fissile material. Transportable systems that can detect significant quantities of fissile material that might be present in vehicular traffic are of particular interest, especially if they can be rapidly deployed to different locations. To serve this application, we have constructed a rapid-deployment portal monitor that uses visible-light and gamma-ray imaging to allow simultaneous monitoring of multiple lanes of traffic from the side of a roadway. The system operation uses machine vision methods on the visible-light images to detect vehicles as they entermore » and exit the field of view and to measure their position in each frame. The visible-light and gamma-ray cameras are synchronized which allows the gamma-ray imager to harvest gamma-ray data specific to each vehicle, integrating its radiation signature for the entire time that it is in the field of view. Thus our system creates vehicle-specific radiation signatures and avoids source confusion problems that plague non-imaging approaches to the same problem. Our current prototype instrument was designed for measurement of upto five lanes of freeway traffic with a pair of instruments, one on either side of the roadway. Stereoscopic cameras are used with a third alignment camera for motion compensation and are mounted on a 50 deployable mast. In this paper we discuss the design considerations for the machine-vision system, the algorithms used for vehicle detection and position estimates, and the overall architecture of the system. We also discuss system calibration for rapid deployment. We conclude with notes on preliminary performance and deployment.« less

Design of dual-road transportable portal monitoring system for visible light and gamma-ray imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karnowski, Thomas P.; Cunningham, Mark F.; Goddard, James S.; Cheriyadat, Anil M.; Hornback, Donald E.; Fabris, Lorenzo; Kerekes, Ryan A.; Ziock, Klaus-Peter; Bradley, E. Craig; Chesser, J.; Marchant, W.

2010-04-01

The use of radiation sensors as portal monitors is increasing due to heightened concerns over the smuggling of fissile material. Transportable systems that can detect significant quantities of fissile material that might be present in vehicular traffic are of particular interest, especially if they can be rapidly deployed to different locations. To serve this application, we have constructed a rapid-deployment portal monitor that uses visible-light and gamma-ray imaging to allow simultaneous monitoring of multiple lanes of traffic from the side of a roadway. The system operation uses machine vision methods on the visible-light images to detect vehicles as they enter and exit the field of view and to measure their position in each frame. The visible-light and gamma-ray cameras are synchronized which allows the gamma-ray imager to harvest gamma-ray data specific to each vehicle, integrating its radiation signature for the entire time that it is in the field of view. Thus our system creates vehicle-specific radiation signatures and avoids source confusion problems that plague non-imaging approaches to the same problem. Our current prototype instrument was designed for measurement of upto five lanes of freeway traffic with a pair of instruments, one on either side of the roadway. Stereoscopic cameras are used with a third "alignment" camera for motion compensation and are mounted on a 50' deployable mast. In this paper we discuss the design considerations for the machine-vision system, the algorithms used for vehicle detection and position estimates, and the overall architecture of the system. We also discuss system calibration for rapid deployment. We conclude with notes on preliminary performance and deployment.

Video and thermal imaging system for monitoring interiors of high temperature reaction vessels

DOEpatents

Saveliev, Alexei V [Chicago, IL; Zelepouga, Serguei A [Hoffman Estates, IL; Rue, David M [Chicago, IL

2012-01-10

A system and method for real-time monitoring of the interior of a combustor or gasifier wherein light emitted by the interior surface of a refractory wall of the combustor or gasifier is collected using an imaging fiber optic bundle having a light receiving end and a light output end. Color information in the light is captured with primary color (RGB) filters or complimentary color (GMCY) filters placed over individual pixels of color sensors disposed within a digital color camera in a BAYER mosaic layout, producing RGB signal outputs or GMCY signal outputs. The signal outputs are processed using intensity ratios of the primary color filters or the complimentary color filters, producing video images and/or thermal images of the interior of the combustor or gasifier.

Low temperature monitoring system for subsurface barriers

DOEpatents

Vinegar, Harold J [Bellaire, TX; McKinzie, II Billy John [Houston, TX

2009-08-18

A system for monitoring temperature of a subsurface low temperature zone is described. The system includes a plurality of freeze wells configured to form the low temperature zone, one or more lasers, and a fiber optic cable coupled to at least one laser. A portion of the fiber optic cable is positioned in at least one freeze well. At least one laser is configured to transmit light pulses into a first end of the fiber optic cable. An analyzer is coupled to the fiber optic cable. The analyzer is configured to receive return signals from the light pulses.

The Light Plane Calibration Method of the Laser Welding Vision Monitoring System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, B. G.; Wu, M. H.; Jia, W. P.

2018-03-01

According to the aerospace and automobile industry, the sheet steels are the very important parts. In the recent years, laser welding technique had been used to weld the sheet steel part. The seam width between the two parts is usually less than 0.1mm. Because the error of the fixture fixed can’t be eliminated, the welding parts quality can be greatly affected. In order to improve the welding quality, the line structured light is employed in the vision monitoring system to plan the welding path before welding. In order to improve the weld precision, the vision system is located on Z axis of the computer numerical control (CNC) tool. The planar pattern is placed on the X-Y plane of the CNC tool, and the structured light is projected on the planar pattern. The vision system stay at three different positions along the Z axis of the CNC tool, and the camera shoot the image of the planar pattern at every position. Using the calculated the sub-pixel center line of the structure light, the world coordinate of the center light line can be calculated. Thus, the structured light plane can be calculated by fitting the structured light line. Experiment result shows the effective of the proposed method.

Online analysis of protein inclusion bodies produced in E. coli by monitoring alterations in scattered and reflected light.

PubMed

Ude, Christian; Ben-Dov, Nadav; Jochums, André; Li, Zhaopeng; Segal, Ester; Scheper, Thomas; Beutel, Sascha

2016-05-01

The online monitoring of recombinant protein aggregate inclusion bodies during microbial cultivation is an immense challenge. Measurement of scattered and reflected light offers a versatile and non-invasive measurement technique. Therefore, we investigated two methods to detect the formation of inclusion bodies and monitor their production: (1) online 180° scattered light measurement (λ = 625 nm) using a sensor platform during cultivation in shake flask and (2) online measurement of the light reflective interference using a porous Si-based optical biosensor (SiPA). It could be shown that 180° scattered light measurement allows monitoring of alterations in the optical properties of Escherichia coli BL21 cells, associated with the formation of inclusion bodies during cultivation. A reproducible linear correlation between the inclusion body concentration of the non-fluorescent protein human leukemia inhibitory factor (hLIF) carrying a thioredoxin tag and the shift ("Δamp") in scattered light signal intensity was observed. This was also observed for the glutathione-S-transferase-tagged green fluorescent protein (GFP-GST). Continuous online monitoring of reflective interference spectra reveals a significant increase in the bacterium refractive index during hLIF production in comparison to a non-induced reference that coincide with the formation of inclusion bodies. These online monitoring techniques could be applied for fast and cost-effective screening of different protein expression systems.

Performance assessment of an onboard monitoring system for CMV drivers : a field operational test : research brief.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-11-01

The primary goal of an onboard monitoring system (OBMS) is to enhance driver performance and safety. OBMSs are employed with the expectation that feedback provided concurrently (via flashing feedback lights in the vehicle) and cumulatively (via coach...

Multiple wavelength light collimator and monitor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gore, Warren J. (Inventor)

2011-01-01

An optical system for receiving and collimating light and for transporting and processing light received in each of N wavelength ranges, including near-ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared and mid-infrared wavelengths, to determine a fraction of light received, and associated dark current, in each wavelength range in each of a sequence of time intervals.

Intensive Monitoring Survey of Nearby Galaxies (IMSNG): Catching Early Light Curves of Supernovae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Im, Myungshin; IMSNG Team

2018-01-01

SNe light curves have been used to study the expansion history of the universe, and a lot of efforts have gone into understanding the overall shape of the radioactively powered light curve. However, we still have little direct observational evidence for the theorized SN progenitor systems. Recent studies suggest that the light curve of a supernova shortly after its explosion (< 1 day) contains valuable information about its progenitor system and can be used to set a limit on the progenitor size, R*. In order to catch the early light curve of SNe explosion and understand SNe progenitors, we are performing a ~8hr interval monitoring survey of nearby galaxies (d < 50 Mpc) with 1-m class telescopes around the world. Through this survey, we expect to catch the very early precursor emission as faint as R=21 mag (~0.1 Rsun for the progenitor). This poster outlines this project, and present a few scientific highlights, such as the early light curve of SN 2015F in NGC 2442.

Innovative Techniques to Model, Analyze and Monitor Space Effects on Air Force Space-Based Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-20

of Comets in the Heliosphere as Observed by SMEI 4 2.8. Zodiacal Light Observations and Modeling 5 2.9. Space Weather Forecasting Lab (SWFL...This research resulted in two publications and a presentation at the 2007 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting. 2.8. Zodiacal Light Observations...and Modeling One of the backgrounds removed from SMEI imagery is the scattered zodiacal light from solar system dust. The zodiacal light has

Current status and performance of the BESIII electromagnetic calorimeter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Jian; Wang, Zhigang

2012-12-01

The design and construction of the BESIII electromagnetic calorimeter is introduced briefly. Radiation dose of CsI(Tl) crystals is monitored and history graph of integral dose of crystals is showed. LED-fiber system is used for monitoring the EMC light output, and large decrease of light output of several crystals is discussed. BESIII electromagnetic calorimeter works very well and its performance reach the design value.

Multi-Fibre Optode Microsensors: affordable designs for monitoring oxygen in soils under varying environmental conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rezanezhad, F.; Milojevic, T.; Parsons, C. T.; Smeaton, C. M.; Van Cappellen, P.

2017-12-01

Molecular oxygen (O2) measurements in field and laboratory soil and sediment systems provide useful insight into the biogeochemical functioning of natural environments. However, monitoring soil and sediment O2 is often challenging due to high costs, analyte consumption, and limited customizability and durability of existing O2 sensors. To meet this challenge, an in-house luminescence-based Multi Fibre Optode (MuFO) microsensor system was developed to monitor O2 levels under changing moisture and temperature regimes. The design is simplified by the use of a basic DSLR camera, LED light and fibre optic cables. The technique is based on O2 quenching the luminescent light intensity emitted from a luminophore (platinum(II) meso-tetra(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin, PtTFPP) that is dip-coated onto the tips of the fibre optic cables, where increasing O2 corresponds to decreasing light intensity, based on the classic Stern-Volmer relationship. High-resolution digital images of the sensor-emitted light are then converted into % O2 saturation. The method was successfully tested in two artificial soil (20% peat, 80% sand) column experiments designed to simulate freeze-thaw cycles (temperature cycling from -10°C to 25°C) and water table fluctuations under controlled conditions. Depth distributions of O2 levels were monitored without interruption for multiple freeze-thaw and water table cycles. No degradation of optode performance or O2 signals were observed for the duration of the column experiments, which supports the long-term deployment of the microsensors for continuous O2 monitoring in field and laboratory settings. The technical specifications of the system are fair, with a detection limit of 0.2% O2 saturation. The main advantages of the MuFO system over commercial applications are the comparatively low cost ($1,800 USD; about ¼ the cost of commercial versions) and ease of customizability. The system has been further developed for near real-time monitoring in the field, where the imaged data is transmitted remotely using a photo-logging system. The MuFO sensor is currently being tested at a Southern Ontario field site in a year-long experiment. Here we present the field and laboratory results of soil O2 monitoring by this newly developed MuFO microsensor system under varying environmental conditions.

[Development of a monitor for quantifying personal eye exposure to visible and ultraviolet radiation and its application in epidemiology].

PubMed

Eto, Norihito; Tsubota, Kazuo; Tanaka, Taichiro; Nishiwaki, Yuji

2013-01-01

Eye diseases including cataract, keratitis and pterygium have been reported to be sun-exposure-related. The association between macular degeneration and blue light has also been discussed. Moreover, it is hypothesized that retinal exposure to blue light may influence the human circadian rhythm. However, no monitoring devices exist that can measure eye exposure to visible and ultraviolet (UV) radiation over time. To measure the exact dose at specific times, we have developed a novel sensing system (ray-sensing glass system: RaySeG). RaySeG can continuously measure and record the composition and intensity of light with a time-stamped system. Subjects wearing RaySeG were instructed to walk under various light conditions such as indoor and outdoor. RaySeG consists of two sensors embedded in the eyeglasses. These sensors are for UV (260-400 nm), visible lights (red, 615 nm; green, 540 nm; and blue, 465 nm: peak wavelength for each). The total weight of the system is about 100 g, and the size is comparable to that of a digital audio player. The system continuously recorded changes in visible and UV light exposure under various conditions. After accuracy validation, further experiments with a larger number of subjects are required. Our final goal is to apply the system to evaluating personal eye exposure to UV and visible light in epidemiological studies of eye diseases and circadian rhythm abnormality.

Flat Panel Displays for Medical Monitoring Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-10-25

filter prevents light from passing (figure 2). FLAT PANEL DISPLAYS FOR MEDICAL MONITORING SYSTEMS A. Cebrián, J. Millet , I. García Department of...The touch screen is placed over the flat panel display as a filter (figure 10) and allows user interfaces based in direct finger touch (figure 11

Adapting radio technology to LED feedback systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salsbury, Marc; Ashdown, Ian

2007-09-01

Superheterodyne techniques were originally developed for radio transmission and reception nearly a century ago. In this paper we explore the adaptation of this technology to the problem of simultaneously monitoring the intensities of multiple LED channels with a single photosensor. The use of superheterodyne techniques obviates the need for multiple photosensors filters and tristimulus color filters to monitor the relative intensities of red, green, and blue LEDs. In addition, they alleviate the problems of electrical and optical noise, as well as the influence of ambient illumination on the photosensors. They can also be used to advantage with phosphor-coated white light LEDs in solid state lighting systems. Taking a broader view, the use of such techniques demonstrates the value of looking outside the realm of conventional LED power and control technologies when designing solid state lighting systems.

Method and apparatus for calibrating a particle emissions monitor

DOEpatents

Flower, W.L.; Renzi, R.F.

1998-07-07

The invention discloses a method and apparatus for calibrating particulate emissions monitors, in particular, sampling probes, and in general, without removing the instrument from the system being monitored. A source of one or more specific metals in aerosol (either solid or liquid) or vapor form is housed in the instrument. The calibration operation is initiated by moving a focusing lens, used to focus a light beam onto an analysis location and collect the output light response, from an operating position to a calibration position such that the focal point of the focusing lens is now within a calibration stream issuing from a calibration source. The output light response from the calibration stream can be compared to that derived from an analysis location in the operating position to more accurately monitor emissions within the emissions flow stream. 6 figs.

Method and apparatus for calibrating a particle emissions monitor

DOEpatents

Flower, William L.; Renzi, Ronald F.

1998-07-07

The instant invention discloses method and apparatus for calibrating particulate emissions monitors, in particular, and sampling probes, in general, without removing the instrument from the system being monitored. A source of one or more specific metals in aerosol (either solid or liquid) or vapor form is housed in the instrument. The calibration operation is initiated by moving a focusing lens, used to focus a light beam onto an analysis location and collect the output light response, from an operating position to a calibration position such that the focal point of the focusing lens is now within a calibration stream issuing from a calibration source. The output light response from the calibration stream can be compared to that derived from an analysis location in the operating position to more accurately monitor emissions within the emissions flow stream.

Optical multi-species gas monitoring sensor and system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Korman, Valentin (Inventor); Polzin, Kurt A. (Inventor)

2012-01-01

The system includes at least one light source generating light energy having a corresponding wavelength. The system's sensor is based on an optical interferometer that receives light energy from each light source. The interferometer includes a free-space optical path disposed in an environment of interest. The system's sensor includes an optical device disposed in the optical path that causes light energy of a first selected wavelength to continue traversing the optical path whereas light energy of at least one second selected wavelength is directed away from the optical path. The interferometer generates an interference between the light energy of the first selected wavelength so-traversing the optical path with the light energy at the corresponding wavelength incident on the optical interferometer. A first optical detector detects the interference. At least one second detector detects the light energy at the at least one second selected wavelength directed away from the optical path.

49 CFR 193.2911 - Security lighting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 49 Transportation 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Security lighting. 193.2911 Section 193.2911...: FEDERAL SAFETY STANDARDS Security § 193.2911 Security lighting. Where security warning systems are not provided for security monitoring under § 193.2913, the area around the facilities listed under § 193.2905(a...

49 CFR 193.2911 - Security lighting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 49 Transportation 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Security lighting. 193.2911 Section 193.2911...: FEDERAL SAFETY STANDARDS Security § 193.2911 Security lighting. Where security warning systems are not provided for security monitoring under § 193.2913, the area around the facilities listed under § 193.2905(a...

49 CFR 193.2911 - Security lighting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 49 Transportation 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Security lighting. 193.2911 Section 193.2911...: FEDERAL SAFETY STANDARDS Security § 193.2911 Security lighting. Where security warning systems are not provided for security monitoring under § 193.2913, the area around the facilities listed under § 193.2905(a...

Composite video and graphics display for multiple camera viewing system in robotics and teleoperation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Diner, Daniel B. (Inventor); Venema, Steven C. (Inventor)

1991-01-01

A system for real-time video image display for robotics or remote-vehicle teleoperation is described that has at least one robot arm or remotely operated vehicle controlled by an operator through hand-controllers, and one or more television cameras and optional lighting element. The system has at least one television monitor for display of a television image from a selected camera and the ability to select one of the cameras for image display. Graphics are generated with icons of cameras and lighting elements for display surrounding the television image to provide the operator information on: the location and orientation of each camera and lighting element; the region of illumination of each lighting element; the viewed region and range of focus of each camera; which camera is currently selected for image display for each monitor; and when the controller coordinate for said robot arms or remotely operated vehicles have been transformed to correspond to coordinates of a selected or nonselected camera.

Composite video and graphics display for camera viewing systems in robotics and teleoperation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Diner, Daniel B. (Inventor); Venema, Steven C. (Inventor)

1993-01-01

A system for real-time video image display for robotics or remote-vehicle teleoperation is described that has at least one robot arm or remotely operated vehicle controlled by an operator through hand-controllers, and one or more television cameras and optional lighting element. The system has at least one television monitor for display of a television image from a selected camera and the ability to select one of the cameras for image display. Graphics are generated with icons of cameras and lighting elements for display surrounding the television image to provide the operator information on: the location and orientation of each camera and lighting element; the region of illumination of each lighting element; the viewed region and range of focus of each camera; which camera is currently selected for image display for each monitor; and when the controller coordinate for said robot arms or remotely operated vehicles have been transformed to correspond to coordinates of a selected or nonselected camera.

New gonioscopy system using only infrared light.

PubMed

Sugimoto, Kota; Ito, Kunio; Matsunaga, Koichi; Miura, Katsuya; Esaki, Koji; Uji, Yukitaka

2005-08-01

To describe an infrared gonioscopy system designed to observe the anterior chamber angle under natural mydriasis in a completely darkened room. An infrared light filter was used to modify the light source of the slit-lamp microscope. A television monitor connected to a CCD monochrome camera was used to indirectly observe the angle. Use of the infrared system enabled observation of the angle under natural mydriasis in a completely darkened room. Infrared gonioscopy is a useful procedure for the observation of the angle under natural mydriasis.

The research of knitting needle status monitoring setup

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Lu; Liao, Xiao-qing; Zhu, Yong-kang; Yang, Wei; Zhang, Pei; Zhao, Yong-kai; Huang, Hui-jie

2013-09-01

In textile production, quality control and testing is the key to ensure the process and improve the efficiency. Defect of the knitting needles is the main factor affecting the quality of the appearance of textiles. Defect detection method based on machine vision and image processing technology is universal. This approach does not effectively identify the defect generated by damaged knitting needles and raise the alarm. We developed a knitting needle status monitoring setup using optical imaging, photoelectric detection and weak signal processing technology to achieve real-time monitoring of weaving needles' position. Depending on the shape of the knitting needle, we designed a kind of Glass Optical Fiber (GOF) light guides with a rectangular port used for transmission of the signal light. To be able to capture the signal of knitting needles accurately, we adopt a optical 4F system which has better imaging quality and simple structure and there is a rectangle image on the focal plane after the system. When a knitting needle passes through position of the rectangle image, the reflected light from needle surface will back to the GOF light guides along the same optical system. According to the intensity of signals, the computer control unit distinguish that the knitting needle is broken or curving. The experimental results show that this system can accurately detect the broken needles and the curving needles on the knitting machine in operating condition.

Optical system and method for gas detection and monitoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, Kurt A. (Inventor); Sinko, John Elihu (Inventor); Korman, Valentin (Inventor); Witherow, William K. (Inventor); Hendrickson, Adam Gail (Inventor)

2011-01-01

A free-space optical path of an optical interferometer is disposed in an environment of interest. A light beam is guided to the optical interferometer using a single-mode optical fiber. The light beam traverses the interferometer's optical path. The light beam guided to the optical path is combined with the light beam at the end of the optical path to define an output light. A temporal history of the output light is recorded.

Central-Monitor Software Module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bachelder, Aaron; Foster, Conrad

2005-01-01

One of the software modules of the emergency-vehicle traffic-light-preemption system of the two preceding articles performs numerous functions for the central monitoring subsystem. This module monitors the states of all units (vehicle transponders and intersection controllers): It provides real-time access to the phases of traffic and pedestrian lights, and maps the positions and states of all emergency vehicles. Most of this module is used for installation and configuration of units as they are added to the system. The module logs all activity in the system, thereby providing information that can be analyzed to minimize response times and optimize response strategies. The module can be used from any location within communication range of the system; with proper configuration, it can also be used via the Internet. It can be integrated into call-response centers, where it can be used for alerting emergency vehicles and managing their responses to specific incidents. A variety of utility subprograms provide access to any or all units for purposes of monitoring, testing, and modification. Included are "sniffer" utility subprograms that monitor incoming and outgoing data for accuracy and timeliness, and that quickly and autonomously shut off malfunctioning vehicle or intersection units.

75 FR 18782 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Indiana; Alternate Monitoring...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-13

...EPA is proposing to approve a revision to Indiana's State Implementation Plan alternative monitoring requirements for Indianapolis Power and Light Company (IPL) at its Harding Street Generating Station. On December 31, 2008, Indiana requested approval of alternative monitoring requirements that allow the use of a particulate matter continuous emissions monitoring system in place of a continuous opacity monitor.

WASTE HANDLING BUILDING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DESCRIPTION DOCUMENT

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

S.C. Khamamkar

2000-06-23

The Waste Handling Building Electrical System performs the function of receiving, distributing, transforming, monitoring, and controlling AC and DC power to all waste handling building electrical loads. The system distributes normal electrical power to support all loads that are within the Waste Handling Building (WHB). The system also generates and distributes emergency power to support designated emergency loads within the WHB within specified time limits. The system provides the capability to transfer between normal and emergency power. The system provides emergency power via independent and physically separated distribution feeds from the normal supply. The designated emergency electrical equipment will bemore » designed to operate during and after design basis events (DBEs). The system also provides lighting, grounding, and lightning protection for the Waste Handling Building. The system is located in the Waste Handling Building System. The system consists of a diesel generator, power distribution cables, transformers, switch gear, motor controllers, power panel boards, lighting panel boards, lighting equipment, lightning protection equipment, control cabling, and grounding system. Emergency power is generated with a diesel generator located in a QL-2 structure and connected to the QL-2 bus. The Waste Handling Building Electrical System distributes and controls primary power to acceptable industry standards, and with a dependability compatible with waste handling building reliability objectives for non-safety electrical loads. It also generates and distributes emergency power to the designated emergency loads. The Waste Handling Building Electrical System receives power from the Site Electrical Power System. The primary material handling power interfaces include the Carrier/Cask Handling System, Canister Transfer System, Assembly Transfer System, Waste Package Remediation System, and Disposal Container Handling Systems. The system interfaces with the MGR Operations Monitoring and Control System for supervisory monitoring and control signals. The system interfaces with all facility support loads such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, office, fire protection, monitoring and control, safeguards and security, and communications subsystems.« less

Current Status of the Beam Position Monitoring System at TLS

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

Kuo, C. H.; Hu, K. H.; Chen, Jenny

2006-11-20

The beam position monitoring system is an important part of a synchrotron light source that supports its routine operation and studies of beam physics. The Taiwan light source is equipped with 59 BPMs. Highly precise closed orbits are measured by multiplexing BPMs. Data are acquired using multi-channel 16-bit ADC modules. Orbit data are sampled every millisecond. Fast orbit data are shared in a reflective memory network to support fast orbit feedback. Averaged data were updated to control database at a rate of 10 Hz. A few new generation digital BPMs were tested to evaluate their performance and functionality. This reportmore » summarizes the system structure, the software environment and the preliminary beam test of the BPM system.« less

Current Status of the Beam Position Monitoring System at TLS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, C. H.; Hu, K. H.; Chen, Jenny; Lee, Demi; Wang, C. J.; Hsu, S. Y.; Hsu, K. T.

2006-11-01

The beam position monitoring system is an important part of a synchrotron light source that supports its routine operation and studies of beam physics. The Taiwan light source is equipped with 59 BPMs. Highly precise closed orbits are measured by multiplexing BPMs. Data are acquired using multi-channel 16-bit ADC modules. Orbit data are sampled every millisecond. Fast orbit data are shared in a reflective memory network to support fast orbit feedback. Averaged data were updated to control database at a rate of 10 Hz. A few new generation digital BPMs were tested to evaluate their performance and functionality. This report summarizes the system structure, the software environment and the preliminary beam test of the BPM system.

System and process for detecting and monitoring surface defects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mueller, Mark K. (Inventor)

1994-01-01

A system and process for detecting and monitoring defects in large surfaces such as the field joints of the container segments of a space shuttle booster motor. Beams of semi-collimated light from three non-parallel fiber optic light panels are directed at a region of the surface at non-normal angles of expected incidence. A video camera gathers some portion of the light that is reflected at an angle other than the angle of expected reflectance, and generates signals which are analyzed to discern defects in the surface. The analysis may be performed by visual inspection of an image on a video monitor, or by inspection of filtered or otherwise processed images. In one alternative embodiment, successive predetermined regions of the surface are aligned with the light source before illumination, thereby permitting efficient detection of defects in a large surface. Such alignment is performed by using a line scan gauge to sense the light which passes through an aperture in the surface. In another embodiment a digital map of the surface is created, thereby permitting the maintenance of records detailing changes in the location or size of defects as the container segment is refurbished and re-used. The defect detection apparatus may also be advantageously mounted on a fixture which engages the edge of a container segment.

Design, fabrication, and analysis of miniature reflective oxygen monitoring system for use in PDT of esophageal carcinoma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Premasiri, Amaranath; Happawana, Gemunu

2008-02-01

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective and minimally invasive treatment modality with relatively less side effects, which is approved by FDA for the treatment of esophageal cancer. Maximum therapeutic outcome of the PDT protocol for each individual patient requires optimization of the components of PDT operating at their highest efficacy. Tumor necrosis, the method of malignant tissue destruction by PDT, is carried out by the toxic singlet oxygen molecules that are being formed from the molecular oxygen in the tumor. The availability of molecular oxygen, hence being the rate limiting step for PDT plays a key role in the treatment protocol. Currently the PDT of esophageal carcinoma is rather a blind process since there is no method to monitor the tumor oxygen level during the treatment. In this paper we present an optical technique to monitor molecular oxygen level in the PDT milieu. The technique described herein is a reflection oximetry technique designed with small semiconductor lasers and a silicon photodiode. The light used for monitoring system comes from two semiconductor diode lasers of 650 nm and 940 nm wavelengths. The two lasers and the photodiode are mounted onto a small package which is to be imprinted onto a balloon catheter containing the PDT light delivery system. Lasers and the photodiode are powered and controlled by a control box that is connected via a cable. Light sources and the respective photodiode output are controlled by the LabVIEW virtual instrumentation. The sequential on and off light source and the respective reflective signal are processed with MATLAB. The latter code integrates with LabVIEW to make an automatic calculation of the corresponding light absorption by each chromophore and to calculate the change in oxygen level as well as the amount of blood and oxygen present in the treatment area. The designed system is capable of monitoring the change in oxygen level and the blood flow in any part of the human body where the package is possible to place.

Scandinavian systems monitoring the oral health in children and adolescents; an evaluation of their quality and utility in the light of modern perspectives of caries management.

PubMed

Skeie, Marit S; Klock, Kristin S

2014-04-30

Recording reliable oral health data is a challenge. The aims were a) to outline different Scandinavian systems of oral health monitoring, b) to evaluate the quality and utility of the collected data in the light of modern concepts of disease management and to suggest improvements. The information for in this study was related to (a) children and adolescents, (b) oral health data and (c) routines for monitoring such data. This meant information available in the official web sites of the "KOSTRA-data" (Municipality-State-Report) in Norway, the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare ("Socialstyrelsen") and Oral Health Register (the SCOR system, National Board of Health) in Denmark. A potential for increasing the reliability and validity of the data existed. Routines for monitoring other oral diseases than caries were limited. Compared with the other Scandinavian countries, the data collection system in Denmark appeared more functional and had adopted more modern concepts of disease management than other systems. In the light of modern concepts of caries management, data collected elsewhere had limited utility. The Scandinavian systems of health reporting had much in common, but some essential differences existed. If the quality of epidemiological data were enhanced, it would be possible to use the data for planning oral health care. Routines and procedures should be improved and updated in accordance with the modern ideas about caries prevention and therapy. For appropriate oral health planning in an organised dental service, reporting of enamel caries is essential.

System Security And Monitoring On Smart Home Using Android

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romadhon, A. S.

2018-01-01

Home security system is needed for homeowners who have a lot of activities, as a result, they often leave the house without locking the door and even leave the house in a state of lights that are not lit. In order to overcome this case, a system that can control and can monitor the state of the various devices contained in the house or smart home system is urgently required. The working principle of this smart home using android is when the homeowner sends a certain command using android, the command will be forwarded to the microcontroller and then it will be executed based on the parameters that have been determined. For example, it can turn off and on the light using android app. In this study, testing was conducted to a smart home prototype which is equipped with light bulbs, odour sensors, heat sensors, ultrasonic sensors, LDR, buzzer and camera. The test results indicate that the application has been able to control all the sensors of home appliances well.

Impact damage monitoring in CFRP using fiber Bragg grating ultrasound sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsuda, Hiroshi; Lee, Jung-Ryul; Eguchi, Shunji

2006-03-01

Impact damage in CFRP was monitored by ultrasonic inspection method using small-diameter fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors. The FBG ultrasound detection system consisted of broadband light source, FBG sensor and tunable optical filter. Broadband light was launched into the FBG sensor. Light reflected from the FBG sensor was transmitted through the tunable optical filter whose transmissive wavelength range is comparable to the reflected wavelength range of the FBG sensor. The operating wavelength of tunable filter was set to optimize the sensitivity of ultrasound detection. Ultrasound vibration was converted into change in intensity of light transmitted through the filter. A cross-ply carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) plate was used as a test specimen for impact damage monitoring. A 6.3 X 9mm2 impact damage was introduced by ball dropping. Both FBG ultrasound sensor and piezoelectric ultrasound transmitter were attached on the CFRP surface. The change in responses to ultrasound excited by either spike signal or toneburst signal before and after impact damage was investigated. In response to ultrasound excited by spike signal, the response after impact damage showed a scattered behavior where the period of response signal got longer. In response to ultrasound excited by toneburst signal, damage signal features scattered and distorted waveform. Experimental results proved that the FBG inspection system could monitor a 6.3 X 9mm2 impact damage in CFRP.

A new kind of universal smart home security safety monitoring system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Biqing; Li, Zhao

2018-04-01

With the current level of social development, improved quality of life, existence and security issues of law and order has become an important issue. This graduation project adopts the form of wireless transmission, to STC89C52 microcontroller as the host control human infrared induction anti-theft monitoring system. The system mainly consists of main control circuit, power supply circuit, activities of the human body detection module, sound and light alarm circuit, record and display circuit. The main function is to achieve exploration activities on the human body, then the information is transmitted to the control panel, according to the system microcontroller program control sound and light alarm circuit, while recording the alarm location and time, and always check the record as required, and ultimately achieve the purpose of monitoring. The advantage of using pyroelectric infrared sensor can be installed in a hidden place, not easy to find, and low cost, good detection results, and has broad prospects for development.

Apparatus and method for monitoring of gas having stable isotopes

DOEpatents

Clegg, Samuel M; Fessenden-Rahn, Julianna E

2013-03-05

Gas having stable isotopes is monitored continuously by using a system that sends a modulated laser beam to the gas and collects and transmits the light not absorbed by the gas to a detector. Gas from geological storage, or from the atmosphere can be monitored continuously without collecting samples and transporting them to a lab.

Performance of a newly designed continuous soot monitoring system (COSMOS).

PubMed

Miyazaki, Yuzo; Kondo, Yutaka; Sahu, Lokesh K; Imaru, Junichi; Fukushima, Nobuhiko; Kano, Minoru

2008-10-01

We designed a continuous soot monitoring system (COSMOS) for fully automated, high-sensitivity, continuous measurement of light absorption by black carbon (BC) aerosols. The instrument monitors changes in transmittance across an automatically advancing quartz fiber filter tape using an LED at a 565 nm wavelength. To achieve measurements with high sensitivity and a lower detectable light absorption coefficient, COSMOS uses a double-convex lens and optical bundle pipes to maintain high light intensity and signal data are obtained at 1000 Hz. In addition, sampling flow rate and optical unit temperature are actively controlled. The inlet line for COSMOS is heated to 400 degrees C to effectively volatilize non-refractory aerosol components that are internally mixed with BC. In its current form, COSMOS provides BC light absorption measurements with a detection limit of 0.45 Mm(-1) (0.045 microg m(-3) for soot) for 10 min. The unit-to-unit variability is estimated to be within +/- 1%, demonstrating its high reproducibility. The absorption coefficients determined by COSMOS agreed with those by a particle soot absorption photometer (PSAP) to within 1% (r2 = 0.97). The precision (+/- 0.60 Mm(-1)) for 10 min integrated data was better than that of PSAP and an aethalometer under our operating conditions. These results showed that COSMOS achieved both an improved detection limit and higher precision for the filter-based light absorption measurements of BC compared to the existing methods.

Design of laser monitoring and sound localization system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yu-long; Xu, Xi-ping; Dai, Yu-ming; Qiao, Yang

2013-08-01

In this paper, a novel design of laser monitoring and sound localization system is proposed. It utilizes laser to monitor and locate the position of the indoor conversation. In China most of the laser monitors no matter used in labor in an instrument uses photodiode or phototransistor as a detector at present. At the laser receivers of those facilities, light beams are adjusted to ensure that only part of the window in photodiodes or phototransistors received the beams. The reflection would deviate from its original path because of the vibration of the detected window, which would cause the changing of imaging spots in photodiode or phototransistor. However, such method is limited not only because it could bring in much stray light in receivers but also merely single output of photocurrent could be obtained. Therefore a new method based on quadrant detector is proposed. It utilizes the relation of the optical integral among quadrants to locate the position of imaging spots. This method could eliminate background disturbance and acquired two-dimensional spots vibrating data pacifically. The principle of this whole system could be described as follows. Collimated laser beams are reflected from vibrate-window caused by the vibration of sound source. Therefore reflected beams are modulated by vibration source. Such optical signals are collected by quadrant detectors and then are processed by photoelectric converters and corresponding circuits. Speech signals are eventually reconstructed. In addition, sound source localization is implemented by the means of detecting three different reflected light sources simultaneously. Indoor mathematical models based on the principle of Time Difference Of Arrival (TDOA) are established to calculate the twodimensional coordinate of sound source. Experiments showed that this system is able to monitor the indoor sound source beyond 15 meters with a high quality of speech reconstruction and to locate the sound source position accurately.

Assessment of curing behavior of light-activated dental composites using intensity correlation based multiple reference optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Dsouza, Roshan; Subhash, Hrebesh; Neuhaus, Kai; Kantamneni, Ramakrishna; McNamara, Paul M; Hogan, Josh; Wilson, Carol; Leahy, Martin

2016-01-01

Monitoring the curing kinetics of light-activated resin is a key area of research. These resins are used in restorative applications and particularly in dental applications. They can undergo volumetric shrinkage due to poor control of the depth dependent curing process, modulated by the intensity and duration of the curing light source. This often results in the formation of marginal gaps, causing pain and damage to the restoration site. In this study, we demonstrate the capabilities of a correlation method applied using a multiple references optical coherence tomography (MR-OCT) architecture to monitor the curing of the resin. A MR-OCT system is used in this study to monitor the curing of the resin. The system operates at the center wavelength of 1310 nm with an A-scan rate of 1200 A-scans per second. The axial and lateral resolution of the system is ∼13 μm and ∼27 μm. The method to determine the intensity correlation between adjacent B-frames is based on the Pearson correlation coefficient for a region of interest. Calculating the correlation coefficient for multiple B-frames related to the first B-frame at regular spaced time points, shows for a noncured resin a reduction of the correlation coefficient over time due to Brownian motion. The time constant of the reduction of the correlation value is a measure for the progress of the polymerization during LED light irradiation of the resin. The proposed approach is potentially a low-cost, powerful and unique optical imaging modality for measuring the curing behavior of dental resin and other resins, coatings, and adhesives in medical and industrial applications. To demonstrate the proposed method to monitor the curing process, a light-activated resin composite from GRADIA DIRECT ANTERIOR (GC Corporation, Japan) is studied. The curing time of resin was measured and monitored as a function of depth. The correlation coefficient method is highly sensitive to Brownian motion. The process of curing results in a change in intensity as measured by the MR-OCT signal and hence can be monitored using this method. These results show that MR-OCT has the potential to measure the curing time and monitor the curing process as a function of depth. Moreover, MR-OCT as a product has potential to be compact, low-cost and to fit into a smartphone. Using such a device for monitoring the curing of the resin will be suitable for dentists in stationary and mobile clinical settings. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Design of embedded intelligent monitoring system based on face recognition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Weidong; Ding, Yan; Zhao, Liangjin; Li, Jia; Hu, Xuemei

2017-01-01

In this paper, a new embedded intelligent monitoring system based on face recognition is proposed. The system uses Pi Raspberry as the central processor. A sensors group has been designed with Zigbee module in order to assist the system to work better and the two alarm modes have been proposed using the Internet and 3G modem. The experimental results show that the system can work under various light intensities to recognize human face and send alarm information in real time.

Scandinavian systems monitoring the oral health in children and adolescents; an evaluation of their quality and utility in the light of modern perspectives of caries management

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Recording reliable oral health data is a challenge. The aims were a) to outline different Scandinavian systems of oral health monitoring, b) to evaluate the quality and utility of the collected data in the light of modern concepts of disease management and to suggest improvements. Material and methods The information for in this study was related to (a) children and adolescents, (b) oral health data and (c) routines for monitoring such data. This meant information available in the official web sites of the “KOSTRA-data” (Municipality-State-Report) in Norway, the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare (“Socialstyrelsen”) and Oral Health Register (the SCOR system, National Board of Health) in Denmark. Results A potential for increasing the reliability and validity of the data existed. Routines for monitoring other oral diseases than caries were limited. Compared with the other Scandinavian countries, the data collection system in Denmark appeared more functional and had adopted more modern concepts of disease management than other systems. In the light of modern concepts of caries management, data collected elsewhere had limited utility. Conclusions The Scandinavian systems of health reporting had much in common, but some essential differences existed. If the quality of epidemiological data were enhanced, it would be possible to use the data for planning oral health care. Routines and procedures should be improved and updated in accordance with the modern ideas about caries prevention and therapy. For appropriate oral health planning in an organised dental service, reporting of enamel caries is essential. PMID:24885243

A Mobile Multi-Agent Information System for Ubiquitous Fetal Monitoring

PubMed Central

Su, Chuan-Jun; Chu, Ta-Wei

2014-01-01

Electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) systems integrate many previously separate clinical activities related to fetal monitoring. Promoting the use of ubiquitous fetal monitoring services with real time status assessments requires a robust information platform equipped with an automatic diagnosis engine. This paper presents the design and development of a mobile multi-agent platform-based open information systems (IMAIS) with an automated diagnosis engine to support intensive and distributed ubiquitous fetal monitoring. The automatic diagnosis engine that we developed is capable of analyzing data in both traditional paper-based and digital formats. Issues related to interoperability, scalability, and openness in heterogeneous e-health environments are addressed through the adoption of a FIPA2000 standard compliant agent development platform—the Java Agent Development Environment (JADE). Integrating the IMAIS with light-weight, portable fetal monitor devices allows for continuous long-term monitoring without interfering with a patient’s everyday activities and without restricting her mobility. The system architecture can be also applied to vast monitoring scenarios such as elder care and vital sign monitoring. PMID:24452256

Diagnostics Adapted for Heat-Treating Furnace Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

Diagnostics developed for the in situ monitoring of rocket combustion environments were adapted for use in heat-treating furnaces. Simultaneous, in situ monitoring of the carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, water, and hydrogen concentrations in the endothermic gas of a heat-treating furnace were demonstrated under a Space Act Agreement between the NASA Lewis Research Center, the Heat Treating Network, and Akron Steel Treating Company. This endothermic gas, or "endogas," is produced in a catalytic process, where natural gas is "cracked" in the presence of air. Variations in the composition of the natural gas supplied lead to variations in the composition of the endothermic gas. These variations could lead to an unacceptable quality of steel products that are hardened through the carborization process that uses this gas. Conventional methods of monitoring the endogas include measuring the dew point of the gas and the oxygen concentration. From these data, the carbon monoxide content of the gas can be calculated. This carbon monoxide concentration creates the carbon potential needed for carburization. Several weak links are present in this approach. The oxygen monitor deteriorates over time, and the measurement might be inaccurate by 50 percent. Also, the chemistry equations, which are based on several assumptions, such as secondary species concentrations, provide only an approximate estimate of the carbon monoxide concentration. To address these weaknesses, we investigated a new method based on ordinary Raman spectroscopy, in which the carbon monoxide concentration is measured directly and in situ. This method measures the laser light scattered from the molecules. Each species interacts with the light and scatters the light at a different frequency. Spectral monitoring of the scattered light intensity at each molecular frequency of interest provides the species concentrations. One advantage over the conventional method is that several species can be monitored simultaneously. A second advantage is that the measurement is direct; there is no need to make assumptions, to filter the gas, or to calibrate the instrument. An instrument was designed consisting of a laser and a detection system within an enclosure, connected to an optical probe by fibers. For determining carbon monoxide concentration, the probe is mounted on the endothermic gas line, close to the generator. Optical fibers with a length of 150 ft have been used to transmit laser light from the instrument to the probe. There, the light is focused into the gas, and the scattered light is collected and transmitted back to the instrument where it is analyzed with a photomultiplier and lock-in amplifier. Laboratory tests have shown that with the current system the concentration of carbon monoxide, water, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen in the air can be monitored with an accuracy of 1 percent. The concentration of carbon dioxide in the air can be monitored with an accuracy of 0.5 percent, and the concentration of methane with an accuracy of 0.2 percent. This instrument was taken to the Akron Steel Treating Plant, where field tests are in progress to verify the system capabilities. Planned developments are improving the accuracy, monitoring multiple locations, and reducing instrument size and cost.

A color management system for multi-colored LED lighting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakrabarti, Maumita; Thorseth, Anders; Jepsen, Jørgen; Corell, Dennis D.; Dam-Hansen, Carsten

2015-09-01

A new color control system is described and implemented for a five-color LED light engine, covering a wide white gamut. The system combines a new way of using pre-calibrated lookup tables and a rule-based optimization of chromaticity distance from the Planckian locus with a calibrated color sensor. The color sensor monitors the chromaticity of the mixed light providing the correction factor for the current driver by using the generated lookup table. The long term stability and accuracy of the system will be experimentally investigated with target tolerance within a circle radius of 0.0013 in the uniform chromaticity diagram (CIE1976).

Optical fiber network sensor system for monitoring methane concentration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhi-wei; Zhang, Ji-long

2011-08-01

With regard to the high accuracy optic-fiber sensor for monitoring methane concentration, the choice of light source depends on methane peak values. Besides, the environment of mine should be considered, that is to say other gas should be considered, such as vapor, CO and CO2 etc, without absorbent spectrum in the decided wavelength. It has been reported that vapor, CO and CO2 have no obvious absorption in 0.85μm, 1.3μm and 1.66μm area, CH4 has no obvious absorption in 0.85μm area. So diode laser with 1.3μm or 1.66μm peak wavelength is chosen as the optic-fiber sensor's light source for detecting methane concentration. On the basis of the principle of optic absorption varied with methane concentration at its characteristic absorbent wavelength, the advantage of optic-fiber sensor technology and the circumstance characteristic of the coal mine. An optic-fiber sensor system is presented for monitoring methane concentration. Space Division Multiple Access Technology (SDMAT) and long optical path absorbent pool technology are combined in the study. Considering the circumstance characteristic of the coal mine, the optic-fiber network sensors for detecting methane concentration from mix gas of vapor, CO, CH4 and CO2 are used. It introduces the principle of an optic-fiber sensor system for monitoring methane concentration in coal mine. It contains the structure block diagram of monitoring system, the system is mainly made up of diode laser for monitoring methane concentration, Y-shaped photo-coupler with coupled rate 50:50, optical switch 1×2, gas absorbent cell, the computer data process and control system and photoelectric transformer. In this study, in order to decrease to the influence of the dark-current of photodiode, intensity in light sources and temperature drifts of processing circuit on the system accuracy in measurement, a beam of light is broken down into two beams in the coupler of Y-shaped coupler, the one acts as the reference optical path, the other is known as the sensing optical path. The experimental result shows that diode laser with 1654.141nm in wavelength is taken as the optic source for detecting methane concentration, the detective limit of the sensor is below 4.274mg/m3 when the optical path of absorbent pool is 20 centimeters, and the prevision and stability could satisfy practical application. The whole instrument can also reach on-line measurement with multiple points on different spot.

Development of an Image Colorimeter for Noncontact Skin Color Measurement and Application to the Dermatological Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akimoto, Makio; Chen, Yu; Miyazaki, Michio; Yamashita, Toyonobu; Miyakawa, Michio; Hata, Mieko

The skin is unique as an organ that is highly accessible to direct visual inspection with light. Visual inspection of cutaneous morphology is the mainstay of clinical dermatology, but relies heavily on subjective assessment by the skilled dermatologists. We present an imaging colorimeter of non-contact skin color measuring system and some experimented results using such instrument. The system is comprised by a video camera, light source, a real-time image processing board, magneto optics disk and personal computer which controls the entire system. The CIE-L*a*b* uniform color space is used. This system is used for monitoring of some clinical diagnosis. The instrument is non-contact, easy to operate, and has a high precision unlike the conventional colorimeters. This instrument is useful for clinical diagnoses, monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of treatment.

Digital image processing of bone - Problems and potentials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morey, E. R.; Wronski, T. J.

1980-01-01

The development of a digital image processing system for bone histomorphometry and fluorescent marker monitoring is discussed. The system in question is capable of making measurements of UV or light microscope features on a video screen with either video or computer-generated images, and comprises a microscope, low-light-level video camera, video digitizer and display terminal, color monitor, and PDP 11/34 computer. Capabilities demonstrated in the analysis of an undecalcified rat tibia include the measurement of perimeter and total bone area, and the generation of microscope images, false color images, digitized images and contoured images for further analysis. Software development will be based on an existing software library, specifically the mini-VICAR system developed at JPL. It is noted that the potentials of the system in terms of speed and reliability far exceed any problems associated with hardware and software development.

The design of tea garden environmental monitoring system based on WSN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Huajun; Yuan, Lina

2018-01-01

Through the application of wireless sensor network (WSN) in tea garden, it can realize the change of traditional tea garden to the modern ones, and effectively improves the comprehensive productive capacity of tea garden. According to the requirement of real-time remote in agricultural information collection and monitoring and the power supply affected by environmental limitations, based on WSN, this paper designs a set of tea garden environmental monitoring system, which achieves the monitoring nodes with ad-hoc network as well as automatic acquisition and transmission to the tea plantations of air temperature, light intensity, soil temperature and humidity.

Non-intrusive beam power monitor for high power pulsed or continuous wave lasers

DOEpatents

Hawsey, Robert A.; Scudiere, Matthew B.

1993-01-01

A system and method for monitoring the output of a laser is provided in which the output of a photodiode disposed in the cavity of the laser is used to provide a correlated indication of the laser power. The photodiode is disposed out of the laser beam to view the extraneous light generated in the laser cavity whose intensity has been found to be a direct correlation of the laser beam output power level. Further, the system provides means for monitoring the phase of the laser output beam relative to a modulated control signal through the photodiode monitor.

Reconfigurable wearable to monitor physiological variables and movement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romero, Francisco J.; Morales, Diego P.; Castillo, Encarnación; García, Antonio; Tahmassebi, Amirhessam; Meyer-Baese, Anke

2017-05-01

This article presents a preliminary prototype of a wearable instrument for oxygen saturation and ECG monitoring. The proposed measuring system is based on the light reflection variability of a LED emission on the subject temple. Besides, the system has the capacity to incorporate electrodes to obtain ECG measurements. All measurements are stored and transmitted to a mobile device (tablet or smartphone) through a Bluetooth link.

Capsule Design for Blue Light Therapy against Helicobacter pylori.

PubMed

Li, Zhangyong; Ren, Binbin; Tan, Haiyan; Liu, Shengrong; Wang, Wei; Pang, Yu; Lin, Jinzhao; Zeng, Chen

2016-01-01

A photo-medical capsule that emits blue light for Helicobacter pylori treatment was described in this paper. The system consists of modules for pH sensing and measuring, light-emitting diode driver circuit, radio communication and microcontroller, and power management. The system can differentiate locations by monitoring the pH values of the gastrointestinal tract, and turn on and off the blue light according to the preset range of pH values. Our experimental tests show that the capsule can operate in the effective light therapy mode for more than 32 minutes and the wireless communication module can reliably transmit the measured pH value to a receiver located outside the body.

A compact multi-channel fluorescence sensor with ambient light suppression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Egly, Dominik; Geörg, Daniel; Rädle, Matthias; Beuermann, Thomas

2012-03-01

A multi-channel fluorescence sensor has been developed for process monitoring and fluorescence diagnostics. It comprises a fiber-optic set-up with an immersion probe and an intensity-modulated high power ultraviolet light-emitting diode as a light source for fluorescence excitation. By applying an electronic lock-in procedure, fluorescence signals are selectively detectable at ambient light levels of 1000 000 times higher intensity. The sensor was designed to be compact, low cost and easily adaptable to a wide field of application. The set-up was used to simultaneously monitor three important metabolic fluorophores: NAD(P)H, flavins and porphyrins during the cultivation of a baker's yeast. Moreover, the accumulation and degradation kinetics of protoporphyrin IX induced by 5-aminolevulinic acid on the skin could be recorded by the sensor. The detection limit for protoporphyrin IX was determined to be 4 × 10-11 mol L-1. The linear signal amplification of the sensor and time courses of fluorescence signals monitored during yeast fermentations were validated using a commercial CCD spectrometer. The robust and flexible set-up of the fiber-optic measurement system promises easy implementation of this non-invasive analytical tool to fluorescence monitoring and diagnostics in R&D and production.

Semi-autonomous inline water analyzer: design of a common light detector for bacterial, phage, and immunological biosensors.

PubMed

Descamps, Elodie C T; Meunier, Damien; Brutesco, Catherine; Prévéral, Sandra; Franche, Nathalie; Bazin, Ingrid; Miclot, Bertrand; Larosa, Philippe; Escoffier, Camille; Fantino, Jean-Raphael; Garcia, Daniel; Ansaldi, Mireille; Rodrigue, Agnès; Pignol, David; Cholat, Pierre; Ginet, Nicolas

2017-01-01

The use of biosensors as sensitive and rapid alert systems is a promising perspective to monitor accidental or intentional environmental pollution, but their implementation in the field is limited by the lack of adapted inline water monitoring devices. We describe here the design and initial qualification of an analyzer prototype able to accommodate three types of biosensors based on entirely different methodologies (immunological, whole-cell, and bacteriophage biosensors), but whose responses rely on the emission of light. We developed a custom light detector and a reaction chamber compatible with the specificities of the three systems and resulting in statutory detection limits. The water analyzer prototype resulting from the COMBITOX project can be situated at level 4 on the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale and this technical advance paves the way to the use of biosensors on-site.

Noncontact optical motion sensing for real-time analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fetzer, Bradley R.; Imai, Hiromichi

1990-08-01

The adaptation of an image dissector tube (IDT) within the OPTFOLLOW system provides high resolution displacement measurement of a light discontinuity. Due to the high speed response of the IDT and the advanced servo loop circuitry, the system is capable of real time analysis of the object under test. The image of the discontinuity may be contoured by direct or reflected light and ranges spectrally within the field of visible light. The image is monitored to 500 kHz through a lens configuration which transposes the optical image upon the photocathode of the IDT. The photoelectric effect accelerates the resultant electrons through a photomultiplier and an enhanced current is emitted from the anode. A servo loop controls the electron beam, continually centering it within the IDT using magnetic focusing of deflection coils. The output analog voltage from the servo amplifier is thereby proportional to the displacement of the target. The system is controlled by a microprocessor with a 32kbyte memory and provides a digital display as well as instructional readout on a color monitor allowing for offset image tracking and automatic system calibration.

A civil structural monitoring system based on fiber grating sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yan; Cai, Haiwen; Pastore, Robert; Ju, Jing; Zeng, Debing; Yin, Zhifan; Cui, Hong-Liang

2003-08-01

Optical fiber sensors based on Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) technology have found many applications in the area of civil structural monitoring systems, such as in bridge monitoring and maintenance. FBG sensors can measure the deformation, overload and cracks on bridge with a high sensitivity. In this paper we report on our recent work a structural monitoring system using FBG sensors. Basic theoretical background and design of the system is described here, including the light source, FBG sensors, demodulator sensors, signal detection and processing schemes. The system will be installed on a major arch bridge currently under construction in Shanghai, China for long-term in situ health monitoring. The system schematic arrangement on the bridge is introduced in brief. Simulation experiments in the laboratory were carried out to test the performance of FBG strain sensors. The sensor response shows excellent linearity against the strain imposed on it. Traffic and overload monitoring on bridge using FBG sensors is also discussed and planned for the near future.

Development of low-cost meteorological observation system based on wireless network for poor-visibility occurred by snowstorm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Y.; Watanabe, K.; Imai, M.; Watanabe, K.; Naruse, N.; Takahashi, Y.

2016-12-01

Hyper-densely monitoring for poor-visibility occurred by snowstorm is needed to make an alert system, because the snowstorm is difficult to predict from the observation only at a representative point. There are some problems in the previous approaches for the poor-visibility monitoring using video analyses or visibility meters; these require a wired network monitoring (a large amount of data: 10MB/sec at least) and the system cost is high (10,000 at each point). Thus, the risk of poor-visibility has been mainly measured at specific point such as airport and mountain pass, and estimated by simulation two dimensionally. To predict it two dimensionally and accurately, we have developed a low-cost meteorological system to observe the snowstorm hyper-densely. We have developed a low-cost visibility meter which works as the reduced intensity of semiconducting laser light when snow particles block off. Our developed system also has a capability of extending a hyper-densely observation in real-time on wireless network using Zigbee; A/D conversion and wireless data sent from temperature and illuminance sensors. We use a semiconducting laser chip (5) for the light source and a reflection mechanism by the use of three mirrors so as to send the light to a non-sensitive illuminance sensor directly. Thus, our visibility detecting system ($500) becomes much cheaper than previous one. We have checked the correlation between the reduced intensity taken by our system and the visibility recorded by conventional video camera. The value for the correlation coefficient was -0.67, which indicates a strong correlation. It means that our developed system is practical. In conclusion, we have developed low-cost meteorological detecting system to observe poor-visibility occurred by snowstorm, having a potential of hyper-densely monitoring on wireless network, and have made sure the practicability.

On-line, continuous monitoring in solar cell and fuel cell manufacturing using spectral reflectance imaging

DOEpatents

Sopori, Bhushan; Rupnowski, Przemyslaw; Ulsh, Michael

2016-01-12

A monitoring system 100 comprising a material transport system 104 providing for the transportation of a substantially planar material 102, 107 through the monitoring zone 103 of the monitoring system 100. The system 100 also includes a line camera 106 positioned to obtain multiple line images across a width of the material 102, 107 as it is transported through the monitoring zone 103. The system 100 further includes an illumination source 108 providing for the illumination of the material 102, 107 transported through the monitoring zone 103 such that light reflected in a direction normal to the substantially planar surface of the material 102, 107 is detected by the line camera 106. A data processing system 110 is also provided in digital communication with the line camera 106. The data processing system 110 is configured to receive data output from the line camera 106 and further configured to calculate and provide substantially contemporaneous information relating to a quality parameter of the material 102, 107. Also disclosed are methods of monitoring a quality parameter of a material.

Method and apparatus for monitoring the flow of mercury in a system

DOEpatents

Grossman, Mark W.

1987-01-01

An apparatus and method for monitoring the flow of mercury in a system. The equipment enables the entrainment of the mercury in a carrier gas e.g., an inert gas, which passes as mercury vapor between a pair of optically transparent windows. The attenuation of the emission is indicative of the quantity of mercury (and its isotopes) in the system. A 253.7 nm light is shone through one of the windows and the unabsorbed light is detected through the other window. The absorption of the 253.7 nm light is thereby measured whereby the quantity of mercury passing between the windows can be determined. The apparatus includes an in-line sensor for measuring the quantity of mercury. It includes a conduit together with a pair of apertures disposed in a face to face relationship and arranged on opposite sides of the conduit. A pair of optically transparent windows are disposed upon a pair of viewing tubes. A portion of each of the tubes is disposed inside of the conduit and within each of the apertures. The two windows are disposed in a face to face relationship on the ends of the viewing tubes and the entire assembly is hermetically sealed from the atmosphere whereby when 253.7 nm ultraviolet light is shone through one of the windows and detected through the other, the quantity of mercury which is passing by can be continuously monitored due to absorption which is indicated by attenuation of the amplitude of the observed emission.

Imaging System for Vaginal Surgery.

PubMed

Taylor, G Bernard; Myers, Erinn M

2015-12-01

The vaginal surgeon is challenged with performing complex procedures within a surgical field of limited light and exposure. The video telescopic operating microscope is an illumination and imaging system that provides visualization during open surgical procedures with a limited field of view. The imaging system is positioned within the surgical field and then secured to the operating room table with a maneuverable holding arm. A high-definition camera and Xenon light source allow transmission of the magnified image to a high-definition monitor in the operating room. The monitor screen is positioned above the patient for the surgeon and assistants to view real time throughout the operation. The video telescopic operating microscope system was used to provide surgical illumination and magnification during total vaginal hysterectomy and salpingectomy, midurethral sling, and release of vaginal scar procedures. All procedures were completed without complications. The video telescopic operating microscope provided illumination of the vaginal operative field and display of the magnified image onto high-definition monitors in the operating room for the surgeon and staff to simultaneously view the procedures. The video telescopic operating microscope provides high-definition display, magnification, and illumination during vaginal surgery.

ATLAS Tile calorimeter calibration and monitoring systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chomont, Arthur; ATLAS Collaboration

2017-11-01

The ATLAS Tile Calorimeter (TileCal) is the central section of the hadronic calorimeter of the ATLAS experiment and provides important information for reconstruction of hadrons, jets, hadronic decays of tau leptons and missing transverse energy. This sampling calorimeter uses steel plates as absorber and scintillating tiles as active medium. The light produced by the passage of charged particles is transmitted by wavelength shifting fibres to photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), located on the outside of the calorimeter. The readout is segmented into about 5000 cells (longitudinally and transversally), each of them being read out by two PMTs in parallel. To calibrate and monitor the stability and performance of each part of the readout chain during the data taking, a set of calibration systems is used. The TileCal calibration system comprises cesium radioactive sources, Laser and charge injection elements, and allows for monitoring and equalization of the calorimeter response at each stage of the signal production, from scintillation light to digitization. Based on LHC Run 1 experience, several calibration systems were improved for Run 2. The lessons learned, the modifications, and the current LHC Run 2 performance are discussed.

RBC aggregation based system for long-term photoplethysmography (PPG): new prospects for PPG applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shvartsman, Leonid D.; Tverskoy, Boris

2015-03-01

We present system for long-term continuous PPG monitoring, and physical model for PPG analysis. The system is based on ideology of light scattering modulated by the process of RBC aggregation. OXIRATE's system works in reflection geometry. The sensor is tiny, completely mobile phone compatible, it can be placed nearly everywhere on the body surface. These technical features allow all-night comfortable PPG monitoring that was performed and analyzed. We can define various sleep stages on the basis of different reproducible time-behavior of PPG signal. Our system of PPG monitoring was used also for reflection pulse oximetry and for extreme PPG studies, such as diving.

Plastic cup traps equipped with light-emitting diodes for monitoring adult Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae).

PubMed

Chu, Chang-Chi; Jackson, Charles G; Alexander, Patrick J; Karut, Kamil; Henneberry, Thomas J

2003-06-01

Equipping the standard plastic cup trap, also known as the CC trap, with lime-green light-emitting diodes (LED-plastic cup trap) increased its efficacy for catching Bemisia tabaci by 100%. Few Eretmocerus eremicus Rose and Zolnerowich and Encarsia formosa Gahan were caught in LED-plastic cup traps. The LED-plastic cup traps are less expensive than yellow sticky card traps for monitoring adult whiteflies in greenhouse crop production systems and are more compatible with whitefly parasitoids releases for Bemisia nymph control.

Multiple channel optical data acquisition system

DOEpatents

Fasching, G.E.; Goff, D.R.

1985-02-22

A multiple channel optical data acquisition system is provided in which a plurality of remote sensors monitoring specific process variable are interrogated by means of a single optical fiber connecting the remote station/sensors to a base station. The remote station/sensors derive all power from light transmitted through the fiber from the base station. Each station/sensor is individually accessed by means of a light modulated address code sent over the fiber. The remote station/sensors use a single light emitting diode to both send and receive light signals to communicate with the base station and provide power for the remote station. The system described can power at least 100 remote station/sensors over an optical fiber one mile in length.

Fiber optic sensors and systems at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Werneck, Marcelo M.; dos Santos, Paulo A. M.; Ferreira, Aldo P.; Maggi, Luis E.; de Carvalho, Carlos R., Jr.; Ribeiro, R. M.

1998-08-01

As widely known, fiberoptics (FO) are being used in a large variety of sensors and systems particularly for their small dimensions and low cost, large bandwidth and favorable dielectric properties. These properties have allowed us to develop sensors and systems for general applications and, particularly, for biomedical engineering. The intravascular pressure sensor was designed for small dimensions and high bandwidth. The system is based on light-intensity modulation technique and uses a 2 mm-diameter elastomer membrane as the sensor element and a pigtailed laser as a light source. The optical power output curve was linear for pressures within the range of 0 to 300 mmHg. The real time optical biosensor uses the evanescent field technique for monitoring Escherichia coli growth in culture media. The optical biosensor monitors interactions between the analytic (bacteria) and the evanescent field of an optical fiber passing through it. The FO based high voltage and current sensor is a measuring system designed for monitoring voltage and current in high voltage transmission lines. The linearity of the system is better than 2% in both ranges of 0 to 25 kV and 0 to 1000 A. The optical flowmeter uses a cross-correlation technique that analyses two light beams crossing the flow separated by a fixed distance. The x-ray image sensor uses a scintillating FO array, one FO for each image pixel to form an image of the x-ray field. The systems described in these paper use general-purpose components including optical fibers and optoelectronic devices, which are readily available, and of low cost.

Research progress in fiber optic sensors and systems at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Werneck, Marcelo M.; Ferreira, Aldo P.; Maggi, Luis E.; De Carvalho, C. C.; Ribeiro, R. M.

1999-02-01

As widely known, fiberoptics (FO) are being used in a large variety of sensor an systems particularly for their small dimensions and low cost, large bandwidth and favorable dielectric properties. These properties have allowed us to develop sensor and systems for general applications and, particularly, for biomedical engineering. The intravasculator pressure sensor was designed for small dimensions and high bandwidth. The system is based on light- intensity modulation technique and use a 2 mm-diameter elastomer membrane as the sensor element and a pigtailed laser as a light source. The optical power out put curve was linear for pressures within the range of 0 to 300 mmHg. The real time optical biosensor uses the evanescent field technique for monitoring Escherichia coli growth in culture media. The optical biosensor monitors interactions between the analytic and the evanescent field of an optical fiber passing through it. The FO based high voltage and current sensor is a measuring system designed for monitoring voltage and current in high voltage transmission lines. The linearity of the system is better than 2 percent in both ranges of 0 to 25 kV and 0 to 1000 A. The optical flowmeter uses a cross-correlation technique that analyzes two light beams crossing the flow separated by a fixed distance. The x-ray image sensor uses a scintillating FO array, one FO for each image pixel to form an image of the x-ray field. The systems described in this paper use general-purpose components including optical fibers and optoelectronic devices, which are readily available, and of low cost.

Tracking Dynamic Changes and Monitoring Socioeconomic Parameters in Algeria Between 1993 and 2012, Using Nighttime Light Remote Sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faouzi, B.; Washaya, P.

2017-09-01

This paper is based on using DMSP-OLS data from satellites nighttime light observations to detect both sources of light emissions in Algeria from human settlement areas and gas flaring from oil-extraction and natural gas production. We used the time series of data from DMSP-OLS images to examine the spatial and temporal characteristics of urban development in 48 Algerian provinces from 1993 to 2012. A systematic nighttime light calibration method was used to improve the consistency and comparability of the DSMPOSL images and then a separation is made between light detected from human settlements and light detected from gas flaring in order to allow us to study human settlements without other light emissions and then assess the suitability of using DMSP data in southern Algeria and its ability to monitor gas flaring. Linear regression methods were developed to identify the dynamic change of nighttime light and estimated its growth directions at pixel level. This work is the first to use nighttime light observations to detect and monitor the growth of human settlements in North Africa. In this study, we made use of DMSP-OLS data as a return ticket to the years of crises and we found the most affected provinces during that period. The DMSP-OLS data proved to be an index of growth in the economy during the period of stability in Algeria expressed by positive dynamic changes in the lighted area in all Algerian provinces. We used NTL data as an alternative to annual growth indexes for each province, which are unavailable, and its help as a monitoring system for socioeconomic parameters to fill the gap of data availability. We also proposed nighttime light remote sensing data as a useful tool to control and reduce CO2 emissions in Algeria's petroleum sector.

The use of an improved technique to reduce the variability of output voltage in real-time Fibre Bragg Grating based monitoring system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vorathin, E.; Hafizi, Z. M.; Che Ghani, S. A.; Lim, K. S.; Aizzuddin, A. M.

2017-10-01

Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors have been widely utilized in the structural health monitoring (SHM) of structures. However, one of the main challenges of FBGs is the existence of inconsistency in output voltage during wavelength intensity demodulation utilizing photodetector (PD) to convert the light signal into digital voltage readings. Thus, the designation of this experimental work is to develop a robust FBG real-time monitoring system with the benefit of MATLAB graphical user interface (GUI) and voltage normalization algorithm to scale down the voltage inconsistency. Low-cost edge filter interrogation system has been practiced in the experimentation and splitter optical component is make use to reduce the intensity of the high power light source that leads to the formation of noise due to unwanted reflected wavelengths. The results revealed that with the advancement of the proposed monitoring system, the sensitivity of the FBG has been increased from 2.4 mV/N to 3.8 mV/N across the range of 50 N. The redundancy in output voltage variation data points has been reduced from 26 data/minute to 17 data/minute. The accuracy of the FBG in detecting the load induced falls in the acceptable range of total average error which is 1.38 %.

The outlook of innovative optical-electronic technologies implementation in transportation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shilina, Elena V.; Ryabichenko, Roman B.

2005-06-01

Information and telecommunication technologies (ITT) are already tool economic development of society and their role will grow. The first task is providing of information security of ITT that is necessary for it distribution in "information" society. The state policy of the leading world countries (USA, France, Japan, Great Britain and China) is focused on investment huge funds in innovative technologies development. Within the next 4-6 years the main fiber-optic transfer lines will have data transfer speed 40 Gbit/s, number of packed channels 60-200 that will provide effective data transfer speed 2,4-8 Tbit/s. Photonic-crystalline fibers will be promising base of new generation fiber-optic transfer lines. The market of information imaging devices and digital photo cameras will be grown in 3-5 times. Powerful lasers based on CO2 and Nd:YAG will be actively used in transport machinery construction when producing aluminum constructions of light rolling-stock. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) will be base for energy saving and safety light sources used for vehicles and indoor lighting. For example, in the USA cost reducing for lighting will be 200 billion dollars. Implementation analysis of optic electronic photonic technologies (OPT) in ground and aerospace systems shows that they provide significant increasing of traffic safety, crew and passengers comfort with help of smart vehicles construction and non-contact dynamic monitoring both transport facilities (for example, wheel flanges) and condition of rail track (road surface), equipping vehicles with night vision equipment. Scientific-technical programs of JSC "RZD" propose application of OPT in new generation systems: axle-box units for coaches and freight cars monitoring when they are moved, track condition analysis, mechanical stress and permanent way irregularity detection, monitoring geometric parameters of aerial contact wire, car truck, rail and wheel pair roll surface, light signals automatic detection from locomotive, video monitoring, gyroscopes based on fiber optic.

Spectroscopic detection

DOEpatents

Woskov, Paul P.; Hadidi, Kamal

2003-01-01

In embodiments, spectroscopic monitor monitors modulated light signals to detect low levels of contaminants and other compounds in the presence of background interference. The monitor uses a spectrometer that includes a transmissive modulator capable of causing different frequency ranges to move onto and off of the detector. The different ranges can include those with the desired signal and those selected to subtract background contributions from those with the desired signal. Embodiments of the system are particularly useful for monitoring metal concentrations in combustion effluent.

Multiple bio-monitoring system using visible light for electromagnetic-wave free indoor healthcare

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, Jinyoung; Pham, Ngoc Quan; Chung, Wan-Young

2017-12-01

In this paper, a multiple biomedical data transmission system with visible light communication (VLC) is proposed for an electromagnetic-wave-free indoor healthcare. VLC technology has emerged as an alternative solution to radio-frequency (RF) wireless systems, due to its various merits, e.g., ubiquity, power efficiency, no RF radiation, and security. With VLC, critical bio-medical signals, including electrocardiography (ECG), can be transmitted in places where RF radiation is restricted. This potential advantage of VLC could save more lives in emergency situations. A time hopping (TH) scheme is employed to transfer multiple medical-data streams in real time with a simple system design. Multiple data streams are transmitted using identical color LEDs and go into an optical detector. The received multiple data streams are demodulated and rearranged using a TH-based demodulator. The medical data is then monitored and managed to provide the necessary medical care for each patient.

Hyperbaric Chamber Equipment: A Consolidated Equipment List from Selected Multiplace Hyperbaric Facilities.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-12-01

carbon dioxide scrubbers , air conditioning, communications, lighting, and fire detecting and fire extinguishing systems. Medical support equipment was...10 14 Humidity...............................11 5. Hydrocarb on...........................11 B. Carbon Dioxide Scrubbers .....................11 C...and ancillary equipment included gas/vapor monitoring equipment, carbon dioxide scrubbers , air conditioning, communications, lighting, and fire

Energy Efficiency Technology Demonstration Project for Florida Educational Facilities: Occupancy Sensors.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Floyd, David B.; Parker, Danny S.; McIlvaine, Janet E. R.; Sherwin, John R.

A Florida study replaced conventional light switches with passive infrared or ultrasonic sensing systems to control classroom lighting in an elementary school to determine the performance of such controls in saving energy. A before-and-after monitoring protocol was used for 33 classrooms and 7 offices in which electrical demand data were…

PePSS - A portable sky scanner for measuring extremely low night-sky brightness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kocifaj, Miroslav; Kómar, Ladislav; Kundracik, František

2018-05-01

A new portable sky scanner designed for low-light-level detection at night is developed and employed in night sky brightness measurements in a rural region. The fast readout, adjustable sensitivity and linear response guaranteed in 5-6 orders of magnitude makes the device well suited for narrow-band photometry in both dark areas and bright urban and suburban environments. Quasi-monochromatic night-sky brightness data are advantageous in the accurate characterization of spectral power distribution of scattered and emitted light and, also allows for the possibility to retrieve light output patterns from whole-city light sources. The sky scanner can operate in both night and day regimes, taking advantage of the complementarity of both radiance data types. Due to its inherent very high sensitivity the photomultiplier tube could be used in night sky radiometry, while the spectrometer-equipped system component capable of detecting elevated intensities is used in daylight monitoring. Daylight is a source of information on atmospheric optical properties that in turn are necessary in processing night sky radiances. We believe that the sky scanner has the potential to revolutionize night-sky monitoring systems.

Integrated fiber optic light probe: Measurement of static deflections in rotating turbomachinery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhadwal, Harbans S.; Mehmud, Ali; Khan, Romel; Kurkov, Anatole

1996-02-01

This paper describes the design, fabrication, and testing of an integrated fiber optic light probe system for monitoring blade tip deflections, vibrational modes, and changes in blade tip clearances in the compressor stage of rotating turbomachinery. The system comprises a set of integrated fiber optic light probes which are positioned to detect the passing blade tip at the leading and the trailing edges. In this configuration measurements of both blade vibrations and steady-state blade deflection can be obtained from the timing information provided by each light probe, which comprises an integrated fiber optic transmitting channel and a number of high numerical aperture receiving fibers, all mounted in the same cylindrical housing. A spatial resolution of 50 μm is possible with the integrated fiber optic technology, while keeping the outer diameter below 2.5 mm. Additionally, one fiber sensor provides a capability of monitoring changes in the blade tip clearance of the order of 10 μm. Measurements from a single stage compressor facility and an engine-fan rig in a 9 ft×15 ft subsonic wind tunnel are presented.

Molecular Ecology of Bacterial Populations in Environmental Hazardous Chemical Control

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-11-30

Reactor Figure 1. A schematic drawing of the bioreactor system for on-line studies of naphthalene degradation and light production by bioluminescent...the bioluminescent monitoring section. The reactor system consisted of a L. H. Fermentation Series 500 continuous flow bioreactor with a 1 L glass... studied the expression of the upper pathway operon of NAH7. Light induction in response to naphthalene in the strain HK44 was comparable in both

CleAir Monitoring System for Particulate Matter: A Case in the Napoleonic Museum in Rome

PubMed Central

Bonacquisti, Valerio; Di Michele, Marta; Frasca, Francesca; Chianese, Angelo; Siani, Anna Maria

2017-01-01

Monitoring the air particulate concentration both outdoors and indoors is becoming a more relevant issue in the past few decades. An innovative, fully automatic, monitoring system called CleAir is presented. Such a system wants to go beyond the traditional technique (gravimetric analysis), allowing for a double monitoring approach: the traditional gravimetric analysis as well as the optical spectroscopic analysis of the scattering on the same filters in steady-state conditions. The experimental data are interpreted in terms of light percolation through highly scattering matter by means of the stretched exponential evolution. CleAir has been applied to investigate the daily distribution of particulate matter within the Napoleonic Museum in Rome as a test case. PMID:28892016

Simultaneous, noninvasive, in vivo, continuous monitoring of hematocrit, vascular volume, hemoglobin oxygen saturation, pulse rate and breathing rate in humans and other animal models using a single light source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dent, Paul; Tun, Sai Han; Fillioe, Seth; Deng, Bin; Satalin, Josh; Nieman, Gary; Wilcox, Kailyn; Searles, Quinn; Narsipur, Sri; Peterson, Charles M.; Goodisman, Jerry; Mostrom, James; Steinmann, Richard; Chaiken, J.

2018-02-01

We previously reported a new algorithm "PV[O]H" for continuous, noninvasive, in vivo monitoring of hematocrit changes in blood and have since shown its utility for monitoring in humans during 1) hemodialysis, 2) orthostatic perturbations and 3) during blood loss and fluid replacement in a rat model. We now show that the algorithm is sensitive to changes in hemoglobin oxygen saturation. We document the phenomenology of the effect and explain the effect using new results obtained from humans and rat models. The oxygen sensitivity derives from the differential absorption of autofluorescence originating in the static tissues by oxy and deoxy hemoglobin. Using this approach we show how to perform simultaneous, noninvasive, in vivo, continuous monitoring of hematocrit, vascular volume, hemoglobin oxygen saturation, pulse rate and breathing rate in mammals using a single light source. We suspect that monitoring of changes in this suite of vital signs can be provided with improved time response, sensitivity and precision compared to existing methodologies. Initial results also offer a more detailed glimpse into the systemic oxygen transport in the circulatory system of humans.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2018-06-01

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

Graphene based strain sensor with LCP substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nie, M.; Yang, H. S.; Xia, Y. H.

2018-02-01

A flexible strain sensor constructed by an efficient, low-cost fabrication strategy is presented in this paper. It is assembled by adhering grid-like graphene on LCP substrate. Kinds of measurement setup have been designed to verify that the proposed flexible sensor device is suitable to be used in health monitoring system. From the experiment results, it can be proved that the sensor exhibits the following features: ultra-light, relatively good sensitivity, high reversibility, superior physical robustness, easy fabrication. With the great performance of this flexible strain sensor, it is considered to play an important role in body monitoring, structural health monitoring system, fatigue detection and healthcare systems in the near future.

Retrospective application of the "guidelines for monitoring mining subsurface activities for hydrocarbons exploitation, re-injection and storage activities (ILG)": insights from the analysis of 2012-2013 Emilia seismic sequence at the Cavone oilfield pilot site (Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buttinelli, M.; Chiarabba, C.; Anselmi, M.; Pezzo, G.; Improta, L.; Antoncecchi, I.

2017-12-01

In recent years, the debate on the interactions between wastewater disposal and induced seismicity is increasingly drawing the attention of the scientific community, since injections by high-rate wells have been directly associated to occurrence of even large seismic events. In February 2014, the Italian Ministry of Economic Development (MiSE), within the Commission on Hydrocarbon and Mining Resources (CIRM), issued the "guidelines for monitoring mining subsurface activities for hydrocarbons exploitation, re-injection and storage activities (ILG)". The ILG represent the first action in italy aimed at keeping the safety standards mostly in areas where the underground resources exploitation can induce seismicity, ground deformations and pore pressure changes of the reservoirs. Such guidelines also launched a "traffic light" operating system, for the first time defining threshold values and activation levels for such monitored parameters. To test the ILG implications (in particular of the traffic light system) we select the Cavone oilfield (Northern Italy) as test case, since this area was interested during the 2012-2013 by the Emilia Seismic sequence. Moreover, the potential influence of the Cavone oilfield activities in the 2012 earthquake trigger was debated for a long time within the scientific and not contexts, highlighting the importance of seismic monitoring in hydrocarbons exploitation, re-injection and storage areas. In this work we apply the ILG retrospectively to the Cavone oilfield and surrounding areas, just for the seismicity parameter (pore pressure and ground deformation were not taken into account because out of the traffic light system). Since each seismicity catalogue available for the 2012 sequence represents a different setting of monitoring system, we carefully analyzed how the use of such catalogues impact on the overcoming of the threshold imposed by the ILG. In particular, we focus on the use of 1D and 3D velocity models developed ad hoc or not for the investigated area. Results show that different approaches strongly affect the location of seismic event, therefore generating proper or un-proper warnings applying the traffic light system. Our analysis also highlighted the importance of accounting for local geological complexity in the seismicity location strategy.

Project monitoring and evaluation: an enhancing method for health research system management.

PubMed

Djalalinia, Shirin; Owlia, Parviz; Malekafzali, Hossein; Ghanei, Mostafa; Babamahmoodi, Abdolreza; Peykari, Niloofar

2014-04-01

Planning, organizing, staffing, leading and monitoring are the basic functional component of management. In present article, we aim to define the project monitoring and evaluation in health research system (HRS) considering its success and challenges based on our national experience. IN THIS STUDY BASED ON THE INFORMATION OF ANNUAL MEDICAL SCIENCE UNIVERSITIES EVALUATION DURING THE LAST DECADE THE HRS INDICATORS HAVE BEEN SCORED IN THREE AXES BASED ON HRS FUNCTIONS: Stewardship, capacity building and knowledge production. In this article, we will focus on the results of HRS evaluation from 2002 to 2010, also on its success and challenges. In an overall view, the main results are the experiences of the designing and implantation of such process after pre-project preparation, all parts followed under the whole supervision of the aims of the HRS evaluation. Project management light the way of practical application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques for better HRS evaluation and management. We concluded that; although monitoring and evaluation as an essential part of HRS Management light the improvement ahead way but we still need to advantage of the new project management advances.

Biochemical gas sensor (bio-sniffer) for ultrahigh-sensitive gaseous formaldehyde monitoring.

PubMed

Kudo, Hiroyuki; Suzuki, Yuki; Gessei, Tomoko; Takahashi, Daishi; Arakawa, Takahiro; Mitsubayashi, Kohji

2010-10-15

An ultrahigh-sensitive fiber-optic biochemical gas sensor (bio-sniffer) for continuous monitoring of indoor formaldehyde was constructed and tested. The bio-sniffer measures gaseous formaldehyde as fluorescence of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), which is the product of formaldehyde dehydrogenase (FALDH) reaction. The bio-sniffer device was constructed by attaching a flow cell with a FALDH immobilized membrane onto a fiber-optic NADH measurement system. The NADH measurement system utilizes an ultraviolet-light emitting diode (UV-LED) with peak emission of 335 nm as an excitation light source. The excitation light was introduced to an optical fiber probe, and fluorescence emission of neighboring NADH, which was produced by applying formaldehyde vapor to the FALDH membrane, was concentrically measured with a photomultiplier tube. Assessment of the bio-sniffer was carried out using a standard gas generator. Response, calibration range and selectivity to other chemical substances were investigated. Circulating phosphate buffer, which contained NAD+, available for continuous monitoring of formaldehyde vapor. The calibration range of the bio-sniffer was 2.5 ppb to 10 ppm, which covers the guideline value of the World Health Organization (80 ppb). High selectivity to other gaseous substances due to specific activity of FALDH was also confirmed. Considering its high sensitivity, a possible application of the bio-sniffer is continuous indoor formaldehyde monitoring to provide healthy residential atmosphere. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The technological future of 7 T MRI hardware.

PubMed

Webb, A G; Van de Moortele, P F

2016-09-01

In this article we present our projections of future hardware developments on 7 T human MRI systems. These include compact cryogen-light magnets, improved gradient performance, integrated RF-receive and direct current shimming coil arrays, new RF technology with adaptive impedance matching, patient-specific specific absorption rate estimation and monitoring, and increased integration of physiological monitoring systems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Fast-responding liquid crystal light-valve technology for color-sequential display applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janssen, Peter J.; Konovalov, Victor A.; Muravski, Anatoli A.; Yakovenko, Sergei Y.

1996-04-01

A color sequential projection system has some distinct advantages over conventional systems which make it uniquely suitable for consumer TV as well as high performance professional applications such as computer monitors and electronic cinema. A fast responding light-valve is, clearly, essential for a good performing system. Response speed of transmissive LC lightvalves has been marginal thus far for good color rendition. Recently, Sevchenko Institute has made some very fast reflective LC cells which were evaluated at Philips Labs. These devices showed sub millisecond-large signal-response times, even at room temperature, and produced good color in a projector emulation testbed. In our presentation we describe our highly efficient color sequential projector and demonstrate its operation on video tape. Next we discuss light-valve requirements and reflective light-valve test results.

Affordable and personalized lighting using inverse modeling and virtual sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basu, Chandrayee; Chen, Benjamin; Richards, Jacob; Dhinakaran, Aparna; Agogino, Alice; Martin, Rodney

2014-03-01

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) have great potential to enable personalized intelligent lighting systems while reducing building energy use by 50%-70%. As a result WSN systems are being increasingly integrated in state-ofart intelligent lighting systems. In the future these systems will enable participation of lighting loads as ancillary services. However, such systems can be expensive to install and lack the plug-and-play quality necessary for user-friendly commissioning. In this paper we present an integrated system of wireless sensor platforms and modeling software to enable affordable and user-friendly intelligent lighting. It requires ⇠ 60% fewer sensor deployments compared to current commercial systems. Reduction in sensor deployments has been achieved by optimally replacing the actual photo-sensors with real-time discrete predictive inverse models. Spatially sparse and clustered sub-hourly photo-sensor data captured by the WSN platforms are used to develop and validate a piece-wise linear regression of indoor light distribution. This deterministic data-driven model accounts for sky conditions and solar position. The optimal placement of photo-sensors is performed iteratively to achieve the best predictability of the light field desired for indoor lighting control. Using two weeks of daylight and artificial light training data acquired at the Sustainability Base at NASA Ames, the model was able to predict the light level at seven monitored workstations with 80%-95% accuracy. We estimate that 10% adoption of this intelligent wireless sensor system in commercial buildings could save 0.2-0.25 quads BTU of energy nationwide.

Method and apparatus for monitoring the flow of mercury in a system

DOEpatents

Grossman, M.W.

1987-12-15

An apparatus and method for monitoring the flow of mercury in a system are disclosed. The equipment enables the entrainment of the mercury in a carrier gas e.g., an inert gas, which passes as mercury vapor between a pair of optically transparent windows. The attenuation of the emission is indicative of the quantity of mercury (and its isotopes) in the system. A 253.7 nm light is shone through one of the windows and the unabsorbed light is detected through the other window. The absorption of the 253.7 nm light is thereby measured whereby the quantity of mercury passing between the windows can be determined. The apparatus includes an in-line sensor for measuring the quantity of mercury. It includes a conduit together with a pair of apertures disposed in a face to face relationship and arranged on opposite sides of the conduit. A pair of optically transparent windows are disposed upon a pair of viewing tubes. A portion of each of the tubes is disposed inside of the conduit and within each of the apertures. The two windows are disposed in a face to face relationship on the ends of the viewing tubes and the entire assembly is hermetically sealed from the atmosphere whereby when 253.7 nm ultraviolet light is shone through one of the windows and detected through the other, the quantity of mercury which is passing by can be continuously monitored due to absorption which is indicated by attenuation of the amplitude of the observed emission. 4 figs.

Object tracking via background subtraction for monitoring illegal activity in crossroad

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghimire, Deepak; Jeong, Sunghwan; Park, Sang Hyun; Lee, Joonwhoan

2016-07-01

In the field of intelligent transportation system a great number of vision-based techniques have been proposed to prevent pedestrians from being hit by vehicles. This paper presents a system that can perform pedestrian and vehicle detection and monitoring of illegal activity in zebra crossings. In zebra crossing, according to the traffic light status, to fully avoid a collision, a driver or pedestrian should be warned earlier if they possess any illegal moves. In this research, at first, we detect the traffic light status of pedestrian and monitor the crossroad for vehicle pedestrian moves. The background subtraction based object detection and tracking is performed to detect pedestrian and vehicles in crossroads. Shadow removal, blob segmentation, trajectory analysis etc. are used to improve the object detection and classification performance. We demonstrate the experiment in several video sequences which are recorded in different time and environment such as day time and night time, sunny and raining environment. Our experimental results show that such simple and efficient technique can be used successfully as a traffic surveillance system to prevent accidents in zebra crossings.

Low-cost vibration sensor based on dual fiber Bragg gratings and light intensity measurement.

PubMed

Gao, Xueqing; Wang, Yongjiao; Yuan, Bo; Yuan, Yinquan; Dai, Yawen; Xu, Gang

2013-09-20

A vibration monitoring system based on light intensity measurement has been constructed, and the designed accelerometer is based on steel cantilever frame and dual fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs). By using numerical simulations for the dual FBGs, the dependence relationship of the area of main lobes on the difference of initial central wavelengths is obtained and the most optimal choice for the initial value and the vibration amplitude of the difference of central wavelengths of two FBGs is suggested. The vibration monitoring experiments are finished, and the measured data are identical to the simulated results.

Spectral Filtering Criteria for U-Band Test Light for In-Service Line Monitoring in Optical Fiber Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Honda, Nazuki; Izumita, Hisashi; Nakamura, Minoru

2006-06-01

In the fiber-to-the-home era, thousands of optical fibers will have to be accommodated in the central offices of optical access networks. To reduce maintenance costs and improve the service reliability of optical fiber networks, the authors must develop an optical fiber line testing system with a function for in-service line monitoring that uses a test light with a wavelength different from the communication light wavelength. To monitor an in-service line in an optical network, the effective rejection ratio of the test light must be taken into account. This ratio depends on the spectrum of the test light from the optical time-domain reflectometer and the rejection band of the filter in front of the optical network unit. The dependence of the effective rejection ratio as a function of the sideband suppression ratio (SBSR) and of the ratio of the rejection band to the bandwidth of the sideband noise d/D is clarified. When d/D =0.1 and the target effective rejection ratio of the filter is -40 dB, the SBSR and the filter loss of the termination cable must be -70 and -43 dB, respectively, or the SBSR must be -80 dB. When d/D < 0.5 and the target effective rejection ratio of the filter is -40 dB, the SBSR is also required to be -80 dB. In-service line monitoring for a 10-Gb/s transmission using a 1650-nm test light with an SBSR of -80 dB is also demonstrated.

Quality aspects of digital radiography in general dental practice.

PubMed

Hellén-Halme, Kristina

2007-01-01

The number of dentists who have converted from conventional film radiography to digital radiography continues to grow. A digital system has numerous advantages, but there are also many new aspects to consider. The overall aim of this thesis was to study how digital radiography was used in general dental practices. The specific aims were to study how different factors affected image quality. To determine whether there were any differences in image quality between conventional film radiographs and digital radiographs, 4863 images (540 cases) were evaluated. The cases had been sent to the Swedish Dental Insurance Office for prior treatment approval. The image quality of digital radiographs was found to be significantly lower than that of film radiographs. This result led to a questionnaire study of dentists experienced in digital radiography. In 2003, a questionnaire was sent to the 139 general practice dentists who worked with digital radiography in Skine, Sweden; the response rate was 94%. Many general practice dentists had experienced several problems (65%), and less than half of the digital systems (40%) underwent some kind of quality control. One of the weaker links in the technical chain of digital radiography appeared to be the monitor. A field study to 19 dentists at their clinics found that the brightness and contrast settings of the monitors had to be adjusted to obtain the subjectively best image quality. The ambient light in the evaluation room was also found to affect the diagnostic outcome of low-contrast patterns in radiographs. To evaluate the effects of ambient light and technical adjustments of the monitor, a study using standardised set-ups was designed. Seven observers evaluated radiographs of 100 extracted human teeth for approximal caries under five different combinations of brightness and contrast settings on two different occasions with high and low ambient light levels in the evaluation room. The ability to diagnose carious lesions was found to be significantly better in a room with lower ambient light and on a monitor with well-adjusted brightness and contrast values than in a room with bright light and on an unadjusted monitor. In conclusion, many problems with dental digital radiography were identified. Knowledge of digital techniques and how to optimise each link in the system to maintain high radiographic quality at all times must be improved.

LSU Slashes Energy Use

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Collier, Herbert I.

1978-01-01

Energy conservation programs at Louisiana State University reduced energy use 23 percent. The programs involved computer controlled power management systems, adjustment of building temperatures and lighting levels to prescribed standards, consolidation of night classes, centralization of chilled water systems, and manual monitoring of heating and…

An instrument system for long-term sediment transport studies on the continental shelf

USGS Publications Warehouse

Butman, Bradford; Folger, David W.

1979-01-01

A bottom-mounted instrument system has been designed and built to monitor processes of bottom sediment movement on the continental shelf. The system measures bottom current speed and direction, pressure, temperature, and light transmission and photographs the bottom. The system can be deployed for periods of 2–6 months to monitor intermitent processes of sediment movement such as storms and to assess seasonal variability. Deployments of the system on the U.S. east coast continental shelf show sediment resuspension and changes in bottom microtopography due to surface waves, tidal currents, and storms.

Limited Artificial and Natural Icing Tests Production UH-60A Helicopter (Re-Evaluation).

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-08-01

parameters , and definitions of icing types and severities are presented in appendix D. 2 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION GENERAL 9. Artificial and natural icing flight...anti-ice off, the system may be reactivated by cycling the appropriate windshield anti-ice switch. The windshield anti-ice system is fully operational...is off, then the fault monitor illuminates the respective PWR light on its front panel. The light informs the crew that further action is requied to

Trends Before the San Diego Trolley: A San Diego Trolley Guideway Implementation Monitoring Study Report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1982-07-01

A substantial amount of interest has been generated in San Diego's new light rail system. This 16 mile system is the first system of its type to become operational in several decades and was constructed entirely without Federal funds. This report pro...

[Newly developed monitor for IVR: liquid crystal display (LCD) replaced with cathode ray tube (CRT)].

PubMed

Ichida, Takao; Hosogai, Minoru; Yokoyama, Kouji; Ogawa, Takayoshi; Okusako, Kenji; Shougaki, Masachika; Masai, Hironao; Yamada, Eiji; Okuyama, Kazuo; Hatagawa, Masakatsu

2004-09-01

For physicians who monitor images during interventional radiology (VR), we have built and been using a system that employs a liquid crystal display (LCD) instead of the conventional cathode ray tube (CRT). The system incorporates a ceiling-suspension-type monitor (three-display monitor) with an LCD on each of the three displays for the head and abdominal regions and another ceiling-suspension-type monitor (5-display monitor) with an LCD on each display for the cardiac region. As these monitors are made to be thin and light in weight, they can be placed in a high position in the room, thereby saving space and allowing for more effective use of space in the X-ray room. The system has also improved the efficiency of operators in the IVR room. The three-display folding mechanism allows the displays to be viewed from multiple directions, thereby improving the environment so that the performance of IVR can be observed.

Creating an EPICS Based Test Stand Development System for a BPM Digitizer of the Linac Coherent Light Source

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

Not Available

2011-06-22

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) is required to deliver a high quality electron beam for producing coherent X-rays. As a result, high resolution beam position monitoring is required. The Beam Position Monitor (BPM) digitizer acquires analog signals from the beam line and digitizes them to obtain beam position data. Although Matlab is currently being used to test the BPM digitizer?s functions and capability, the Controls Department at SLAC prefers to use Experimental Physics and Industrial Control Systems (EPICS). This paper discusses the transition of providing similar as well as enhanced functionalities, than those offered by Matlab, to test themore » digitizer. Altogether, the improved test stand development system can perform mathematical and statistical calculations with the waveform signals acquired from the digitizer and compute the fast Fourier transform (FFT) of the signals. Finally, logging of meaningful data into files has been added.« less

The blue light indicator in rubidium 5S-5P-5D cascade excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raja, Waseem; Ali, Md. Sabir; Chakrabarti, Alok; Ray, Ayan

2017-07-01

The cascade system has played an important role in contemporary research areas related to fields like Rydberg excitation, four wave mixing and non-classical light generation, etc. Depending on the specific objective, co or counter propagating pump-probe laser experimental geometry is followed. However, the stepwise excitation of atoms to states higher than the first excited state deals with increasingly much fewer number of atoms even compared to the population at first excited level. Hence, one needs a practical indicator to study the complex photon-atom interaction of the cascade system. Here, we experimentally analyze the case of rubidium 5S → 5P → 5D as a specimen of two-step excitation and highlight the efficacy of monitoring one branch, which emits 420 nm, of associated cascade decay route 5D → 6P → 5S, as an effective monitor of the coherence in the system.

City Lights of Europe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

Growth in 'mega-cities' is altering the landscape and the atmosphere in such a way as to curtail normal photosynthesis. By using data from The Defense Meteorological Satellite Program's Operational Linescan System, researchers have been able to look at urban sprawl by monitoring the emission of light from cities at night. By overlaying these 'light maps' onto other data such as soil and vegetation maps, the research shows that urbanization can have a variable but measurable impact on photosynthetic productivity. For more information, read Bright Lights, Big City Image by the NASA GSFC Scientific Visualization Studio

Flexible Organic Tribotronic Transistor Memory for a Visible and Wearable Touch Monitoring System.

PubMed

Li, Jing; Zhang, Chi; Duan, Lian; Zhang, Li Min; Wang, Li Duo; Dong, Gui Fang; Wang, Zhong Lin

2016-01-06

A new type of flexible organic tribotronic transistor memory is proposed, which can be written and erased by externally applied touch actions as an active memory. By further coupling with an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a visible and wearable touch monitoring system is achieved, in which touch triggering can be memorized and shown as the emission from the OLED. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Simultaneous measurements of absorption spectrum and refractive index in a microfluidic system.

PubMed

Helseth, Lars Egil

2012-02-13

The characterization of dyes in various solvents requires determination of the absorption spectrum of the dye as well as the refractive index of the solvent. Typically, the refractive index of the solvent and the absorption spectrum of the solute are measured using separate experimental setups where significant liquid volumes are required. In this work the first optical measurement system that is able to do simultaneous measurements of the refractive index of the solvent and the spectral properties of the solute in a microscopic volume is presented. The laser dye Rhodamine 6G in glycerol is investigated, and the refractive index of the solution is monitored using the interference pattern of the light scattered off the channel, while its spectral properties is found by monitoring reflected light from the channel.

ATLAS Tile Calorimeter calibration and monitoring systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cortés-González, Arely

2018-01-01

The ATLAS Tile Calorimeter is the central section of the hadronic calorimeter of the ATLAS experiment and provides important information for reconstruction of hadrons, jets, hadronic decays of tau leptons and missing transverse energy. This sampling calorimeter uses steel plates as absorber and scintillating tiles as active medium. The light produced by the passage of charged particles is transmitted by wavelength shifting fibres to photomultiplier tubes, located in the outer part of the calorimeter. Neutral particles may also produce a signal after interacting with the material and producing charged particles. The readout is segmented into about 5000 cells, each of them being read out by two photomultipliers in parallel. To calibrate and monitor the stability and performance of each part of the readout chain during the data taking, a set of calibration systems is used. This comprises Cesium radioactive sources, Laser, charge injection elements and an integrator based readout system. Information from all systems allows to monitor and equalise the calorimeter response at each stage of the signal production, from scintillation light to digitisation. Calibration runs are monitored from a data quality perspective and used as a cross-check for physics runs. The data quality efficiency achieved during 2016 was 98.9%. These calibration and stability of the calorimeter reported here show that the TileCal performance is within the design requirements and has given essential contribution to reconstructed objects and physics results.

A versatile fiber-optic coupled system for sensitive optical spectroscopy in strong ambient light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sinha, Sudarson Sekhar; Verma, Pramod Kumar; Makhal, Abhinandan; Pal, Samir Kumar

2009-05-01

In this work we describe design and use of a fiber-optic based optical system for the spectroscopic studies on the samples under the presence of strong ambient light. The system is tested to monitor absorption, emission, and picosecond-resolved fluorescence transients simultaneously with a time interval of 500 ms for several hours on a biologically important sample (vitamin B2) under strong UV light. An efficient stray-light rejection ratio of the setup is achieved by the confocal geometry of the excitation and detection channels. It is demonstrated using this setup that even low optical signal from a liquid sample under strong UV-exposure for the picosecond-resolved fluorescence transient measurement can reliably be detected by ultrasensitive microchannel plate photomultiplier tube solid state detector. The kinetics of photodeterioration of vitamin B2 measured using our setup is consistent with that reported in the literature. Our present studies also justify the usage of tungsten light than the fluorescent light for the healthy preservation of food with vitamin B2.

Reflective oxygen saturation monitoring at hypothenar and its validation by human hypoxia experiment.

PubMed

Guo, Tao; Cao, Zhengtao; Zhang, Zhengbo; Li, Deyu; Yu, Mengsun

2015-08-05

Pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) is an important parameter for healthcare, and wearable sensors and systems for SpO2 monitoring have become increasingly popular. The aim of this paper is to develop a novel SpO2 monitoring system, which detects photoplethysmographic (PPG) signals at hypothenar with a reflection-mode sensor embedded into a glove. A special photo-detector section was designed with two photodiodes arranged symmetrically to the red and infrared light-emitting diodes (LED) to enhance the signal quality. The reflective sensor was placed in a soft silicon substrate sewn in a glove to fit the surface of the hypothenar. To lower the power consumption, the LED driving current was reduced and energy-efficient electronic components were applied. The performance for PPG signal detection and SpO2 monitoring was evaluated by human hypoxia experiments. Accelerometer-based adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) methods applying the least mean squares (LMS) and recursive least squares (RLS) algorithms were studied to suppress motion artifact. A total of 20 subjects participated in the hypoxia experiment. The degree of comfort for wearing this system was accepted by them. The PPG signals were detected effectively at SpO2 levels from about 100-70%. The experiment validated the accuracy of the system was 2.34%, compared to the invasive measurements. Both the LMS and RLS algorithms improved the performance during motion. The total current consumed by the system was only 8 mA. It is feasible to detect PPG signal and monitor SpO2 at the location of hypothenar. This novel system can achieve reliable SpO2 measurements at different SpO2 levels and on different individuals. The system is light-weighted, easy to wear and power-saving. It has the potential to be a solution for wearable monitoring, although more work should be conducted to improve the motion-resistant performance significantly.

Photometric Monitoring of Short-Period Contact Binaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vanko, M.

2001-12-01

The first photoelectric B,V light curves of the contact binary FU Dra, as well as new B,V light curves of the contact binaries AH Aur, UV Lyn and YY CrB, obtained at the Stará Lesná and Skalnaté Pleso Observatories, are presented. New photometric elements of AH Aur, FU Dra and UV Lyn computed from these light curves were combined with published spectroscopic elements to derive the absolute parameters of the systems.

An evaluation of existing tire pressure monitoring systems

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-07-01

In the TREAD Act of November 1, 2000, Congress required the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to develop a rule requiring all new light vehicles to be equipped with a warning system to indicate to the operator when a tire is sign...

Beam measurements using visible synchrotron light at NSLS2 storage ring

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

Cheng, Weixing, E-mail: chengwx@bnl.gov; Bacha, Bel; Singh, Om

2016-07-27

Visible Synchrotron Light Monitor (SLM) diagnostic beamline has been designed and constructed at NSLS2 storage ring, to characterize the electron beam profile at various machine conditions. Due to the excellent alignment, SLM beamline was able to see the first visible light when beam was circulating the ring for the first turn. The beamline has been commissioned for the past year. Besides a normal CCD camera to monitor the beam profile, streak camera and gated camera are used to measure the longitudinal and transverse profile to understand the beam dynamics. Measurement results from these cameras will be presented in this paper.more » A time correlated single photon counting system (TCSPC) has also been setup to measure the single bunch purity.« less

Findings from Matching VIIRS Boat Detection and VMS Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, F. C.; Elvidge, C.; Zhizhin, M. N.; Baugh, K.; Ghosh, T.

2017-12-01

With the superior nigthtime sensitivity and spatial resolution provided by VIIRS Day Night Band, we had developed algorithm known as VIIRS Boat Detection (VBD) to detect fishing vessels active at night using light to attract schools of fish. While VBD is effective in finding bright boats, little is known on the nature of boats that emits such bright lights. To complement the missing attribute of VBD detections, the authors find aid from Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) data. VMS is widely used in monitoring fishing vessels logging their coordinate nominally every hour, along with vessel specifications such as tonnage, size, and gear type. This study matches VMS records with VBD detections, broadening the understanding of the lighting streategy used by fisherman, and provide valuable assumption on possible vessel types for VBD detections.

Sensors for Environmental Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

Under a Kennedy Space Center Small Business Innovation Research contract, GEO-CENTERS, Inc. developed a sensing element or 'optrode,' which NASA needed for space life support research to measure a hydroponic culture's pH factor. The company then commercialized the technology in the PC Based pH Monitoring System. The system employs the optrode to enable long term continuous monitoring of the pH level of fluids in standing and flowing conditions, an optoelectronic board with light sensors and detectors that fits into a desktop computer, and a fiber optic cable that connects the two. The system is effective in monitoring the pH output of industries to maintain ranges acceptable to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Effect of a constant-level lighting control system on small offices with windows. Final technical report

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

Edgar, L.

To reduce energy consumption stemming from lighting, some of the fixtures in Army office buildings have been delamped and building energy managers have instituted the policy of turning lights off when not in use. Even with these measures, lighting is still one of the largest consumers of electricity. The current problem is to find ways to reduce the energy consumption of lighting systems when they are in use. The objectives of this research was to provide information on the performance and energy savings potential of constant level lighting (CLL) controls. Based on a review of product information, researchers selected themore » Conservolite Plus 20 for testing and installed it in 10 office spaces. After 4 months of operation, a survey of the office occupants revealed that they were satisfied with the CLL system. Although electrical cost savings were realized, the payback period varied greatly, depending on the cost of replacing old or inoperable lamps and ballasts. Before large scale installation of CLL systems, it is recommended that the power factor and harmonic distortion be monitored at a large facility.« less

Design of Smart Home Systems Prototype Using MyRIO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ratna Wati, Dwi Ann; Abadianto, Dika

2017-06-01

This paper presents the design of smart home systems prototype. It applies. MyRIO 1900 embedded device as the main controller of the smart home systems. The systems include wireless monitoring systems and email based notifications as well as data logging. The prototype systems use simulated sensor such as temperature sensor, push button as proximity sensor, and keypad while its simulated actuators are buzzer as alarm system, LED as light and LCD. Based on the test and analysis, the smart home systems prototype as well as the wireless monitoring systems have real time responses when input signals are available. Tbe performance of MyRIO controller is excellent and it results in a stable system.

A prototype scintillating fibre beam profile monitor for Ion Therapy beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leverington, B. D.; Dziewiecki, M.; Renner, L.; Runze, R.

2018-05-01

A prototype plastic scintillating fibre based beam profile monitor was tested at the Heidelberg Ion Therapy Centre/Heidelberg Ionenstrahl Therapiezentrum (HIT) in 2016 to determine its beam property reconstruction performance and the feasibility of further developing an expanded system. At HIT protons, helium, carbon, and oxygen ions are available for therapy and experiments. The beam can be scanned in two dimensions using fast deflection magnets. A tracking system is used to monitor beam position and to adjust scanning magnet currents online. A new detector system with a finer granularity and without the drift time delay of the current MWPC system with a similar amount of material along the beamline would prove valuable in patient treatment. The sensitive detector components in the tested prototype detector are double-clad Kuraray SCSF-78MJ scintillating fibres with a diameter of 0.250 mm wound as a thin multi-layer ribbon. The scintillation light is detected at the end of the ribbon with Hamamatsu S11865-64 photodiode arrays with a pitch of 0.8 mm. Commercial or readily available readout electronics have been used to evaluate the system feasibility. The results shown in this paper include the linearity with respect to beam intensity, the RMS of the beam intensity as measured by two planes, along with the RMS of the mean position, and the measured beam width RMS. The Signal-to-Noise ratio of the current system is also measured as an indicator of potential performance. Additionally, the non-linear light yield of the scintillating fibres as measured by the photodiode arrays is compared to two models which describe the light yield as a function of the ion stopping power and Lorentz β.

Real-time alkali monitoring system

DOEpatents

Goff, David R.; Romanosky, Robert R.; Hensel, Peter

1990-01-01

A fiber optics based optical emission line monitoring system is provided in which selected spectral emission lines, such as the sodium emission line, may be detected in the presence of interfering background radiation. A combustion flame is fed by a diverted portion of a process stream and the common end of a bifurcated or quadfurcated fiber optic light guide is adapted to collect light from the flame. The light is guided through the branches of the fiber optic cable to bandpass filters, one of which is adapted to each of the branches of the fiber optic light guide. The bandpass filters are centered at wavelengths corresponding to the emission lines to be detected and two separate filters are required for each species being detected. The first filter has a bandwidth of about 3 nms and the second filter has a bandwidth of about 10 nms. Light detectors are located to view the light passing through the bandpass filters and amplifiers are connected to receive signals from the light detectors. The amplifier corresponding to the bandpass filter having the narrower bandwidth is preset to scale the signal by a factor equal to the ratio of the wide and narrow bandwidths of the bandpass filters. This scaling produces a scaled signal from which the difference between the scaled signal on the other signal can be calculated to produce a signal having an amplitude directly proportional to the concentration of the species of interest and independent of background radiation.

Clinical application of a light-pen computer system for quantitative angiography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alderman, E. L.

1975-01-01

The important features in a clinical system for quantitative angiography were examined. The human interface for data input, whether an electrostatic pen, sonic pen, or light-pen must be engineered to optimize the quality of margin definition. The computer programs which the technician uses for data entry and computation of ventriculographic measurements must be convenient to use on a routine basis in a laboratory performing multiple studies per day. The method used for magnification correction must be continuously monitored.

Monitoring forests at the speed of light.

Treesearch

Valerie Rapp

2005-01-01

Airborne laser scanning is a technology developed in the last 15 years. Commonly referred to as light detection and ranging, or LIDAR, these systems can map ground with up to a 6-inch elevation accuracy in open, flat terrain. LIDAR is being rapidly adopted for topographical and flood-plain mapping and the detection of earthquake faults hidden by vegetation, among other...

Electrophoresis Gel Quantification with a Flatbed Scanner and Versatile Lighting from a Screen Scavenged from a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Monitor

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yeung, Brendan; Ng, Tuck Wah; Tan, Han Yen; Liew, Oi Wah

2012-01-01

The use of different types of stains in the quantification of proteins separated on gels using electrophoresis offers the capability of deriving good outcomes in terms of linear dynamic range, sensitivity, and compatibility with specific proteins. An inexpensive, simple, and versatile lighting system based on liquid crystal display backlighting is…

21 CFR 866.2560 - Microbial growth monitor.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... measures the concentration of bacteria suspended in a liquid medium by measuring changes in light.... With the exception of automated blood culturing system devices that are used in testing for bacteria...

21 CFR 866.2560 - Microbial growth monitor.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... measures the concentration of bacteria suspended in a liquid medium by measuring changes in light.... With the exception of automated blood culturing system devices that are used in testing for bacteria...

Beam position monitoring system at CESR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Billing, M. G.; Bergan, W. F.; Forster, M. J.; Meller, R. E.; Rendina, M. C.; Rider, N. T.; Sagan, D. C.; Shanks, J.; Sikora, J. P.; Stedinger, M. G.; Strohman, C. R.; Palmer, M. A.; Holtzapple, R. L.

2017-09-01

The Cornell Electron-positron Storage Ring (CESR) has been converted from a High Energy Physics electron-positron collider to operate as a dedicated synchrotron light source for the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) and to conduct accelerator physics research as a test accelerator, capable of studying topics relevant to future damping rings, colliders and light sources. Some of the specific topics that were targeted for the initial phase of operation of the storage ring in this mode, labeled CESRTA (CESR as a Test Accelerator), included 1) tuning techniques to produce low emittance beams, 2) the study of electron cloud development in a storage ring and 3) intra-beam scattering effects. The complete conversion of CESR to CESRTA occurred over a several year period and is described elsewhere. As a part of this conversion the CESR beam position monitoring (CBPM) system was completely upgraded to provide the needed instrumental capabilities for these studies. This paper describes the new CBPM system hardware, its function and representative measurements performed by the upgraded system.

Remotely Accessed Vehicle Traffic Management System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Alawi, Raida

2010-06-01

The ever increasing number of vehicles in most metropolitan cities around the world and the limitation in altering the transportation infrastructure, led to serious traffic congestion and an increase in the travelling time. In this work we exploit the emergence of novel technologies such as the internet, to design an intelligent Traffic Management System (TMS) that can remotely monitor and control a network of traffic light controllers located at different sites. The system is based on utilizing Embedded Web Servers (EWS) technology to design a web-based TMS. The EWS located at each intersection uses IP technology for communicating remotely with a Central Traffic Management Unit (CTMU) located at the traffic department authority. Friendly GUI software installed at the CTMU will be able to monitor the sequence of operation of the traffic lights and the presence of traffic at each intersection as well as remotely controlling the operation of the signals. The system has been validated by constructing a prototype that resembles the real application.

Applications of optical sensing for laser cutting and drilling.

PubMed

Fox, Mahlen D T; French, Paul; Peters, Chris; Hand, Duncan P; Jones, Julian D C

2002-08-20

Any reliable automated production system must include process control and monitoring techniques. Two laser processing techniques potentially lending themselves to automation are percussion drilling and cutting. For drilling we investigate the performance of a modification of a nonintrusive optical focus control system we previously developed for laser welding, which exploits the chromatic aberrations of the processing optics to determine focal error. We further developed this focus control system for closed-loop control of laser cutting. We show that an extension of the technique can detect deterioration in cut quality, and we describe practical trials carried out on different materials using both oxygen and nitrogen assist gas. We base our techniques on monitoring the light generated by the process, captured nonintrusively by the effector optics and processed remotely from the workpiece. We describe the relationship between the temporal and the chromatic modulation of the detected light and process quality and show how the information can be used as the basis of a process control system.

First Results from Contamination Monitoring with the WFC3 UVIS G280 Grism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rothberg, B.; Pirzkal, N.; Baggett, S.

2011-11-01

The presence of contaminants within the optical light path of the instrument or telescope can alter photometric zeropoints and the observed flux levels of imaging and spectra, particularly at UV wavelengths. Regular monitoring of a spectro-photometric standard star using photometric filters has been used in the past to monitor the presence of contaminants and (when necessary) re-calibrate zeropoints. However, the use of the WFC3 UVIS Grism mode (G280 filter) may provide a more robust early alert detection system for the presence of contaminants, in particular, those that are photo-polymerized from the bright Earth. These contaminants may collect on surfaces in the optical light path of the telescope. The G280 grism is sensitive to light at wavelengths below the cutoff of the bluest UV filter (F218W). In this ISR, we present: 1) the first results from G280 monitoring for the period of 2010-November through 2011-August; 2) the discovery of an anomaly in the WCS header information of sub-array exposures; and 3) an outline for reducing standard G280 grism observations and the specialized case of observations obtained in sub-array mode.

Miniature probe for the delivery and monitoring of a photopolymerizable material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmocker, Andreas; Khoushabi, Azadeh; Schizas, Constantin; Bourban, Pierre-Etienne; Pioletti, Dominique P.; Moser, Christophe

2015-12-01

Photopolymerization is a common method to cure materials initially in a liquid state, such as dental implants or bone or tissue fillers. Recent advances in the development of biocompatible gel- and cement-systems open up an avenue for in situ photopolymerization. For minimally invasive surgery, such procedures require miniaturized surgical endoscopic probes to activate and control photopolymerization in situ. We present a miniaturized light probe in which a photoactive material can be (1) mixed, pressurized, and injected, (2) photopolymerized/photoactivated, and (3) monitored during the chemical reaction. The device is used to implant and cure poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate-hydrogel-precursor in situ with ultraviolet A (UVA) light (365 nm) while the polymerization reaction is monitored in real time by collecting the fluorescence and Raman signals generated by the 532-nm excitation light source. Hydrogels could be delivered, photopolymerized, and monitored by the probe up to a curing depth of 4 cm. The size of the photopolymerized samples could be correlated to the fluorescent signal collected by the probe, and the reproducibility of the procedure could be demonstrated. The position of the probe tip inside a bovine caudal intervertebral disc could be estimated in vitro based on the collected fluorescence and Raman signal.

Highway Performance Monitoring System reassessment

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-05-01

This document describes the concept of operations for three connected vehicle V2I safety applications related to intersection safety and speed management. Specifically, these applications include: Red-Light Violation Warning (RLVW) Stop Sign ...

Smart Sensing Strip Using Monolithically Integrated Flexible Flow Sensor for Noninvasively Monitoring Respiratory Flow

PubMed Central

Jiang, Peng; Zhao, Shuai; Zhu, Rong

2015-01-01

This paper presents a smart sensing strip for noninvasively monitoring respiratory flow in real time. The monitoring system comprises a monolithically-integrated flexible hot-film flow sensor adhered on a molded flexible silicone case, where a miniaturized conditioning circuit with a Bluetooth4.0 LE module are packaged, and a personal mobile device that wirelessly acquires respiratory data transmitted from the flow sensor, executes extraction of vital signs, and performs medical diagnosis. The system serves as a wearable device to monitor comprehensive respiratory flow while avoiding use of uncomfortable nasal cannula. The respiratory sensor is a flexible flow sensor monolithically integrating four elements of a Wheatstone bridge on single chip, including a hot-film resistor, a temperature-compensating resistor, and two balancing resistors. The monitor takes merits of small size, light weight, easy operation, and low power consumption. Experiments were conducted to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of monitoring and diagnosing respiratory diseases using the proposed system. PMID:26694401

SU-E-J-197: A Novel Optical Interstitial Fiber Spectroscopic System for Real-Time Tissue Micro-Vascular Hemodynamics Monitoring.

PubMed

Zhao, D; Campos, D; Yan, Y; Kimple, R; Jacques, S; van der Kogel, A; Kissick, M

2012-06-01

To demonstrate a novel interstitial optical fiber spectroscopic system, based on diffuse optical spectroscopies with spectral fitting, for the simultaneous monitoring of tumor blood volume and oxygen tension. The technique provides real-time, minimally-invasive and quantification of tissue micro-vascular hemodynamics. An optical fiber prototype probe characterizesthe optical transport in tissue between two large Numerical Aperture (NA) fibers of 200μm core diameter (BFH37-200, ThorLabs) spaced 3-mm apart. Two 21-Ga medical needles are used to protect fiber ends and to facilitate tissue penetration with minimum local blunt trauma in nude mice with xenografts. A 20W white light source (HL-2000-HP, Ocean Optics) is coupled to one fiber with SMA adapter. The other fiber is used to collect light, which is coupled into the spectrometer (QE65000 with Spectrasuite Operating software and OmniDriver, Ocean Optics). The wavelength response of the probe depends on the wavelength dependence of the light source, and of the light signal collection that includes considerable scatter, modeled with Monte-Carlo techniques (S. Jacques 2010 J. of Innov. Opt. Health Sci. 2 123-9). Measured spectra of tissue are normalized by a measured spectrum of a white standard, yielding the transmission spectrum. A head-and-neck xenograft on the flank of a live mouse is used for development. The optical fiber probe delivers and collects light at an arbitrary depth in the tumor. By spectral fitting of the measured transmission spectrum, an analysis of blood volume and oxygen tension is obtained from the fitting parameters in real time. A newly developed optical fiber spectroscopic system with an optical fiber probe takes spectroscopic techniques to a much deeper level in a tumor, which has potential applications for real-time monitoring hypoxic cell population dynamics for an eventual adaptive therapy metric of particular use in hypofractionated radiotherapy. © 2012 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Systems and Cyber-Security: Best Practices to Secure Critical Infrastructure

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morsey, Christopher

2017-01-01

In the critical infrastructure world, many critical infrastructure sectors use a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. The sectors that use SCADA systems are the electric power, nuclear power and water. These systems are used to control, monitor and extract data from the systems that give us all the ability to light our homes…

A light intensity monitoring method based on fiber Bragg grating sensing technology and BP neural network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Lu-Ming; Zhu, Qian; Zhang, Zhi-Guo; Cai, Zhi-Min; Liao, Zhi-Jun; Hu, Zhen-Yan

2017-04-01

In this paper, a light intensity monitoring method based on FBG is proposed. The method establishes a light intensity monitoring model with cantilever beam structure and BP neural network algorithm, which is based on fiber grating sensing technology. The accuracy of the model can meet the requirements of engineering project and it can monitor light intensity in real time. The experimental results show that the method has good stability and high sensitivity.

Calibration and Deployment of a Fiber-Optic Sensing System for Monitoring Debris Flows

PubMed Central

Huang, Ching-Jer; Chu, Chung-Ray; Tien, Tsung-Mo; Yin, Hsiao-Yuen; Chen, Ping-Sen

2012-01-01

This work presents a novel fiber-optic sensing system, capable of monitoring debris flows or other natural hazards that produce ground vibrations. The proposed sensing system comprises a demodulator (BraggSCOPE, FS5500), which includes a broadband light source and a data logger, a four-port coupler and four Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) accelerometers. Based on field tests, the performance of the proposed fiber-optic sensing system is compared with that of a conventional sensing system that includes a geophone or a microphone. Following confirmation of the reliability of the proposed sensing system, the fiber-optic sensing systems are deployed along the Ai-Yu-Zi and Chu-Shui Creeks in Nautou County of central Taiwan for monitoring debris flows. Sensitivity test of the deployed fiber-optic sensing system along the creek banks is also performed. Analysis results of the seismic data recorded by the systems reveal in detail the frequency characteristics of the artificially generated ground vibrations. Results of this study demonstrate that the proposed fiber-optic sensing system is highly promising for use in monitoring natural disasters that generate ground vibrations. PMID:22778616

Cross Matching of VIIRS Boat Detection and Vessel Monitoring System Tracks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, F. C.; Elvidge, C.; Zhizhin, M. N.; Baugh, K.; Ghosh, T.

2016-12-01

One approach to commercial fishing is to use use bright lights at night to attract catch. This is a widely used practice in East and Southeast Asia, but can also be found in other fisheries. In some cases, the deployed lighting exceeds 100,000 watts. Such lighting is distinctive in dark ocean and can even be seen from space with sensor such as Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite Day/Night Band (VIIRS-DNB). We have developed a VIIRS Boat Detection (VBD) system, which outputs lists of boat locations in near real time. One of the standard methods fishery agencies use to collect geospatial data on fishing boats is to require boats to carry Vessel Monitoring System beacons. We developed an algorithm to cross-match VBD data with VMS tracks. With this we are able to identify fishing boats that do not carry VMS beacons. In certain situations, this is an indicator of illegal fishing. The other application for this cross-matching is to define the VIIRS detection limits and developing a calibration to estimate deployed wattage. Here we demonstrate results of cross matching VBD and VMS for Indonesia as example to showcase its potential.

Designing and testing a wearable, wireless fNIRS patch.

PubMed

Abtahi, Mohammadreza; Cay, Gozde; Saikia, Manob Jyoti; Mankodiya, Kunal

2016-08-01

Optical brain monitoring using near infrared (NIR) light has got a lot of attention in order to study the complexity of the brain due to several advantages as oppose to other methods such as EEG, fMRI and PET. There are a few commercially available functional NIR spectroscopy (fNIRS) brain monitoring systems, but they are still non-wearable and pose difficulties in scanning the brain while the participants are in motion. In this work, we present our endeavors to design and test a low-cost, wireless fNIRS patch using NIR light sources at wavelengths of 770 and 830nm, photodetectors and a microcontroller to trigger the light sources, read photodetector's output and transfer data wirelessly (via Bluetooth) to a smart-phone. The patch is essentially a 3-D printed wearable system, recording and displaying the brain hemodynamic responses on smartphone, also eliminates the need for complicated wiring of the electrodes. We have performed rigorous lab experiments on the presented system for its functionality. In a proof of concept experiment, the patch detected the NIR absorption on the arm. Another experiment revealed that the patch's battery could last up to several hours with continuous fNIRS recording with and without wireless data transfer.

Optically powered remote gas monitor

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

Dubaniewicz, T.H. Jr.; Chilton, J.E.

1995-12-31

Many mines rely on toxic gas sensors to help maintain a safe and healthy work environment. This report describes a prototype monitoring system developed by the US Bureau of Mines (USBM) that uses light to power and communicate with several remote toxic gas sensors. The design is based on state-of-art optical-to-electrical power converters, solid-state diode lasers, and fiber optics. This design overcomes several problems associated with conventional wire-based systems by providing complete electrical isolation between the remote sensors and the central monitor. The prototype performed well during a 2-week field trial in the USBM Pittsburgh Research Center Safety Research Coalmore » Mine.« less

Characterization of photosynthetically active duckweed (Wolffia australiana) in vitro culture by Respiration Activity Monitoring System (RAMOS).

PubMed

Rechmann, Henrik; Friedrich, Andrea; Forouzan, Dara; Barth, Stefan; Schnabl, Heide; Biselli, Manfred; Boehm, Robert

2007-06-01

The feasibility of oxygen transfer rate (OTR) measurement to non-destructively monitor plant propagation and vitality of photosynthetically active plant in vitro culture of duckweed (Wolffia australiana, Lemnaceae) was tested using Respiration Activity Monitoring System (RAMOS). As a result, OTR proofed to be a sensitive indicator for plant vitality. The culture characterization under day/night light conditions, however, revealed a complex interaction between oxygen production and consumption, rendering OTR measurement an unsuitable tool to track plant propagation. However, RAMOS was found to be a useful tool in preliminary studies for process development of photosynthetically active plant in vitro cultures.

Monitoring Cepheid variables using the new BYU Observation Deck Robotic Telescopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bugg, Adam Garth; Hintz, Eric G.; Joner, Michael D.

2018-01-01

In January 2017 work was completed on the new observation deck of the Eyring Science Center on the Brigham Young University campus. This deck was designed with pedestals to currently hold up to 5 robotic telescope systems. One of the first test projects was to monitor a sample of Classical Cepheid variables to watch for changes in the light curves. Starting with a sample of stars which had previously been monitored spectroscopically using the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory 1.2-m telescope, we collected photometric data in the H-alpha/H-beta system detailed in Joner & Hintz (2015). We will present a preliminary analysis of this data and the abilities of the new deck to monitor these type of objects.

Smart-Home Architecture Based on Bluetooth mesh Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Qing; Liu, Jianghua

2018-03-01

This paper describes the smart home network system based on Nordic nrf52832 device. Nrf52832 is new generation RF SOC device focus on sensor monitor and low power Bluetooth connection applications. In this smart home system, we set up a self-organizing network system which consists of one control node and a lot of monitor nodes. The control node manages the whole network works; the monitor nodes collect the sensor information such as light intensity, temperature, humidity, PM2.5, etc. Then update to the control node by Bluetooth mesh network. The design results show that the Bluetooth mesh wireless network system is flexible and construction cost is low, which is suitable for the communication characteristics of a smart home network. We believe it will be wildly used in the future.

Multiple-channel ultra-violet absorbance detector for two-dimensional chromatographic separations.

PubMed

Lynch, Kyle B; Yang, Yu; Ren, Jiangtao; Liu, Shaorong

2018-05-01

In recent years, much research has gone into developing online comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatographic systems allowing for high peak capacities in comparable separation times to that of one-dimensional liquid chromatographic systems. However, the speed requirements in the second dimension (2nd-D) still remain one challenge for complex biological samples due to the current configuration of two column/two detector systems. Utilization of multiple 2nd-D columns can mitigate this challenge. To adapt this approach, we need a multiple channel detector. Here we develop a versatile multichannel ultraviolet (UV) light absorbance detector that is capable of simultaneously monitoring separations in 12 columns. The detector consists of a deuterium lighthouse, a flow cell assembly (a 13-channel flow cell fitted with a 13-photodiode-detection system), and a data acquisition and monitoring terminal. Through the use of a custom high optical quality furcated fiber to improve light transmission, precise machining of a flow cell to reduce background stray light through precision alignment, and sensitive electronic circuitry to reduce electronic noise through an active low pass filter, the background noise level is measured in the tens of µAU. We obtain a linear dynamic range of close to three orders of magnitude. Compared to a commercialized multichannel UV light absorbance detector like the Waters 2488 UV/Vis, our device provides an increase in channel detection while residing within the same noise region and linear range. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

40 CFR 65.104 - Instrument and sensory monitoring for leaks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

.... (i) Valves in gas/vapor service and in light liquid service shall be monitored pursuant to § 65.106(b). (ii) Pumps in light liquid service shall be monitored pursuant to § 65.107(b). (iii) Connectors in gas/vapor service and in light liquid service shall be monitored pursuant to § 65.108(b). (iv) Agitators in...

40 CFR 65.104 - Instrument and sensory monitoring for leaks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

.... (i) Valves in gas/vapor service and in light liquid service shall be monitored pursuant to § 65.106(b). (ii) Pumps in light liquid service shall be monitored pursuant to § 65.107(b). (iii) Connectors in gas/vapor service and in light liquid service shall be monitored pursuant to § 65.108(b). (iv) Agitators in...

The value of Doppler LiDAR systems to monitor turbulence intensity during storm events in order to enhance aviation safety in Iceland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Shu; Nína Petersen, Guðrún; Finger, David C.

2017-04-01

Turbulence and wind shear are a major natural hazards for aviation safety in Iceland. The temporal and spatial scale of atmospheric turbulence is very dynamic, requiring an adequate method to detect and monitor turbulence with high resolution. The Doppler Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) system can provide continuous information about the wind field using the Doppler effect form emitted light signals. In this study, we use a Leosphere Windcube 200s LiDAR systems stationed near Reykjavik city Airport and at Keflavik International Airport, Iceland, to evaluate turbulence intensity by estimating eddy dissipation rate (EDR). For this purpose, we retrieved radial wind velocity observations from Velocity Azimuth Display (VAD) scans (360°scans at 15° and 75° elevation angle) to compute EDR. The method was used to monitor and characterize storm events in fall 2016 and the following winter. The preliminary result reveal that the LiDAR observations can detect and quantify atmospheric turbulence with high spatial and temporal resolution. This finding is an important step towards enhanced aviation safety in subpolar climate characterized by sever wind turbulence.

An optical fiber guided ultrasonic excitation and sensing system for online monitoring of nuclear power plants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, J.; Lee, H.; Sohn, H.

2012-05-01

This study presents an embedded laser ultrasonic system for pipeline monitoring under high temperature environment. Recently, laser ultrasonics is becoming popular because of their advantageous characteristics such as (a) noncontact inspection, (b) immunity against electromagnetic interference (EMI), and (c) applicability under high temperature. However, the performance of conventional laser ultrasonic techniques for pipeline monitoring has been limited because many pipelines are covered by insulating materials and target surfaces are inaccessible. To overcome the problem, this study designs an embeddable optical fibers and fixing devices that deliver laser beams from laser sources to a target pipe using embedded optical fibers. For guided wave generation, an optical fiber is furnished with a beam collimator for irradiating a laser beam onto a target structure. The corresponding response is measured based on the principle of laser interferometry. Light from a monochromatic source is colliminated and delivered to a target surface by another optical with a focusing module, and reflected light is transmitted back to the interferometer through the same fiber. The feasibility of the proposed system for embedded ultrasonic measurement has been experimentally verified using a pipe specimen under high temperature.

Waterproof AlInGaP optoelectronics on stretchable substrates with applications in biomedicine and robotics.

PubMed

Kim, Rak-Hwan; Kim, Dae-Hyeong; Xiao, Jianliang; Kim, Bong Hoon; Park, Sang-Il; Panilaitis, Bruce; Ghaffari, Roozbeh; Yao, Jimin; Li, Ming; Liu, Zhuangjian; Malyarchuk, Viktor; Kim, Dae Gon; Le, An-Phong; Nuzzo, Ralph G; Kaplan, David L; Omenetto, Fiorenzo G; Huang, Yonggang; Kang, Zhan; Rogers, John A

2010-11-01

Inorganic light-emitting diodes and photodetectors represent important, established technologies for solid-state lighting, digital imaging and many other applications. Eliminating mechanical and geometrical design constraints imposed by the supporting semiconductor wafers can enable alternative uses in areas such as biomedicine and robotics. Here we describe systems that consist of arrays of interconnected, ultrathin inorganic light-emitting diodes and photodetectors configured in mechanically optimized layouts on unusual substrates. Light-emitting sutures, implantable sheets and illuminated plasmonic crystals that are compatible with complete immersion in biofluids illustrate the suitability of these technologies for use in biomedicine. Waterproof optical-proximity-sensor tapes capable of conformal integration on curved surfaces of gloves and thin, refractive-index monitors wrapped on tubing for intravenous delivery systems demonstrate possibilities in robotics and clinical medicine. These and related systems may create important, unconventional opportunities for optoelectronic devices.

Development of a wireless, self-sustaining damage detection sensor system based on chemiluminescence for structural health monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuang, K. S. C.

2014-03-01

A novel application of chemiluminescence resulting from the chemical reaction in a glow-stick as sensors for structural health monitoring is demonstrated here. By detecting the presence of light emitting from these glow-sticks, it is possible to develop a low-cost sensing device with the potential to provide early warning of damage in a variety of engineering applications such as monitoring of cracks or damage in concrete shear walls, detecting of ground settlement, soil liquefaction, slope instability, liquefaction-related damage of underground structure and others. In addition, this paper demonstrates the ease of incorporating wireless capability to the sensor device and the possibility of making the sensor system self-sustaining by means of a renewable power source for the wireless module. A significant advantage of the system compared to previous work on the use of plastic optical fibre (POF) for damage detection is that here the system does not require an electrically-powered light source. Here, the sensing device, embedded in a cement host, is shown to be capable of detecting damage. A series of specimens with embedded glow-sticks have been investigated and an assessment of their damage detection capability will be reported. The specimens were loaded under flexure and the sensor responses were transmitted via a wireless connection.

Fiber Optic Raman Sensor to Monitor Concentration Ratio of Nitrogen and Oxygen in a Cryogenic Mixture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tiwari, Vidhu S.; Kalluru, Rajamohan R.; Yueh, Fang-Yu; Singh, Jagdish P.; SaintCyr, William

2007-01-01

A spontaneous Raman scattering optical fiber sensor is developed for a specific need of NASA/SSC for long-term detection and monitoring of the quality of liquid oxygen (LOX) in the delivery line during ground testing of rocket engines. The sensor performance was tested in the laboratory and with different excitation light sources. To evaluate the sensor performance with different excitation light sources for the LOX quality application, we have used the various mixtures of liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen as samples. The study of the sensor performance shows that this sensor offers a great deal of flexibility and provides a cost effective solution for the application. However, an improved system response time is needed for the real-time, quantitative monitoring of the quality of cryogenic fluids in harsh environment.

Polar nephelometer for atmospheric particulate studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hansen, M. Z.; Evans, W. H.

1980-01-01

A polar nephelometer for use in studying atmospheric aerosols was developed. The nephelometer detects molecular scatter from air and measures scattering from very clean air using pure molecular scattering for calibration. A compact system using a folded light path with an air cooled argon laser for the light source was designed. A small, sensitive detector unit permits easy angular rotation for changing the scattering angle. A narrow detector field of view of + or - 1/4 degree of scattering along with a single wavelength of incident light is used to minimize uncertainties in the scattering theory. The system is automated for data acquisition of the scattering matrix elements over an angular range from 2 degrees to 178 degrees of scattering. Both laser output and detector sensitivity are monitored to normalize the measured light scattering.

Automated terrestrial laser scanning with near-real-time change detection - monitoring of the Séchilienne landslide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kromer, Ryan A.; Abellán, Antonio; Hutchinson, D. Jean; Lato, Matt; Chanut, Marie-Aurelie; Dubois, Laurent; Jaboyedoff, Michel

2017-05-01

We present an automated terrestrial laser scanning (ATLS) system with automatic near-real-time change detection processing. The ATLS system was tested on the Séchilienne landslide in France for a 6-week period with data collected at 30 min intervals. The purpose of developing the system was to fill the gap of high-temporal-resolution TLS monitoring studies of earth surface processes and to offer a cost-effective, light, portable alternative to ground-based interferometric synthetic aperture radar (GB-InSAR) deformation monitoring. During the study, we detected the flux of talus, displacement of the landslide and pre-failure deformation of discrete rockfall events. Additionally, we found the ATLS system to be an effective tool in monitoring landslide and rockfall processes despite missing points due to poor atmospheric conditions or rainfall. Furthermore, such a system has the potential to help us better understand a wide variety of slope processes at high levels of temporal detail.

Quasi-continuous parallel online scattered light, fluorescence and dissolved oxygen tension measurement combined with monitoring of the oxygen transfer rate in each well of a shaken microtiter plate.

PubMed

Ladner, Tobias; Held, Markus; Flitsch, David; Beckers, Mario; Büchs, Jochen

2016-12-03

Microtiter plates (MTP) are often applied as culture vessels in high-throughput screening programs. If online measuring techniques are available, MTPs can also be applied in the first steps of process development. For such small-scale bioreactors dipping probes are usually too large; therefore, optical measurements are often used. For example, the BioLector technology allows for the online monitoring of scattered light and fluorescence in each well of a continuously orbitally shaken MTP. Although this system provides valuable data, these measurements are mainly of a semi-quantitative nature. Therefore, signal calibration is required to obtain absolute values. With the µRAMOS technology it became possible for the first time to quantify the oxygen transfer rate (OTR) separately in each well of an MTP. In this work, a device is presented that combines both techniques, to provide a hitherto unparalleled high amount of information from each single well. Because both systems (BioLector and µRAMOS) are based on optical measurements, the measurements need to be synchronized to avoid interferences with the optical signals. The new experimental setup was applied for online monitoring in cultures of Escherichia coli and Hansenula polymorpha. It has been demonstrated that the well-to-well reproducibility is very high, and that the monitored signals provide reliable and valuable information about the process. With varying filling volumes, different maximum oxygen transfer capacities (OTR max ) were adjusted in oxygen-limited cultures. The different degrees of stress during the culture due to oxygen limitation affected microbial growth and also impacted reproducibility from culture to culture. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that this new device significantly simplifies the experimental efforts: instead of parallel cultures in a shake flask and MTP, just one single experiment in MTP needs to be conducted to measure the OTR, dissolved oxygen tension (DOT), scattered light and fluorescence. The new device is a very suitable system for the online monitoring of cultures in continuously orbitally shaken MTPs. Due to the high number of parameters that can simultaneously be measured with this small-scale device, deeper insight into the investigated microbial system can be achieved. Furthermore, the experimental efforts to obtain OTR, DOT, scattered light and fluorescence signals during a culture are decreased. Ultimately, this new technology and the resulting high amount of collected data will eliminate the currently existing separation between screening and process development. Graphical abstract Picture of the combined μRAMOS and BioLector setup which allows for measurements of the oxygen transfer rate (OTR), dissolved oxygen tension (DOT), scattered light and fluorescence in each single well of an orbitally shaken microtiter plate.

Microinterferometer transducer

DOEpatents

Corey, III, Harry S.

1979-01-01

An air-bearing microinterferometer transducer is provided for increased accuracy, range and linearity over conventional displacement transducers. A microinterferometer system is housed within a small compartment of an air-bearing displacement transducer housing. A movable cube corner reflector of the interferometer is mounted to move with the displacement gauging probe of the transducer. The probe is disposed for axial displacement by means of an air-bearing. Light from a single frequency laser is directed into an interferometer system within the transducer housing by means of a self-focusing fiber optic cable to maintain light coherency. Separate fringe patterns are monitored by a pair of fiber optic cables which transmit the patterns to a detecting system. The detecting system includes a bidirectional counter which counts the light pattern fringes according to the direction of movement of the probe during a displacement gauging operation.

In-line monitoring technique with visible light from 1.3 microm-band SHG module for optical access systems.

PubMed

Kubo, Takahiro; Taniguchi, Tomohiro; Tadanaga, Osamu; Sakurai, Naoya; Kimura, Hideaki; Hadama, Hisaya; Asobe, Masaki

2010-02-01

We propose an in-line monitoring technique that uses 650 nm visible light for performing maintenance work on Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network quickly without the need for measuring skills or external devices. This technique is characterized by visible light (650 nm) generated by an SHG module from the 1.3 microm-band line signal. We fabricate a 1.3 microm-band quasi phase matched LiNbO(3) (QPM-LN) module, and the measure the 650 nm second harmonic (SH) power to test the proposed short-pulse modulation method. The results confirm the feasibility of the short-pulse modulation method with different peak factors (PFs) (1.0-7.3). We also examine the effect of short-pulse modulation on system performance at the optical receiver by measuring the bit error rate (BER) of received data (1.25 Gb/s). The BER is basically unaffected by the PF (1.0-5.5). This means that the proposed technique has little influence on data reception as regards PF (1.0-5.5).

Vehicle classification system : FHWA perspective

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-08-01

Issues related to vehicle classification in light of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Traffic Monitoring Guide (TMG) revision will be discussed. The discussion will look at the expressed needs of the data users and the associated impacts on ...

System selects framing rate for spectrograph camera

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1965-01-01

Circuit using zero-order light is reflected to a photomultiplier in the incoming radiation of a spectrograph monitor to provide an error signal which controls the advancing and driving rate of the film through the camera.

Packaging and Mounting of In-Fibre Bragg Grating Arrays for Structural Health Monitoring of Large Structures

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-10-01

33 Abbreviations CFRP Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer FBG Fibre Bragg Grating FGI Fiberglass International FO... Fibre Optic FOS Fibre Optic Sensor GFRP Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer HDPE High Density Polyethylene LED Light Emitting Diode MHC Mine Hunter...subsequent paragraphs. An operational loads monitoring system for wind turbine blades was demonstrated [7] using FBGs surface-mounted onto glass fibre

Airborne Intercept Monitoring

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-04-01

Primary mirror of Zerodur with Pilkington 747 coating • FOV = 0.104 degrees Airborne Intercept Monitoring RTO-MP-SET-105 16 - 3 UNCLASSIFIED...Pointing System (SPS). The STS is a 0.75 meter aperture Mersenne Cassegrain telescope and the SAT is a 0.34 meter aperture 3- mirror anastigmat telescope...UNLIMITED UNCLASSIFIED/UNLIMITED • Air Flow to Mitigate Thermal “Seeing” Effects • Light weighted primary mirror to reduce mass The SAT

Linac coherent light source (LCLS) undulator RF BPM system.

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

Lill, R.; Waldschmidt, G.; Morrison, L.

2006-01-01

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) will be the world's first x-ray free-electron laser (FEL) when it becomes operational in 2009. The LCLS is currently in the construction phase. The beam position monitor (BPM) system planned for the LCLS undulator will incorporate a high-resolution X-band cavity BPM system described in this paper. The BPM system will provide high-resolution measurements of the electron beam trajectory on a pulse-to-pulse basis and over many shots. The X-band cavity BPM size, simple fabrication, and high resolution make it an ideal choice for LCLS beam position detection. We will discuss the system specifications, design, andmore » prototype test results.« less

Linac Coherent Light Source Undulator RF BPM System

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

Lill, R.M.; Morrison, L.H.; Waldschmidt, G.J.

2007-04-17

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) will be the world's first x-ray free-electron laser (FEL) when it becomes operational in 2009. The LCLS is currently in the construction phase. The beam position monitor (BPM) system planned for the LCLS undulator will incorporate a high-resolution X-band cavity BPM system described in this paper. The BPM system will provide high-resolution measurements of the electron beam trajectory on a pulse-to-pulse basis and over many shots. The X-band cavity BPM size, simple fabrication, and high resolution make it an ideal choice for LCLS beam position detection. We will discuss the system specifications, design, andmore » prototype test results.« less

Multisensor robotic system for autonomous space maintenance and repair

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abidi, M. A.; Green, W. L.; Chandra, T.; Spears, J.

1988-01-01

The feasibility of realistic autonomous space manipulation tasks using multisensory information is demonstrated. The system is capable of acquiring, integrating, and interpreting multisensory data to locate, mate, and demate a Fluid Interchange System (FIS) and a Module Interchange System (MIS). In both cases, autonomous location of a guiding light target, mating, and demating of the system are performed. Implemented visio-driven techniques are used to determine the arbitrary two-dimensional position and orientation of the mating elements as well as the arbitrary three-dimensional position and orientation of the light targets. A force/torque sensor continuously monitors the six components of force and torque exerted on the end-effector. Both FIS and MIS experiments were successfully accomplished on mock-ups built for this purpose. The method is immune to variations in the ambient light, in particular because of the 90-minute day-night shift in space.

Optimal integration of daylighting and electric lighting systems using non-imaging optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scartezzini, J.-L.; Linhart, F.; Kaegi-Kolisnychenko, E.

2007-09-01

Electric lighting is responsible for a significant fraction of electricity consumption within non-residential buildings. Making daylight more available in office and commercial buildings can lead as a consequence to important electricity savings, as well as to the improvement of occupants' visual performance and wellbeing. Over the last decades, daylighting technologies have been developed for that purpose, some of them having proven to be highly efficient such as anidolic daylighting systems. Based on non-imaging optics these optical devices were designed to achieve an efficient collection and redistribution of daylight within deep office rooms. However in order to benefit from the substantial daylight provision obtained through these systems and convert it into effective electricity savings, novel electric lighting strategies are required. An optimal integration of high efficacy light sources and efficient luminaries based on non-imaging optics with anidolic daylighting systems can lead to such novel strategies. Starting from the experience gained through the development of an Anidolic Integrated Ceiling (AIC), this paper presents an optimal integrated daylighting and electric lighting system. Computer simulations based on ray-tracing techniques were used to achieve the integration of 36W fluorescent tubes and non-imaging reflectors with an advanced daylighting system. Lighting power densities lower than 4 W/m2 can be achieved in this way within the corresponding office room. On-site monitoring of an integrated daylighting and electric lighting system carried out on a solar experimental building confirmed the energy and visual performance of such a system: it showed that low lighting power densities can be achieved by combining an anidolic daylighting system with very efficient electric light sources and luminaries.

Development of a luminous textile for reflective pulse oximetry measurements

PubMed Central

Krehel, Marek; Wolf, Martin; Boesel, Luciano F.; Rossi, René M.; Bona, Gian-Luca; Scherer, Lukas J.

2014-01-01

In this paper, a textile-based sensing principle for long term photopletysmography (PPG) monitoring is presented. Optical fibers were embroidered into textiles such that out-coupling and in-coupling of light was possible. The “light-in light-out” properties of the textile enabled the spectroscopic characterization of human tissue. For the optimization of the textile sensor, three different carrier fabrics and different fiber modifications were compared. The sample with best light coupling efficiency was successfully used to measure heart rate and SpO2 values of a subject. The latter was determined by using a modified Beer-Lambert law and measuring the light attenuation at two different wavelengths (632 nm and 894 nm). Moreover, the system was adapted to work in reflection mode which makes the sensor more versatile. The measurements were additionally compared with commercially available system and showed good correlation. PMID:25136484

Development of a luminous textile for reflective pulse oximetry measurements.

PubMed

Krehel, Marek; Wolf, Martin; Boesel, Luciano F; Rossi, René M; Bona, Gian-Luca; Scherer, Lukas J

2014-08-01

In this paper, a textile-based sensing principle for long term photopletysmography (PPG) monitoring is presented. Optical fibers were embroidered into textiles such that out-coupling and in-coupling of light was possible. The "light-in light-out" properties of the textile enabled the spectroscopic characterization of human tissue. For the optimization of the textile sensor, three different carrier fabrics and different fiber modifications were compared. The sample with best light coupling efficiency was successfully used to measure heart rate and SpO2 values of a subject. The latter was determined by using a modified Beer-Lambert law and measuring the light attenuation at two different wavelengths (632 nm and 894 nm). Moreover, the system was adapted to work in reflection mode which makes the sensor more versatile. The measurements were additionally compared with commercially available system and showed good correlation.

A portable magnetic induction measurement system (PIMS).

PubMed

Cordes, Axel; Foussier, Jérôme; Pollig, Daniel; Leonhardt, Steffen

2012-02-22

For contactless monitoring of ventilation and heart activity, magnetic induction measurements are applicable. As the technique is harmless for the human body, it is well suited for long-term monitoring solutions, e.g., bedside monitoring, monitoring of home care patients, and the monitoring of persons in critical occupations. For such settings, a two-channel portable magnetic induction system has been developed, which is small and light enough to be fitted in a chair or bed. Because demodulation, control, and filtering are implemented on a front-end digital signal processor, a PC is not required (except for visualization/data storage during research and development). The system can be connected to a local area network (LAN) or wireless network (WiFi), allowing to connect several devices to a large monitoring system, e.g., for a residential home for the elderly or a hospital with low-risk patients not requiring standard ECG monitoring. To visualize data streams, a Qt-based (Qt-framework by Nokia, Espoo, Finland) monitoring application has been developed, which runs on Netbook computers, laptops, or standard PCs. To induce and measure the magnetic fields, external coils and amplifiers are required. This article describes the system and presents results for monitoring respiration and heart activity in a (divan) bed and for respiration monitoring in a chair. Planar configurations and orthogonal coil setups were examined during the measurement procedures. The measurement data were streamed over a LAN to a monitoring PC running Matlab (The MathWorks Inc, Natick, MA, USA).

Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing access (OFDMA) based wireless visible light communication (VLC) system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sung, Jiun-Yu; Yeh, Chien-Hung; Chow, Chi-Wai; Lin, Wan-Feng; Liu, Yang

2015-11-01

An orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing access (OFDMA) based visible light communication (VLC) system is proposed in this paper. The architecture of the proposed system is divided into several VLC cells, which is defined in this paper. The deployment and upgrade of the system involve only simple combination of the VLC cells. Hence it is economically advantageous. To guarantee smooth communication, nearly equal data rate is provided at every location within the system with no concern on the system scale. The user location monitor strategy is also discussed to solve the region division issues. The characteristics of the proposed system are analyzed in detail in this paper. A one-dimensional experiment was demonstrated with 13.6 Mb/s data rate.

Observing quantum vacuum lensing in a neutron star binary system.

PubMed

Dupays, Arnaud; Robilliard, Cécile; Rizzo, Carlo; Bignami, Giovanni F

2005-04-29

In this Letter we study the propagation of light in the neighborhood of magnetized neutron stars. Because of the optical properties of quantum vacuum in the presence of a magnetic field, the light emitted by background astronomical objects is deviated, giving rise to a phenomenon of the same kind as the gravitational one. We give a quantitative estimation of this effect, and we discuss the possibility of its observation. We show that this effect could be detected by monitoring the evolution of the recently discovered double neutron star system J0737-3039.

Vision-aided Monitoring and Control of Thermal Spray, Spray Forming, and Welding Processes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Agapakis, John E.; Bolstad, Jon

1993-01-01

Vision is one of the most powerful forms of non-contact sensing for monitoring and control of manufacturing processes. However, processes involving an arc plasma or flame such as welding or thermal spraying pose particularly challenging problems to conventional vision sensing and processing techniques. The arc or plasma is not typically limited to a single spectral region and thus cannot be easily filtered out optically. This paper presents an innovative vision sensing system that uses intense stroboscopic illumination to overpower the arc light and produce a video image that is free of arc light or glare and dedicated image processing and analysis schemes that can enhance the video images or extract features of interest and produce quantitative process measures which can be used for process monitoring and control. Results of two SBIR programs sponsored by NASA and DOE and focusing on the application of this innovative vision sensing and processing technology to thermal spraying and welding process monitoring and control are discussed.

Non-invasive method to detect the changes of glucose concentration in whole blood using photometric technique.

PubMed

Rajan, Shiny Amala Priya; Towe, Bruce C

2014-01-01

A non-invasive method is developed to monitor rapid changes in blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. The system depends on an optical cell built with a LED that emits light of wavelength 535nm, which is a peak absorbance of hemoglobin. As the glucose concentration in blood decreases, its osmolarity also decreases and the Red Blood Cells (RBCs) swell and decrease the path length absorption coefficient. Decreasing absorption coefficient increases the transmission of light through the whole blood. The system was tested with a constructed optical cell that held whole blood in a capillary tube. As expected the light transmitted to the photodiode increases with decreasing glucose concentration. The average response time of the system was between 30-40 seconds.

Monitoring scaling and dental calculus removal with an optical fluorescence system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sivieri-Araujo, G.; Fontana, C. R.; Costa, M. M.; Rastelli, A. N. S.; Pereira, L. P. C.; Kurachi, C.; Bagnato, V. S.

2014-08-01

Fluorescence results from a process that occurs under certain conditions in molecules known as fluorophores, fluorochromes or fluorescent dyes when they absorb light. The molecule is excited to a higher energy state and emits fluorescent light. The emission wavelength is always higher than the excitation wavelength. Optical diagnoses by fluorescence can be used in medicine and dentistry. It does not cause injury to tissues because it is a noninvasive method and can add benefits to clinical treatments. The aim of this case report was to apply an optical fluorescence system for wide-field image viewing and visual monitoring of the management of plaque and dental calculus before and after periodontal scaling to improve the diagnoses and follow-up of patients with periodontal disease. The results suggest that it is possible to observe, with a fluorescence system, residual plaque and calculus that were not easily seen by the naked eye during oral inspection. Thus, the optical technique can potentially improve periodontal screening efforts, especially in patients undergoing periodontal maintenance.

Simulating and evaluating an adaptive and integrated traffic lights control system for smart city application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Djuana, E.; Rahardjo, K.; Gozali, F.; Tan, S.; Rambung, R.; Adrian, D.

2018-01-01

A city could be categorized as a smart city when the information technology has been developed to the point that the administration could sense, understand, and control every resource to serve its people and sustain the development of the city. One of the smart city aspects is transportation and traffic management. This paper presents a research project to design an adaptive traffic lights control system as a part of the smart system for optimizing road utilization and reducing congestion. Research problems presented include: (1) Congestion in one direction toward an intersection due to dynamic traffic condition from time to time during the day, while the timing cycles in traffic lights system are mostly static; (2) No timing synchronization among traffic lights in adjacent intersections that is causing unsteady flows; (3) Difficulties in traffic condition monitoring on the intersection and the lack of facility for remotely controlling traffic lights. In this research, a simulator has been built to model the adaptivity and integration among different traffic lights controllers in adjacent intersections, and a case study consisting of three sets of intersections along Jalan K. H. Hasyim Ashari has been simulated. It can be concluded that timing slots synchronization among traffic lights is crucial for maintaining a steady traffic flow.

Design and monitoring of photostability systems for amlodipine dosage forms.

PubMed

Ragno, G; Cione, E; Garofalo, A; Genchi, G; Ioele, G; Risoli, A; Spagnoletta, A

2003-10-20

Photostability of amlodipine (AML) has been monitored in several pharmaceutical inclusion systems characterized by plurimolecular aggregation of the drug and excipients with high molecular weight. Several formulations including cyclodextrins, liposomes and microspheres have been prepared and characterized. The photodegradation process has been monitored according to the conditions suggested by the ICH Guideline for photostability testing, by using a light cabinet equipped with a Xenon lamp and monitored by spectrophotometry. The formulations herein tested have been found to be able to considerably increase drug stability, when compared with usual pharmaceutical forms. The residual concentration detected in the inclusion complexes with cyclodextrins and liposomes was 90 and 77%, respectively, while a very good value of 97% was found for microspheres, after a radiant exposure of 11,340 kJm(-2).

Impact of heavy hole-light hole coupling on optical selection rules in GaAs quantum dots

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

Belhadj, T.; Amand, T.; Kunz, S.

2010-08-02

We report strong heavy hole-light hole mixing in GaAs quantum dots grown by droplet epitaxy. Using the neutral and charged exciton emission as a monitor we observe the direct consequence of quantum dot symmetry reduction in this strain free system. By fitting the polar diagram of the emission with simple analytical expressions obtained from k{center_dot}p theory we are able to extract the mixing that arises from the heavy-light hole coupling due to the geometrical asymmetry of the quantum dot.

Photoacoustic microcantilevers

DOEpatents

Thundat, Thomas G [Knoxville, TN; Van Neste, Charles W [Kingston, TN; Brown, Gilbert M [Knoxville, TN; Senesac, Lawrence R [Knoxville, TN

2012-06-05

A system generates a photoacoustic spectrum in an open or closed environment with reduced noise. A source focuses a beam on a target substance disposed on a base. The base supports a cantilever that measures acoustic waves generated as light is absorbed by the target substance. By focusing a chopped/pulsed light beam on the target substance, a range of optical absorbance may be measured as the wavelength of light changes. An identifying spectrum of the target may detected by monitoring the vibration intensity variation of the cantilever as a function of illuminating wavelength or color.

Environmental Standards for Storage of Books and Manuscripts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Banks, Paul N.

1974-01-01

Deals with those factors included in building planning that can influence preservation, deterioration, or destruction of books--temperature, humidity, light, air cleanness, ventilation, exhibition, shelving and transportation, storage of microfilm, disaster control, and monitoring systems. (CH)

System for monitoring the growth of crystalline films on stationary substrates

DOEpatents

Sheldon, P.

1996-12-31

A system for monitoring the growth of crystalline films on stationary or rotating substrates includes a combination of some or all of the elements including a photodiode sensor for detecting the intensity of incoming light and converting it to a measurable current, a lens for focusing the RHEED pattern emanating from the phosphor screen onto the photodiode, an interference filter for filtering out light other than that which emanates from the phosphor screen, a current amplifier for amplifying and convening the current produced by the photodiode into a voltage, a computer for receiving the amplified photodiode current for RHEED data analysis, and a graphite impregnated triaxial cable for improving the signal to noise ratio obtained while sampling a stationary or rotating substrate. A rotating stage for supporting the substrate with diametrically positioned electron beam apertures and an optically encoded shaft can also be used to accommodate rotation of the substrate during measurement. 16 figs.

System for monitoring the growth of crystalline films on stationary substrates

DOEpatents

Sheldon, P.

1995-10-10

A system for monitoring the growth of crystalline films on stationary or rotating substrates includes a combination of some or all of the elements including a photodiode sensor for detecting the intensity of incoming light and converting it to a measurable current, a lens for focusing the RHEED pattern emanating from the phosphor screen onto the photodiode, an interference filter for filtering out light other than that which emanates from the phosphor screen, a current amplifier for amplifying and converting the current produced by the photodiode into a voltage, a computer for receiving the amplified photodiode current for RHEED data analysis, and a graphite impregnated triaxial cable for improving the signal-to-noise ratio obtained while sampling a stationary or rotating substrate. A rotating stage for supporting the substrate with diametrically positioned electron beam apertures and an optically encoded shaft can also be used to accommodate rotation of the substrate during measurement. 16 figs.

Method and apparatus for active tamper indicating device using optical time-domain reflectometry

DOEpatents

Smith, D. Barton; Muhs, Jeffrey D.; Pickett, Chris A.; Earl, D. Duncan

1999-01-01

An optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) launches pulses of light into a link or a system of multiplexed links and records the waveform of pulses reflected by the seals in the link(s). If a seal is opened, the link of cables will become a discontinuous transmitter of the light pulses and the OTDR can immediately detect that a seal has been opened. By analyzing the waveform, the OTDR can also quickly determine which seal(s) were opened. In this way the invention functions as a system of active seals. The invention is intended for applications that require long-term surveillance of a large number of closures. It provides immediate tamper detection, allows for periodic access to secured closures, and can be configured for many different distributions of closures. It can monitor closures in indoor and outdoor locations and it can monitor containers or groups of containers located many kilometers apart.

System for monitoring the growth of crystalline films on stationary substrates

DOEpatents

Sheldon, Peter

1995-01-01

A system for monitoring the growth of crystalline films on stationary or rotating substrates includes a combination of some or all of the elements including a photodiode sensor for detecting the intensity of incoming light and converting it to a measurable current, a lens for focusing the RHEED pattern emanating from the phosphor screen onto the photodiode, an interference filter for filtering out light other than that which emanates from the phosphor screen, a current amplifier for amplifying and converting the current produced by the photodiode into a voltage, a computer for receiving the amplified photodiode current for RHEED data analysis, and a graphite impregnated triax cable for improving the signal to noise ratio obtained while sampling a stationary or rotating substrate. A rotating stage for supporting the substrate with diametrically positioned electron beam apertures and an optically encoded shaft can also be used to accommodate rotation of the substrate during measurement.

System for monitoring the growth of crystalline films on stationary substrates

DOEpatents

Sheldon, Peter

1996-01-01

A system for monitoring the growth of crystalline films on stationary or rotating substrates includes a combination of some or all of the elements including a photodiode sensor for detecting the intensity of incoming light and converting it to a measurable current, a lens for focusing the RHEED pattern emanating from the phosphor screen onto the photodiode, an interference filter for filtering out light other than that which emanates from the phosphor screen, a current amplifier for amplifying and convening the current produced by the photodiode into a voltage, a computer for receiving the amplified photodiode current for RHEED data analysis, and a graphite impregnated triax cable for improving the signal to noise ratio obtained while sampling a stationary or rotating substrate. A rotating stage for supporting the substrate with diametrically positioned electron beam apertures and an optically encoded shaft can also be used to accommodate rotation of the substrate during measurement.

Description of photovoltaic village power systems in the United States and Africa

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ratajczak, A. F.; Bifano, W. J.

1979-01-01

The paper describes the designs, hardware, and installations of NASA photovoltaic power systems in the village of Schuchuli in Arizona and Tangaye in Upper Volta, Africa. The projects were designed to demonstrate that current photovoltaic system technology can provide electrical power for domestic services for small, remote communities. The Schuchuli system has a 3.5 kW peak solar array which provides power for water pumping, a refrigerator for each family, lights, and community washing and sewing machines. The 1.8 kW Tangaye system provides power for pumping, flour milling, and lights in the milling building. Both are stand-alone systems operated by local personnel, and they are monitored by NASA to measure design adequacy and refine future designs.

The development of a multifunction lens test instrument by using computer aided variable test patterns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Chun-Jen; Wu, Wen-Hong; Huang, Kuo-Cheng

2009-08-01

A multi-function lens test instrument is report in this paper. This system can evaluate the image resolution, image quality, depth of field, image distortion and light intensity distribution of the tested lens by changing the tested patterns. This system consists of a tested lens, a CCD camera, a linear motorized stage, a system fixture, an observer LCD monitor, and a notebook for pattern providing. The LCD monitor displays a serious of specified tested patterns sent by the notebook. Then each displayed pattern goes through the tested lens and images in the CCD camera sensor. Consequently, the system can evaluate the performance of the tested lens by analyzing the image of CCD camera with special designed software. The major advantage of this system is that it can complete whole test quickly without interruption due to part replacement, because the tested patterns are statically displayed on monitor and controlled by the notebook.

From Lift-Off to Light-Off

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

Shuttle's propellant measurement system is produced by Simmonds Precision. Company has extensive experience in fuel management systems and other equipment for military and commercial aircraft. A separate corporate entity, Industrial Controls Division was formed due to a number of non-aerospace spinoffs. One example is a "custody transfer" system for measuring and monitoring liquefied natural gas (LNG). LNG is transported aboard large tankers at minus 260 degrees Fahrenheit. Value of a single shipload may reach $15 million. Precision's LNG measurement and monitoring system aids accurate financial accounting and enhances crew safety. Custody transfer systems have been provided for 10 LNG tankers, built by Owing Shipbuilding. Simmonds also provided measurement systems for several liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production and storage installations. Another spinoff developed by Simmonds Precision is an advanced ignition system for industrial boilers that offers savings of millions of gallons of fuel, and a computer based monitoring and control system for improving safety and reliability in electrical utility applications. Simmonds produces a line of safety systems for nuclear and non-nuclear electrical power plants.

Sensor fabrication method for in situ temperature and humidity monitoring of light emitting diodes.

PubMed

Lee, Chi-Yuan; Su, Ay; Liu, Yin-Chieh; Chan, Pin-Cheng; Lin, Chia-Hung

2010-01-01

In this work micro temperature and humidity sensors are fabricated to measure the junction temperature and humidity of light emitting diodes (LED). The junction temperature is frequently measured using thermal resistance measurement technology. The weakness of this method is that the timing of data capture is not regulated by any standard. This investigation develops a device that can stably and continually measure temperature and humidity. The device is light-weight and can monitor junction temperature and humidity in real time. Using micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), this study minimizes the size of the micro temperature and humidity sensors, which are constructed on a stainless steel foil substrate (40 μm-thick SS-304). The micro temperature and humidity sensors can be fixed between the LED chip and frame. The sensitivities of the micro temperature and humidity sensors are 0.06±0.005 (Ω/°C) and 0.033 pF/%RH, respectively.

Ultraviolet laser beam monitor using radiation responsive crystals

DOEpatents

McCann, Michael P.; Chen, Chung H.

1988-01-01

An apparatus and method for monitoring an ultraviolet laser beam includes disposing in the path of an ultraviolet laser beam a substantially transparent crystal that will produce a color pattern in response to ultraviolet radiation. The crystal is exposed to the ultraviolet laser beam and a color pattern is produced within the crystal corresponding to the laser beam intensity distribution therein. The crystal is then exposed to visible light, and the color pattern is observed by means of the visible light to determine the characteristics of the laser beam that passed through crystal. In this manner, a perpendicular cross sectional intensity profile and a longitudinal intensity profile of the ultraviolet laser beam may be determined. The observation of the color pattern may be made with forward or back scattered light and may be made with the naked eye or with optical systems such as microscopes and television cameras.

Linguistic Model for Engine Power Loss

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-11-27

Intelligent Vehicle Health Management System (IVHMS) for light trucks. In particular, this paper is focused on the system architecture for monitoring...developed for the cooling system of a diesel engine, integrating a priori, ‘expert’ knowledge , sensor data, and the adaptive network-based fuzzy...domain knowledge . However, in a nonlinear system in which not all possible causes to engine power loss are considered and measured, merely relying

Novel Bioluminescent Quantitative Detection of Nucleic Acid Amplification in Real-Time

PubMed Central

Gandelman, Olga A.; Church, Vicki L.; Moore, Cathy A.; Kiddle, Guy; Carne, Christopher A.; Parmar, Surendra; Jalal, Hamid; Tisi, Laurence C.; Murray, James A. H.

2010-01-01

Background The real-time monitoring of polynucleotide amplification is at the core of most molecular assays. This conventionally relies on fluorescent detection of the amplicon produced, requiring complex and costly hardware, often restricting it to specialised laboratories. Principal Findings Here we report the first real-time, closed-tube luminescent reporter system for nucleic acid amplification technologies (NAATs) enabling the progress of amplification to be continuously monitored using simple light measuring equipment. The Bioluminescent Assay in Real-Time (BART) continuously reports through bioluminescent output the exponential increase of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) produced during the isothermal amplification of a specific nucleic acid target. BART relies on the coupled conversion of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) produced stoichiometrically during nucleic acid synthesis to ATP by the enzyme ATP sulfurylase, and can therefore be coupled to a wide range of isothermal NAATs. During nucleic acid amplification, enzymatic conversion of PPi released during DNA synthesis into ATP is continuously monitored through the bioluminescence generated by thermostable firefly luciferase. The assay shows a unique kinetic signature for nucleic acid amplifications with a readily identifiable light output peak, whose timing is proportional to the concentration of original target nucleic acid. This allows qualitative and quantitative analysis of specific targets, and readily differentiates between negative and positive samples. Since quantitation in BART is based on determination of time-to-peak rather than absolute intensity of light emission, complex or highly sensitive light detectors are not required. Conclusions The combined chemistries of the BART reporter and amplification require only a constant temperature maintained by a heating block and are shown to be robust in the analysis of clinical samples. Since monitoring the BART reaction requires only a simple light detector, the iNAAT-BART combination is ideal for molecular diagnostic assays in both laboratory and low resource settings. PMID:21152399

A Low-Cost and Portable Dual-Channel Fiber Optic Surface Plasmon Resonance System.

PubMed

Liu, Qiang; Liu, Yun; Chen, Shimeng; Wang, Fang; Peng, Wei

2017-12-04

A miniaturization and integration dual-channel fiber optic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) system was proposed and demonstrated in this paper. We used a yellow light-emitting diode (LED, peak wavelength 595 nm) and built-in web camera as a light source and detector, respectively. Except for the detection channel, one of the sensors was used as a reference channel to compensate nonspecific binding and physical absorption. We packaged the LED and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors together, which are flexible enough to be applied to mobile devices as a compact and portable system. Experimental results show that the normalized intensity shift and refractive index (RI) of the sample have a good linear relationship in the RI range from 1.328 to 1.348. We used this sensor to monitor the reversible, specific interaction between lectin concanavalin A (Con A) and glycoprotein ribonuclease B (RNase B), which demonstrate its capabilities of specific identification and biochemical samples concentration detection. This sensor system has potential applications in various fields, such as medical diagnosis, public health, food safety, and environment monitoring.

Human-In-The-Loop Simulation in Support of Long-Term Sustainability of Light Water Reactors

DOE PAGES

Hallbert, Bruce P

2015-01-01

Reliable instrumentation, information, and control systems technologies are essential to ensuring safe and efficient operation of the U.S. light water reactor (LWR) fleet. These technologies affect every aspect of nuclear power plant (NPP) and balance-of-plant operations. In 1997, the National Research Council conducted a study concerning the challenges involved in modernization of digital instrumentation and control systems in NPPs. Their findings identified the need for new II&C technology integration. The NPP owners and operators realize that this analog technology represents a significant challenge to sustaining the operation of the current fleet of NPPs. Beyond control systems, new technologies are neededmore » to monitor and characterize the effects of aging and degradation in critical areas of key structures, systems, and components. The objective of the efforts sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy is to develop, demonstrate, and deploy new digital technologies for II&C architectures and provide monitoring capabilities to ensure the continued safe, reliable, and economic operation of the nation’s NPPs.« less

Implementing and testing a fiber-optic polarization-based intrusion detection system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hajj, Rasha El; MacDonald, Gregory; Verma, Pramode; Huck, Robert

2015-09-01

We describe a layer-1-based intrusion detection system for fiber-optic-based networks. Layer-1-based intrusion detection represents a significant elevation in security as it prohibits an adversary from obtaining information in the first place (no cryptanalysis is possible). We describe the experimental setup of the intrusion detection system, which is based on monitoring the behavior of certain attributes of light both in unperturbed and perturbed optical fiber links. The system was tested with optical fiber links of various lengths and types, under different environmental conditions, and under changes in fiber geometry similar to what is experienced during tapping activity. Comparison of the results for perturbed and unperturbed links has shown that the state of polarization is more sensitive to intrusion activity than the degree of polarization or power of the received light. The testing was conducted in a simulated telecommunication network environment that included both underground and aerial links. The links were monitored for intrusion activity. Attempts to tap the link were easily detected with no apparent degradation in the visual quality of the real-time surveillance video.

Infrared Hollow Optical Fiber Probe for Localized Carbon Dioxide Measurement in Respiratory Tracts.

PubMed

Katagiri, Takashi; Shibayama, Kyosuke; Iida, Takeru; Matsuura, Yuji

2018-03-27

A real-time gas monitoring system based on optical absorption spectroscopy is proposed for localized carbon dioxide (CO₂) measurement in respiratory tracts. In this system, a small gas cell is attached to the end of a hollow optical fiber that delivers mid-infrared light with small transmission loss. The diameters of the fiber and the gas cell are smaller than 1.2 mm so that the probe can be inserted into a working channel of common bronchoscopes. The dimensions of the gas cell are designed based on absorption spectra of CO₂ standard gases in the 4.2 μm wavelength region, which are measured using a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer. A miniature gas cell that is comprised of a stainless-steel tube with slots for gas inlet and a micro-mirror is fabricated. A compact probing system with a quantum cascade laser (QCL) light source is built using a gas cell with a hollow optical fiber for monitoring CO₂ concentration. Experimental results using human breaths show the feasibility of the system for in-situ measurement of localized CO₂ concentration in human airways.

System and Method of Locating Lightning Strikes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Medelius, Pedro J. (Inventor); Starr, Stanley O. (Inventor)

2002-01-01

A system and method of determining locations of lightning strikes has been described. The system includes multiple receivers located around an area of interest, such as a space center or airport. Each receiver monitors both sound and electric fields. The detection of an electric field pulse and a sound wave are used to calculate an area around each receiver in which the lighting is detected. A processor is coupled to the receivers to accurately determine the location of the lighting strike. The processor can manipulate the receiver data to compensate for environmental variables such as wind, temperature, and humidity. Further, each receiver processor can discriminate between distant and local lightning strikes.

Using Bayesian Networks and Decision Theory to Model Physical Security

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-02-01

Home automation technologies allow a person to monitor and control various activities within a home or office setting. Cameras, sensors and other...components used along with the simple rules in the home automation software provide an environment where the lights, security and other appliances can be...monitored and controlled. These home automation technologies, however, lack the power to reason under uncertain conditions and thus the system can

An optically coupled system for quantitative monitoring of MRI-induced RF currents into long conductors.

PubMed

Zanchi, Marta G; Venook, Ross; Pauly, John M; Scott, Greig C

2010-01-01

The currents induced in long conductors such as guidewires by the radio-frequency (RF) field in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are responsible for potentially dangerous heating of surrounding media, such as tissue. This paper presents an optically coupled system with the potential to quantitatively measure the RF currents induced on these conductors. The system uses a self shielded toroid transducer and active circuitry to modulate a high speed light-emitting-diode transmitter. Plastic fiber guides the light to a photodiode receiver and transimpedance amplifier. System validation included a series of experiments with bare wires that compared wire tip heating by fluoroptic thermometers with the RF current sensor response. Validations were performed on a custom whole body 64 MHz birdcage test platform and on a 1.5 T MRI scanner. With this system, a variety of phenomena were demonstrated including cable trap current attenuation, lossy dielectric Q-spoiling and even transverse electromagnetic wave node patterns. This system should find applications in studies of MRI RF safety for interventional devices such as pacemaker leads, and guidewires. In particular, variations of this device could potentially act as a realtime safety monitor during MRI guided interventions.

Systems and methods for optically measuring properties of hydrocarbon fuel gases

DOEpatents

Adler-Golden, S.; Bernstein, L.S.; Bien, F.; Gersh, M.E.; Goldstein, N.

1998-10-13

A system and method for optical interrogation and measurement of a hydrocarbon fuel gas includes a light source generating light at near-visible wavelengths. A cell containing the gas is optically coupled to the light source which is in turn partially transmitted by the sample. A spectrometer disperses the transmitted light and captures an image thereof. The image is captured by a low-cost silicon-based two-dimensional CCD array. The captured spectral image is processed by electronics for determining energy or BTU content and composition of the gas. The innovative optical approach provides a relatively inexpensive, durable, maintenance-free sensor and method which is reliable in the field and relatively simple to calibrate. In view of the above, accurate monitoring is possible at a plurality of locations along the distribution chain leading to more efficient distribution. 14 figs.

Systems and methods for optically measuring properties of hydrocarbon fuel gases

DOEpatents

Adler-Golden, Steven; Bernstein, Lawrence S.; Bien, Fritz; Gersh, Michael E.; Goldstein, Neil

1998-10-13

A system and method for optical interrogation and measurement of a hydrocarbon fuel gas includes a light source generating light at near-visible wavelengths. A cell containing the gas is optically coupled to the light source which is in turn partially transmitted by the sample. A spectrometer disperses the transmitted light and captures an image thereof. The image is captured by a low-cost silicon-based two-dimensional CCD array. The captured spectral image is processed by electronics for determining energy or BTU content and composition of the gas. The innovative optical approach provides a relatively inexpensive, durable, maintenance-free sensor and method which is reliable in the field and relatively simple to calibrate. In view of the above, accurate monitoring is possible at a plurality of locations along the distribution chain leading to more efficient distribution.

Web-based remote monitoring of infant incubators in the ICU.

PubMed

Shin, D I; Huh, S J; Lee, T S; Kim, I Y

2003-09-01

A web-based real-time operating, management, and monitoring system for checking temperature and humidity within infant incubators using the Intranet has been developed and installed in the infant Intensive Care Unit (ICU). We have created a pilot system which has a temperature and humidity sensor and a measuring module in each incubator, which is connected to a web-server board via an RS485 port. The system transmits signals using standard web-based TCP/IP so that users can access the system from any Internet-connected personal computer in the hospital. Using this method, the system gathers temperature and humidity data transmitted from the measuring modules via the RS485 port on the web-server board and creates a web document containing these data. The system manager can maintain centralized supervisory monitoring of the situations in all incubators while sitting within the infant ICU at a work space equipped with a personal computer. The system can be set to monitor unusual circumstances and to emit an alarm signal expressed as a sound or a light on a measuring module connected to the related incubator. If the system is configured with a large number of incubators connected to a centralized supervisory monitoring station, it will improve convenience and assure meaningful improvement in response to incidents that require intervention.

Innovative vehicle classification strategies : using LIDAR to do more for less.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-06-23

This study examines LIDAR (light detection and ranging) based vehicle classification and classification : performance monitoring. First, we develop a portable LIDAR based vehicle classification system that can : be rapidly deployed, and then we use t...

Accuracy of intensity and inclinometer output of three activity monitors for identification of sedentary behavior and light-intensity activity.

PubMed

Carr, Lucas J; Mahar, Matthew T

2012-01-01

Purpose. To examine the accuracy of intensity and inclinometer output of three physical activity monitors during various sedentary and light-intensity activities. Methods. Thirty-six participants wore three physical activity monitors (ActiGraph GT1M, ActiGraph GT3X+, and StepWatch) while completing sedentary (lying, sitting watching television, sitting using computer, and standing still) light (walking 1.0 mph, pedaling 7.0 mph, pedaling 15.0 mph) intensity activities under controlled settings. Accuracy for correctly categorizing intensity was assessed for each monitor and threshold. Accuracy of the GT3X+ inclinometer function (GT3X+Incl) for correctly identifying anatomical position was also assessed. Percentage agreement between direct observation and the monitor recorded time spent in sedentary behavior and light intensity was examined. Results. All monitors using all thresholds accurately identified over 80% of sedentary behaviors and 60% of light-intensity walking time based on intensity output. The StepWatch was the most accurate in detecting pedaling time but unable to detect pedal workload. The GT3X+Incl accurately identified anatomical position during 70% of all activities but demonstrated limitations in discriminating between activities of differing intensity. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that all three monitors accurately measure most sedentary and light-intensity activities although choice of monitors should be based on study-specific needs.

Traffic Monitor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

Mestech's X-15 "Eye in the Sky," a traffic monitoring system, incorporates NASA imaging and robotic vision technology. A camera or "sensor box" is mounted in a housing. The sensor detects vehicles approaching an intersection and sends the information to a computer, which controls the traffic light according to the traffic rate. Jet Propulsion Laboratory technical support packages aided in the company's development of the system. The X-15's "smart highway" can also be used to count vehicles on a highway and compute the number in each lane and their speeds, important information for freeway control engineers. Additional applications are in airport and railroad operations. The system is intended to replace loop-type traffic detectors.

Problems of natural lighting for deepened buildings and underground premises under screen effect of high-rise construction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larionova, Kira; Stetsky, Sergey

2018-03-01

The main rationale and objective of the submitted research work is to create a quality lighting environment in the premises of deepened buildings and below-ground structures under screen effect of high-rise construction (high-rise buildings). It is noted, that in modern megapolises, a deficiency of vacant urban territories leads to the increased density of urban development with increased amount of high-rise construction and tendency to increase efficiency in the use of underground space. The natural lighting of premises in underground buildings and structures is the most efficient way, but it can be implemented only under use of roof lighting system in the form of roof monitors or skylights. In this case the levels of indoor natural lighting will be affected with serious screening effect of high-rise buildings in surrounding development. Such an situation is not regulated, or even considered by the contemporary building Codes and Regulations on natural lighting of interiors. The authors offered a new formula for a daylight factor calculation with roof lighting system in the described cases. The results of theoretical calculations and experimental studies showed very similar values. This proved the truth of the offered formula and elaborated method of calculation on the basis of an offered hypothesis. It prooves, that it is possible to use some factor and guide points in the daylight factors design under system of side natural lighting in the same design for a system of roof lighting.

Optical fiber inspection system

DOEpatents

Moore, Francis W.

1987-01-01

A remote optical inspection system including an inspection head. The inspection head has a passageway through which pellets or other objects are passed. A window is provided along the passageway through which light is beamed against the objects being inspected. A plurality of lens assemblies are arranged about the window so that reflected light can be gathered and transferred to a plurality of coherent optical fiber light guides. The light guides transfer the light images to a television or other image transducer which converts the optical images into a representative electronic signal. The electronic signal can then be displayed on a signal viewer such as a television monitor for inspection by a person. A staging means can be used to support the objects for viewing through the window. Routing means can be used to direct inspected objects into appropriate exit passages for accepted or rejected objects. The inspected objects are advantageously fed in a singular manner to the staging means and routing means. The inspection system is advantageously used in an enclosure when toxic or hazardous materials are being inspected.

Streetlight Control System Based on Wireless Communication over DALI Protocol

PubMed Central

Bellido-Outeiriño, Francisco José; Quiles-Latorre, Francisco Javier; Moreno-Moreno, Carlos Diego; Flores-Arias, José María; Moreno-García, Isabel; Ortiz-López, Manuel

2016-01-01

Public lighting represents a large part of the energy consumption of towns and cities. Efficient management of public lighting can entail significant energy savings. This work presents a smart system for managing public lighting networks based on wireless communication and the DALI protocol. Wireless communication entails significant economic savings, as there is no need to install new wiring and visual impacts and damage to the facades of historical buildings in city centers are avoided. The DALI protocol uses bidirectional communication with the ballast, which allows its status to be controlled and monitored at all times. The novelty of this work is that it tackles all aspects related to the management of public lighting: a standard protocol, DALI, was selected to control the ballast, a wireless node based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard with a DALI interface was designed, a network layer that considers the topology of the lighting network has been developed, and lastly, some user-friendly applications for the control and maintenance of the system by the technical crews of the different towns and cities have been developed. PMID:27128923

Optical fiber inspection system

DOEpatents

Moore, F.W.

1985-04-05

A remote optical inspection system including an inspection head. The inspection head has a passageway through which pellets or other objects are passed. A window is provided along the passageway through which light is beamed against the objects being inspected. A plurality of lens assemblies are arranged about the window so that reflected light can be gathered and transferred to a plurality of coherent optical fiber light guides. The light guides transfer the light images to a television or other image transducer which converts the optical images into a representative electronic signal. The electronic signal can then be displayed on a signal viewer such as a television monitor for inspection by a person. A staging means can be used to support the objects for viewing through the window. Routing means can be used to direct inspected objects into appropriate exit passages for accepted or rejected objects. The inspected objects are advantageously fed in a singular manner to the staging means and routing means. The inspection system is advantageously used in an enclosure when toxic or hazardous materials are being inspected. 10 figs.

Image system for three dimensional, 360 DEGREE, time sequence surface mapping of moving objects

DOEpatents

Lu, Shin-Yee

1998-01-01

A three-dimensional motion camera system comprises a light projector placed between two synchronous video cameras all focused on an object-of-interest. The light projector shines a sharp pattern of vertical lines (Ronchi ruling) on the object-of-interest that appear to be bent differently to each camera by virtue of the surface shape of the object-of-interest and the relative geometry of the cameras, light projector and object-of-interest Each video frame is captured in a computer memory and analyzed. Since the relative geometry is known and the system pre-calibrated, the unknown three-dimensional shape of the object-of-interest can be solved for by matching the intersections of the projected light lines with orthogonal epipolar lines corresponding to horizontal rows in the video camera frames. A surface reconstruction is made and displayed on a monitor screen. For 360.degree. all around coverage of theobject-of-interest, two additional sets of light projectors and corresponding cameras are distributed about 120.degree. apart from one another.

Image system for three dimensional, 360{degree}, time sequence surface mapping of moving objects

DOEpatents

Lu, S.Y.

1998-12-22

A three-dimensional motion camera system comprises a light projector placed between two synchronous video cameras all focused on an object-of-interest. The light projector shines a sharp pattern of vertical lines (Ronchi ruling) on the object-of-interest that appear to be bent differently to each camera by virtue of the surface shape of the object-of-interest and the relative geometry of the cameras, light projector and object-of-interest. Each video frame is captured in a computer memory and analyzed. Since the relative geometry is known and the system pre-calibrated, the unknown three-dimensional shape of the object-of-interest can be solved for by matching the intersections of the projected light lines with orthogonal epipolar lines corresponding to horizontal rows in the video camera frames. A surface reconstruction is made and displayed on a monitor screen. For 360{degree} all around coverage of the object-of-interest, two additional sets of light projectors and corresponding cameras are distributed about 120{degree} apart from one another. 20 figs.

Measurement and Compensation of BPM Chamber Motion in HLS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, J. W.; Sun, B. G.; Cao, Y.; Xu, H. L.; Lu, P.; Li, C.; Xuan, K.; Wang, J. G.

2010-06-01

Significant horizontal drifts in the beam orbit in the storage ring of HLS (Hefei Light Source) have been seen for many years. What leads to the motion of Beam Position Monitor (BPM) chamber is thermal expansion mainly caused by the synchrotron light. To monitor the BPM chamber motions for all BPMs, a BPM chamber motion measurement system is built in real-time. The raster gauges are used to measure the displacements. The results distinctly show the relation between the BPM chamber motion and the beam current. To suppress the effect of BPM chamber motion, a compensation strategy is implemented at HLS. The horizontal drifts of beam orbit have been really suppressed within 20μm without the compensation of BPM chamber motion in the runtime.

Installation of a variable-angle spectrometer system for monitoring diffuse and global solar radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ormachea, O.; Abrahamse, A.; Tolavi, N.; Romero, F.; Urquidi, O.; Pearce, J. M.; Andrews, R.

2013-11-01

We report on the design and installation of a spectrometer system for monitoring solar radiation in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Both the light intensity and the spectral distribution affect the power produced by a photovoltaic device. Local variations in the solar spectrum (especially compared to the AM1.5 standard) may have important implications for device optimization and energy yield estimation. The spectrometer system, based on an Ocean Optics USB4000 (300-900nm) spectrometer, was designed to increase functionality. Typically systems only record the global horizontal radiation. Our system moves a fiber-optic cable 0-90 degrees and takes measurements in 9 degree increments. Additionally, a shadow band allows measurement of the diffuse component of the radiation at each position. The electronic controls utilize an Arduino UNO microcontroller to synchronizes the movement of two PAP bipolar (stepper) motors with the activation of the spectrometer via an external trigger. The spectrometer was factory calibrated for wavelength and calibrated for absolute irradiance using a Sellarnet SL1-Cal light source. We present preliminary results from data taken March-June, 2013, and comment on implications for PV devices in Cochabamba.

Installation package for integrated programmable electronic controller and hydronic subsystem - solar heating and cooling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

A description is given of the Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual and information on the power panel and programmable microprocessor, a hydronic solar pump system and a hydronic heating hot water pumping system. These systems are integrated into various configurations for usages in solar energy management, control and monitoring, lighting control, data logging and other solar related applications.

Regulating task-monitoring systems in response to variable reward contingencies and outcomes in cocaine addicts.

PubMed

Morie, Kristen P; De Sanctis, Pierfilippo; Garavan, Hugh; Foxe, John J

2016-03-01

We investigated anticipatory and consummatory reward processing in cocaine addiction. In addition, we set out to assess whether task-monitoring systems were appropriately recalibrated in light of variable reward schedules. We also examined neural measures of task-monitoring and reward processing as a function of hedonic tone, since anhedonia is a vulnerability marker for addiction that is obviously germane in the context of reward processing. High-density event-related potentials were recorded while participants performed a speeded response task that systematically varied anticipated probabilities of reward receipt. The paradigm dissociated feedback regarding task success (or failure) from feedback regarding the value of reward (or loss), so that task-monitoring and reward processing could be examined in partial isolation. Twenty-three active cocaine abusers and 23 age-matched healthy controls participated. Cocaine abusers showed amplified anticipatory responses to reward predictive cues, but crucially, these responses were not as strongly modulated by reward probability as in controls. Cocaine users also showed blunted responses to feedback about task success or failure and did not use this information to update predictions about reward. In turn, they showed clearly blunted responses to reward feedback. In controls and users, measures of anhedonia were associated with reward motivation. In cocaine users, anhedonia was also associated with diminished monitoring and reward feedback responses. Findings imply that reward anticipation and monitoring deficiencies in addiction are associated with increased responsiveness to reward cues but impaired ability to predict reward in light of task contingencies, compounded by deficits in responding to actual reward outcomes.

Self-tuning method for monitoring the density of a gas vapor component using a tunable laser

DOEpatents

Hagans, Karla; Berzins, Leon; Galkowski, Joseph; Seng, Rita

1996-01-01

The present invention relates to a vapor density monitor and laser atomic absorption spectroscopy method for highly accurate, continuous monitoring of vapor densities, composition, flow velocity, internal and kinetic temperatures and constituent distributions. The vapor density monitor employs a diode laser, preferably of an external cavity design. By using a diode laser, the vapor density monitor is significantly less expensive and more reliable than prior art vapor density monitoring devices. In addition, the compact size of diode lasers enables the vapor density monitor to be portable. According to the method of the present invention, the density of a component of a gas vapor is calculated by tuning the diode laser to a frequency at which the amount of light absorbed by the component is at a minimum or a maximum within about 50 MHz of that frequency. Laser light from the diode laser is then transmitted at the determined frequency across a predetermined pathlength of the gas vapor. By comparing the amount of light transmitted by the diode laser to the amount of light transmitted after the laser light passes through the gas vapor, the density of the component can be determined using Beer's law.

Self-tuning method for monitoring the density of a gas vapor component using a tunable laser

DOEpatents

Hagans, K.; Berzins, L.; Galkowski, J.; Seng, R.

1996-08-27

The present invention relates to a vapor density monitor and laser atomic absorption spectroscopy method for highly accurate, continuous monitoring of vapor densities, composition, flow velocity, internal and kinetic temperatures and constituent distributions. The vapor density monitor employs a diode laser, preferably of an external cavity design. By using a diode laser, the vapor density monitor is significantly less expensive and more reliable than prior art vapor density monitoring devices. In addition, the compact size of diode lasers enables the vapor density monitor to be portable. According to the method of the present invention, the density of a component of a gas vapor is calculated by tuning the diode laser to a frequency at which the amount of light absorbed by the component is at a minimum or a maximum within about 50 MHz of that frequency. Laser light from the diode laser is then transmitted at the determined frequency across a predetermined pathlength of the gas vapor. By comparing the amount of light transmitted by the diode laser to the amount of light transmitted after the laser light passes through the gas vapor, the density of the component can be determined using Beer`s law. 6 figs.

Neonatal phototherapy radiometers: current performance characteristics and future requirements.

PubMed

Clarkson, Douglas McG; Nicol, Ruth; Chapman, Phillip

2014-04-01

Hand held radiometers provide a convenient means of monitoring the output of neonatal phototherapy treatment devices as part of planned programs of device maintenance and output monitoring. It was considered appropriate to determine the wavelength and angular response of a selection of such meters and compare their indicated values with that derived from spectral analysis of phototherapy light sources. This was undertaken using a Bentham DMc150 double grating spectroradiometer and a series of 10nm band pass optical filters in the range 400-640 nm used in conjunction with a fiber optic light source. Specific meters investigated included a GE Biliblanket Light Meter II, a NeoBLUE radiometer and a Bio-TEK radiometer 74345 device. Comparisons were made of measurements made using the hand held meters and the Bentham DMc 150 system for a range of neonatal phototherapy treatment devices. The use of such meters is discussed in relation to applicable equipment standards and recommendations of intensive phototherapy from clinical groups such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and a specification for a spectroradiometer based measurement system is proposed. Copyright © 2013 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Noninvasive diagnosis of early caries with polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Everett, Matthew J.; Colston, Bill W., Jr.; Sathyam, Ujwal S.; Da Silva, Luiz B.; Fried, Daniel; Featherstone, John D. B.

1999-05-01

There is no diagnostic technology presently available utilizing non-ionizing radiation that can image the state of demineralization of dental enamel in vivo for the detection, characterization and monitoring of early, incipient caries lesions. In this study, a Polarization Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography (PS-OCT) system was evaluated for its potential for the non-invasive diagnosis of early carious lesions. We demonstrated clear discrimination in PS-OCT imags between regions of normal and demineralized enamel in bovine enamel blocks containing well-characterized artificial lesions. Moreover, high-resolution, cross- sectional images were acquired that clearly discriminate between the normal and carious regions of extracted human teeth. Regions that appeared to be demineralized in the PS- OCT imags were verified using histological thin sections examined under polarized light. The PS-OCT system discriminates between normal and carious regions by measuring the state of polarization of the back-scattered 1310 nm light, which is affected by the state of demineralization of the enamel. The demineralized regions of enamel have a large scattering coefficient, thus depolarizing the incident light. This initial study shows that PS-OCT has great potential for the detection, characterization, and monitoring of incipient caries lesions.

Probing and characterizing the growth of a crystal of ultracold bosons and light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ostermann, S.; Piazza, F.; Ritsch, H.

2017-12-01

The non-linear coupled particle light dynamics of an ultracold gas in the field of two independent counter-propagating laser beams can lead to the dynamical formation of a self-ordered lattice structure as presented in (2016) Phys. Rev. X 6 021026. Here we present new numerical studies on experimentally observable signatures to monitor the growth and properties of such a crystal in real time. While, at least theoretically, optimal non-destructive observation of the growth dynamics and the hallmarks of the crystalline phase can be performed by analyzing scattered light, monitoring the evolution of the particle’s momentum distribution via time-of-flight probing is an experimentally more accessible choice. In this work we show that both approaches allow us to unambiguously distinguish the crystal from independent collective scattering as it occurs in matter wave super-radiance. As a clear crystallization signature, we identify spatial locking between the two emerging standing laser waves, together creating the crystal potential. For sufficiently large systems, the system allows reversible adiabatic ramping into the crystalline phase as an alternative to a quench across the phase transition and growth from fluctuations.

Effect of Light/Dark Regimens on Hydrogen Production by Tetraselmis subcordiformis Coupled with an Alkaline Fuel Cell System.

PubMed

Guo, Zhen; Li, Ying; Guo, Haiyan

2017-12-01

To improve the photoproduction of hydrogen (H 2 ) by a green algae-based system, the effect of light/dark regimens on H 2 photoproduction regulated by carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) was investigated. A fuel cell was integrated into a photobioreactor to allow online monitoring of the H 2 evolution rate and decrease potential H 2 feedback inhibition by consuming the generated H 2 in situ. During the first 15 h of H 2 evolution, the system was subjected to dark treatment after initial light illumination (L/D = 6/9 h, 9/6 h, and 12/3 h). After the dark period, all systems were again exposed to light illumination until H 2 evolution stopped. Two peaks were observed in the H 2 evolution rate under all three light/dark regimens. Additionally, a high H 2 yield of 126 ± 10 mL L -1 was achieved using a light/dark regimen of L 9 h/D 6 h/L until H 2 production ceased, which was 1.6 times higher than that obtained under continuous illumination. H 2 production was accompanied by some physiological and morphological changes in the cells. The results indicated that light/dark regimens improved the duration and yield of H 2 photoproduction by the CCCP-regulated process of Tetraselmis subcordiformis.

Superresolving dendritic spine morphology with STED microscopy under holographic photostimulation

PubMed Central

Lauterbach, Marcel Andreas; Guillon, Marc; Desnos, Claire; Khamsing, Dany; Jaffal, Zahra; Darchen, François; Emiliani, Valentina

2016-01-01

Abstract. Emerging all-optical methods provide unique possibilities for noninvasive studies of physiological processes at the cellular and subcellular scale. On the one hand, superresolution microscopy enables observation of living samples with nanometer resolution. On the other hand, light can be used to stimulate cells due to the advent of optogenetics and photolyzable neurotransmitters. To exploit the full potential of optical stimulation, light must be delivered to specific cells or even parts of cells such as dendritic spines. This can be achieved with computer generated holography (CGH), which shapes light to arbitrary patterns by phase-only modulation. We demonstrate here in detail how CGH can be incorporated into a stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscope for photostimulation of neurons and monitoring of nanoscale morphological changes. We implement an original optical system to allow simultaneous holographic photostimulation and superresolution STED imaging. We present how synapses can be clearly visualized in live cells using membrane stains either with lipophilic organic dyes or with fluorescent proteins. We demonstrate the capabilities of this microscope to precisely monitor morphological changes of dendritic spines after stimulation. These all-optical methods for cell stimulation and monitoring are expected to spread to various fields of biological research in neuroscience and beyond. PMID:27413766

Dual-etalon cavity ring-down frequency-comb spectroscopy with broad band light source

DOEpatents

Chandler, David W; Strecker, Kevin E

2014-04-01

In an embodiment, a dual-etalon cavity-ring-down frequency-comb spectrometer system is described. A broad band light source is split into two beams. One beam travels through a first etalon and a sample under test, while the other beam travels through a second etalon, and the two beams are recombined onto a single detector. If the free spectral ranges ("FSR") of the two etalons are not identical, the interference pattern at the detector will consist of a series of beat frequencies. By monitoring these beat frequencies, optical frequencies where light is absorbed may be determined.

Calcium neuroimaging in behaving zebrafish larvae using a turn-key light field camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cruz Perez, Carlos; Lauri, Antonella; Symvoulidis, Panagiotis; Cappetta, Michele; Erdmann, Arne; Westmeyer, Gil Gregor

2015-09-01

Reconstructing a three-dimensional scene from multiple simultaneously acquired perspectives (the light field) is an elegant scanless imaging concept that can exceed the temporal resolution of currently available scanning-based imaging methods for capturing fast cellular processes. We tested the performance of commercially available light field cameras on a fluorescent microscopy setup for monitoring calcium activity in the brain of awake and behaving reporter zebrafish larvae. The plenoptic imaging system could volumetrically resolve diverse neuronal response profiles throughout the zebrafish brain upon stimulation with an aversive odorant. Behavioral responses of the reporter fish could be captured simultaneously together with depth-resolved neuronal activity. Overall, our assessment showed that with some optimizations for fluorescence microscopy applications, commercial light field cameras have the potential of becoming an attractive alternative to custom-built systems to accelerate molecular imaging research on cellular dynamics.

Calcium neuroimaging in behaving zebrafish larvae using a turn-key light field camera.

PubMed

Perez, Carlos Cruz; Lauri, Antonella; Symvoulidis, Panagiotis; Cappetta, Michele; Erdmann, Arne; Westmeyer, Gil Gregor

2015-09-01

Reconstructing a three-dimensional scene from multiple simultaneously acquired perspectives (the light field) is an elegant scanless imaging concept that can exceed the temporal resolution of currently available scanning-based imaging methods for capturing fast cellular processes. We tested the performance of commercially available light field cameras on a fluorescent microscopy setup for monitoring calcium activity in the brain of awake and behaving reporter zebrafish larvae. The plenoptic imaging system could volumetrically resolve diverse neuronal response profiles throughout the zebrafish brain upon stimulation with an aversive odorant. Behavioral responses of the reporter fish could be captured simultaneously together with depth-resolved neuronal activity. Overall, our assessment showed that with some optimizations for fluorescence microscopy applications, commercial light field cameras have the potential of becoming an attractive alternative to custom-built systems to accelerate molecular imaging research on cellular dynamics.

Non-contact continuous-wave diffuse optical tomographic system to capture vascular dynamics in the foot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoi, Jennifer W.; Kim, Hyun K.; Khalil, Michael A.; Fong, Christopher J.; Marone, Alessandro; Shrikhande, Gautam; Hielscher, Andreas H.

2015-03-01

Dynamic optical tomographic imaging has shown promise in diagnosing and monitoring peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which affects 8 to 12 million in the United States. PAD is the narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the lower extremities. Prolonged reduced blood flow to the foot leads to ulcers and gangrene, which makes placement of optical fibers for contact-based optical tomography systems difficult and cumbersome. Since many diabetic PAD patients have foot wounds, a non-contact interface is highly desirable. We present a novel non-contact dynamic continuous-wave optical tomographic imaging system that images the vasculature in the foot for evaluating PAD. The system images at up to 1Hz by delivering 2 wavelengths of light to the top of the foot at up to 20 source positions through collimated source fibers. Transmitted light is collected with an electron multiplying charge couple device (EMCCD) camera. We demonstrate that the system can resolve absorbers at various locations in a phantom study and show the system's first clinical 3D images of total hemoglobin changes in the foot during venous occlusion at the thigh. Our initial results indicate that this system is effective in capturing the vascular dynamics within the foot and can be used to diagnose and monitor treatment of PAD in diabetic patients.

Implementation of a light-route TDMA communications satellite system for advanced business networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanson, B.; Smalley, A.; Zuliani, M.

The application of Light Route TDMA systems to various business communication requirements is discussed. It is noted that full development of this technology for use in advanced business networks will be guided by considerations of flexibility, reliability, security, and cost. The implementation of the TDMA system for demonstrating these advantages to a wide range of public and private organizations is described in detail. Among the advantages offered by this system are point-to-point and point-to-multipoint (broadcast) capability; the ability to vary the mix and quantity of services between destinations in a fully connected mesh network on an almost instantaneous basis through software control; and enhanced reliability with centralized monitor, alarm and control functions by virtue of an overhead channel.

The use of multisensor data for robotic applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abidi, M. A.; Gonzalez, R. C.

1990-01-01

The feasibility of realistic autonomous space manipulation tasks using multisensory information is shown through two experiments involving a fluid interchange system and a module interchange system. In both cases, autonomous location of the mating element, autonomous location of the guiding light target, mating, and demating of the system were performed. Specifically, vision-driven techniques were implemented to determine the arbitrary two-dimensional position and orientation of the mating elements as well as the arbitrary three-dimensional position and orientation of the light targets. The robotic system was also equipped with a force/torque sensor that continuously monitored the six components of force and torque exerted on the end effector. Using vision, force, torque, proximity, and touch sensors, the two experiments were completed successfully and autonomously.

New Approach for Environmental Monitoring and Plant Observation Using a Light-Field Camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schima, Robert; Mollenhauer, Hannes; Grenzdörffer, Görres; Merbach, Ines; Lausch, Angela; Dietrich, Peter; Bumberger, Jan

2015-04-01

The aim of gaining a better understanding of ecosystems and the processes in nature accentuates the need for observing exactly these processes with a higher temporal and spatial resolution. In the field of environmental monitoring, an inexpensive and field applicable imaging technique to derive three-dimensional information about plants and vegetation would represent a decisive contribution to the understanding of the interactions and dynamics of ecosystems. This is particularly true for the monitoring of plant growth and the frequently mentioned lack of morphological information about the plants, e.g. plant height, vegetation canopy, leaf position or leaf arrangement. Therefore, an innovative and inexpensive light-field (plenoptic) camera, the Lytro LF, and a stereo vision system, based on two industrial cameras, were tested and evaluated as possible measurement tools for the given monitoring purpose. In this instance, the usage of a light field camera offers the promising opportunity of providing three-dimensional information without any additional requirements during the field measurements based on one single shot, which represents a substantial methodological improvement in the area of environmental research and monitoring. Since the Lytro LF was designed as a daily-life consumer camera, it does not support depth or distance estimation or rather an external triggering by default. Therefore, different technical modifications and a calibration routine had to be figured out during the preliminary study. As a result, the used light-field camera was proven suitable as a depth and distance measurement tool with a measuring range of approximately one meter. Consequently, this confirms the assumption that a light field camera holds the potential of being a promising measurement tool for environmental monitoring purposes, especially with regard to a low methodological effort in field. Within the framework of the Global Change Experimental Facility Project, founded by the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, and its large-scaled field experiments to investigate the influence of the climate change on different forms of land utilization, both techniques were installed and evaluated in a long-term experiment on a pilot-scaled maize field in late 2014. Based on this, it was possible to show the growth of the plants in dependence of time, showing a good accordance to the measurements, which were carried out by hand on a weekly basis. In addition, the experiment has shown that the light-field vision approach is applicable for the monitoring of the crop growth under field conditions, although it is limited to close range applications. Since this work was intended as a proof of concept, further research is recommended, especially with respect to the automation and evaluation of data processing. Altogether, this study is addressed to researchers as an elementary groundwork to improve the usage of the introduced light field imaging technique for the monitoring of plant growth dynamics and the three-dimensional modeling of plants under field conditions.

Performance monitoring algorithm for optimizing electrical power generated by using photovoltaic system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pradeep, M. V. K.; Balbir, S. M. S.; Norani, M. M.

2016-11-01

Demand for electricity in Malaysia has seen a substantial hike in light of the nation's rapid economic development. The current method of generating electricity is through the combustion of fossil fuels which has led to the detrimental effects on the environment besides causing social and economic outbreaks due to its highly volatile prices. Thus the need for a sustainable energy source is paramount and one that is quickly gaining acceptance is solar energy. However, due to the various environmental and geographical factors that affect the generation of solar electricity, the capability of solar electricity generating system (SEGS) is unable to compete with the high conversion efficiencies of conventional energy sources. In order to effectively monitor SEGS, this study is proposing a performance monitoring system that is capable of detecting drops in the system's performance for parallel networks through a diagnostic mechanism. The performance monitoring system consists of microcontroller connected to relevant sensors for data acquisition. The acquired data is transferred to a microcomputer for software based monitoring and analysis. In order to enhance the interception of sunlight by the SEGS, a sensor based sun tracking system is interfaced to the same controller to allow the PV to maneuver itself autonomously to an angle of maximum sunlight exposure.

Detecting crop population growth using chlorophyll fluorescence imaging.

PubMed

Wang, Heng; Qian, Xiangjie; Zhang, Lan; Xu, Sailong; Li, Haifeng; Xia, Xiaojian; Dai, Liankui; Xu, Liang; Yu, Jingquan; Liu, Xu

2017-12-10

For both field and greenhouse crops, it is challenging to evaluate their growth information on a large area over a long time. In this work, we developed a chlorophyll fluorescence imaging-based system for crop population growth information detection. Modular design was used to make the system provide high-intensity uniform illumination. This system can perform modulated chlorophyll fluorescence induction kinetics measurement and chlorophyll fluorescence parameter imaging over a large area of up to 45  cm×34  cm. The system can provide different lighting intensity by modulating the duty cycle of its control signal. Results of continuous monitoring of cucumbers in nitrogen deficiency show the system can reduce the judge error of crop physiological status and improve monitoring efficiency. Meanwhile, the system is promising in high throughput application scenarios.

Laser pulse stretcher method and apparatus

DOEpatents

Hawkins, Jon K.; Williams, William A.

1990-01-01

The output of an oscillator stage of a laser system is monitored by a photocell which is coupled to a feedback section to control a Pockels Cell and change the light output of the oscillator stage. A synchronizing pulse is generated in timed relation to the initiation of operation of the oscillator stage and is applied to a forward feed section which cooperates with the feedback section to maintain the light output constant for an extended time interval.

Nanocrystals of [Cu3(btc)2] (HKUST-1): a combined time-resolved light scattering and scanning electron microscopy study.

PubMed

Zacher, Denise; Liu, Jianing; Huber, Klaus; Fischer, Roland A

2009-03-07

The formation of [Cu(3)(btc)(2)] (HKUST-1; btc = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate) nanocrystals from a super-saturated mother solution at room temperature was monitored by time-resolved light scattering (TLS); the system is characterized by a rapid growth up to a size limit of 200 nm within a few minutes, and the size and shape of the crystallites were also determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Broadband Light Source Developed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tuma, Margaret L.

2003-01-01

A miniature, low-power broadband light source has been developed for aerospace applications, including calibrating spectrometers and powering miniature optical sensors. The initial motivation for this research was based on flight tests of a Fabry-Perot fiberoptic temperature sensor system used to detect aircraft engine exhaust gas temperature. Although the feasibility of the sensor system was proven, the commercial light source optically powering the device was identified as a critical component requiring improvement. Problems with the light source included a long stabilization time (approximately 1 hr), a large amount of heat generation, and a large input electrical power (6.5 W). Thus, we developed a new light source to enable the use of broadband optical sensors in aerospace applications. Semiconductor chip-based light sources, such as lasers and light-emitting diodes, have a relatively narrow range of emission wavelengths in comparison to incandescent sources. Incandescent light sources emit broadband radiation from visible to infrared wavelengths; the intensity at each wavelength is determined by the filament temperature and the materials chosen for the filament and the lamp window. However, present commercial incandescent light sources are large in size and inefficient, requiring several watts of electrical power to obtain the desired optical power, and they emit a large percentage of the input power as heat that must be dissipated. The miniature light source, developed jointly by the NASA Glenn Research Center, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and the Lighting Innovations Institute, requires one-fifth the electrical input power of some commercial light sources, while providing similar output light power that is easily coupled to an optical fiber. Furthermore, it is small, rugged, and lightweight. Microfabrication technology was used to reduce the size, weight, power consumption, and potential cost-parameters critical to future aerospace applications. This chip-based light source has the potential for monolithic fabrication with on-chip drive electronics. Other uses for these light sources are in systems for vehicle navigation, remote sensing applications such as monitoring bridges for stress, calibration sources for spectrometers, light sources for space sensors, display lighting, addressable arrays, and industrial plant monitoring. Two methods for filament fabrication are being developed: wet-chemical etching and laser ablation. Both yield a 25-mm-thick tungsten spiral filament. The proof-of-concept filament shown was fabricated with the wet etch method. Then it was tested by heating it in a vacuum chamber using about 1.25 W of electrical power; it generated bright, blackbody radiation at approximately 2650 K. The filament was packaged in Glenn's clean-room facilities. This design uses three chips vacuum-sealed with glass tape. The bottom chip consists of a reflective film deposited on silicon, the middle chip contains a tungsten filament bonded to silicon, and the top layer is a transparent window. Lifetime testing on the package will begin shortly. The emitted optical power is expected to be approximately 1.0 W with the spectral peak at 1.1 mm.

Thin-film fiber optic hydrogen and temperature sensor system

DOEpatents

Nave, Stanley E.

1998-01-01

The invention discloses a sensor probe device for monitoring of hydrogen gas concentrations and temperatures by the same sensor probe. The sensor probe is constructed using thin-film deposition methods for the placement of a multitude of layers of materials sensitive to hydrogen concentrations and temperature on the end of a light transparent lens located within the sensor probe. The end of the lens within the sensor probe contains a lens containing a layer of hydrogen permeable material which excludes other reactive gases, a layer of reflective metal material that forms a metal hydride upon absorbing hydrogen, and a layer of semi-conducting solid that is transparent above a temperature dependent minimum wavelength for temperature detection. The three layers of materials are located at the distal end of the lens located within the sensor probe. The lens focuses light generated by broad-band light generator and connected by fiber-optics to the sensor probe, onto a reflective metal material layer, which passes through the semi-conducting solid layer, onto two optical fibers located at the base of the sensor probe. The reflected light is transmitted over fiberoptic cables to a spectrometer and system controller. The absence of electrical signals and electrical wires in the sensor probe provides for an elimination of the potential for spark sources when monitoring in hydrogen rich environments, and provides a sensor free from electrical interferences.

Thin-film fiber optic hydrogen and temperature sensor system

DOEpatents

Nave, S.E.

1998-07-21

The invention discloses a sensor probe device for monitoring of hydrogen gas concentrations and temperatures by the same sensor probe. The sensor probe is constructed using thin-film deposition methods for the placement of a multitude of layers of materials sensitive to hydrogen concentrations and temperature on the end of a light transparent lens located within the sensor probe. The end of the lens within the sensor probe contains a lens containing a layer of hydrogen permeable material which excludes other reactive gases, a layer of reflective metal material that forms a metal hydride upon absorbing hydrogen, and a layer of semi-conducting solid that is transparent above a temperature dependent minimum wavelength for temperature detection. The three layers of materials are located at the distal end of the lens located within the sensor probe. The lens focuses light generated by broad-band light generator and connected by fiber-optics to the sensor probe, onto a reflective metal material layer, which passes through the semi-conducting solid layer, onto two optical fibers located at the base of the sensor probe. The reflected light is transmitted over fiber optic cables to a spectrometer and system controller. The absence of electrical signals and electrical wires in the sensor probe provides for an elimination of the potential for spark sources when monitoring in hydrogen rich environments, and provides a sensor free from electrical interferences. 3 figs.

Geomembrane barriers using integral fiber optics to monitor barrier integrity

DOEpatents

Staller, G.E.; Wemple, R.P.

1996-10-22

This invention provides a geomembrane or geotextile with embedded optical sensors that are used to monitor the status of containment site barriers. Fiber optic strands are used to form the sensors that can detect and monitor conditions at the sites such as breaches, slope creep, subsidence, leachate levels, fires, and types of materials present or leaking from the site. The strands are integral to the membrane or textile materials. The geosynthetic membrane is deployed at the site in a fashion similar to carpet laying. Edges of the membrane or textile are joined to form a liner and the ends of the membrane or textile become the connection zones for obtaining signals from the sensors. A connection interface with a control system to generate Optical Time Delay Response or other light signals for transmission to the optic fiber strands or sensors and also to receive reflected signals from the sensors is included in the system. Software to interpret the sensor signals can be used in the geosynthetic monitoring system. 6 figs.

Geomembrane barriers using integral fiber optics to monitor barrier integrity

DOEpatents

Staller, George E.; Wemple, Robert P.

1996-01-01

This invention provides a geomembrane or geotextile with embedded optical sensors that are used to monitor the status of containment site barriers. Fiber optic strands are used to form the sensors that can detect and monitor conditions at the sites such as breaches, slope creep, subsidence, leachate levels, fires, and types of materials present or leaking from the site. The strands are integral to the membrane or textile materials. The geosythetic membrane is deployed at the site in a fashion similar to carpet laying. Edges of the membrane or textile are joined to form a liner and the ends of the membrane or textile become the connection zones for obtaining signals from the sensors. A connection interface with a control system to generate Optical Time Delay Response or other light signals for transmission to the optic fiber strands or sensors and also to receive reflected signals from the sensors is included in the system. Software to interpret the sensor signals can be used in the geosythetic monitoring system.

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

Sharp, M. Keith; Barnett, Russell

The objective of this project is to promote awareness and knowledge of active solar energy technologies by installing and monitoring the following demonstration systems in Kentucky: 1) Pool heating system, Churchill Park School, 2) Water heating and daylighting systems, Middletown and Aiken Road Elementary Schools, 3) Photovoltaic street light comparison, Louisville Metro, 4) up to 25 domestic water heating systems across Kentucky. These tasks will be supported by outreach activities, including a solar energy installer training workshop and a Kentucky Solar Energy Conference.

Small diameter, deep bore optical inspection system

DOEpatents

Lord, David E.; Petrini, Richard R.; Carter, Gary W.

1981-01-01

An improved rod optic system for inspecting small diameter, deep bores. The system consists of a rod optic system utilizing a curved mirror at the end of the rod lens such that the optical path through the system is bent 90.degree. to minimize optical distortion in examining the sides of a curved bore. The system is particularly useful in the examination of small bores for corrosion, and is capable of examining 1/16 inch diameter and up to 4 inch deep drill holes, for example. The positioning of the curved mirror allows simultaneous viewing from shallow and right angle points of observation of the same artifact (such as corrosion) in the bore hole. The improved rod optic system may be used for direct eye sighting, or in combination with a still camera or a low-light television monitor; particularly low-light color television.

On the prospects of cross-calibrating the Cherenkov Telescope Array with an airborne calibration platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Anthony M.

2018-01-01

Recent advances in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology have made UAVs an attractive possibility as an airborne calibration platform for astronomical facilities. This is especially true for arrays of telescopes spread over a large area such as the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA). In this paper, the feasibility of using UAVs to calibrate CTA is investigated. Assuming a UAV at 1km altitude above CTA, operating on astronomically clear nights with stratified, low atmospheric dust content, appropriate thermal protection for the calibration light source and an onboard photodiode to monitor its absolute light intensity, inter-calibration of CTA's telescopes of the same size class is found to be achievable with a 6 - 8 % uncertainty. For cross-calibration of different telescope size classes, a systematic uncertainty of 8 - 10 % is found to be achievable. Importantly, equipping the UAV with a multi-wavelength calibration light source affords us the ability to monitor the wavelength-dependent degradation of CTA telescopes' optical system, allowing us to not only maintain this 6 - 10 % uncertainty after the first few years of telescope deployment, but also to accurately account for the effect of multi-wavelength degradation on the cross-calibration of CTA by other techniques, namely with images of air showers and local muons. A UAV-based system thus provides CTA with several independent and complementary methods of cross-calibrating the optical throughput of individual telescopes. Furthermore, housing environmental sensors on the UAV system allows us to not only minimise the systematic uncertainty associated with the atmospheric transmission of the calibration signal, it also allows us to map the dust content above CTA as well as monitor the temperature, humidity and pressure profiles of the first kilometre of atmosphere above CTA with each UAV flight.

An Alternative for Emergency Preemption of Traffic Lights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Foster, Conrad; Bachelder, Aaron

2006-01-01

An electronic communication-and-control system has been developed as a prototype of advanced means of automatically modifying the switching of traffic lights to give priority to emergency vehicles. This system could be used alternatively or in addition to other emergency traffic-light-preemption systems, including a variety of systems now in use as well as two proposed systems described in "Systems Would Preempt Traffic Lights for Emergency Vehicles" (NPO-30573), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 28, No. 10 (October 2004), page 36. Unlike those prior systems that depend on detection of sounds and/or lights emitted by emergency vehicles, this system is not subject to severe range limitations. This system can be retrofitted into any pre-existing traffic-light-control system, without need to modify that system other than to make a minimal number of wire connections between the two systems. This system comprises several subsystems, including a transponder and interface circuitry on each emergency vehicle, a monitoring and control unit at each intersection equipped with traffic lights, and a wide-area two-way radio communication network that connects the emergency vehicles and intersection units. Computers in the various intersections and vehicle units run special-purpose software that implements the traffic- light-preemption scheme. The operations of the intersection and vehicle units are synchronized by use of Global Positioning System (GPS) timing signals. The transponder in each vehicle estimates its own position and velocity by use of GPS signals, deductive ("dead") reckoning, data from the onboard diagnostic (OBD) computer of the vehicle, and/or triangulation of beacon signals. When the operator of an emergency vehicle turns on its flashing lights and sirens in response to a request for an emergency response, the transponder unit goes into action, reading the OBD data to determine speed and acceleration, and reading and gathering further navigational data as described above. The position, velocity, and acceleration data are combined with vehicle-identification data in a prescribed format, and the resulting set of data is transmitted to the intersections within communication range of the transponder.

A wearable diffuse reflectance sensor for continuous monitoring of cutaneous blood content

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zakharov, P.; Talary, M. S.; Caduff, A.

2009-09-01

An optical diffuse reflectance sensor for characterization of cutaneous blood content and optimized for continuous monitoring has been developed as part of a non-invasive multisensor system for glucose monitoring. A Monte Carlo simulation of the light propagation in the multilayered skin model has been performed in order to estimate the optimal geometrical separation of the light source and detector for skin and underlying tissue. We have observed that the pathlength within the upper vascular plexus of the skin which defines the sensor sensitivity initially grows with increasing source-detector distance (SDD) before reaching a maximum at 3.5 mm and starts to decay with further increase. At the same time, for distances above 2.4 mm, the sensor becomes sensitive to muscle blood content, which decreases the specificity to skin perfusion monitoring. Thus, the SDDs in the range from 1.5 mm to 2.4 mm satisfy the requirements of sensor sensitivity and specificity. The hardware implementation of the system has been realized and tested in laboratory experiments with a venous occlusion procedure and in an outpatient clinical study in 16 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. For both testing procedures, the optical sensor demonstrated high sensitivity to perfusion change provoking events. The general build-up of cutaneous blood under the sensor has been observed which can be associated with pressure-induced vasodilation as a response to the sensor application.

40 CFR 63.1023 - Instrument and sensory monitoring for leaks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... be used during that day's monitoring. (ii) A calibration gas other than methane in air may be used if...) Instrument monitoring for leaks. (i) Valves in gas and vapor service and in light liquid service shall be....1026(b). (iii) Connectors in gas and vapor service and in light liquid service shall be monitored...

40 CFR 63.1023 - Instrument and sensory monitoring for leaks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... be used during that day's monitoring. (ii) A calibration gas other than methane in air may be used if...) Instrument monitoring for leaks. (i) Valves in gas and vapor service and in light liquid service shall be....1026(b). (iii) Connectors in gas and vapor service and in light liquid service shall be monitored...

Multi-Wavelength Based Optical Density Sensor for Autonomous Monitoring of Microalgae

PubMed Central

Jia, Fei; Kacira, Murat; Ogden, Kimberly L.

2015-01-01

A multi-wavelength based optical density sensor unit was designed, developed, and evaluated to monitor microalgae growth in real time. The system consisted of five main components including: (1) laser diode modules as light sources; (2) photodiodes as detectors; (3) driver circuit; (4) flow cell; and (5) sensor housing temperature controller. The sensor unit was designed to be integrated into any microalgae culture system for both real time and non-real time optical density measurements and algae growth monitoring applications. It was shown that the sensor unit was capable of monitoring the dynamics and physiological changes of the microalgae culture in real-time. Algae biomass concentration was accurately estimated with optical density measurements at 650, 685 and 780 nm wavelengths used by the sensor unit. The sensor unit was able to monitor cell concentration as high as 1.05 g·L−1 (1.51 × 108 cells·mL−1) during the culture growth without any sample preparation for the measurements. Since high cell concentrations do not need to be diluted using the sensor unit, the system has the potential to be used in industrial microalgae cultivation systems for real time monitoring and control applications that can lead to improved resource use efficiency. PMID:26364640

[A review of mixed gas detection system based on infrared spectroscopic technique].

PubMed

Dang, Jing-Min; Fu, Li; Yan, Zi-Hui; Zheng, Chuan-Tao; Chang, Yu-Chun; Chen, Chen; Wang, Yi-Din

2014-10-01

In order to provide the experiences and references to the researchers who are working on infrared (IR) mixed gas detection field. The proposed manuscript reviews two sections of the aforementioned field, including optical multiplexing structure and detection method. At present, the coherent light sources whose representative are quantum cascade laser (QCL) and inter-band cascade laser(ICL) become the mainstream light source in IR mixed gas detection, which replace the traditional non-coherent light source, such as IR radiation source and IR light emitting diode. In addition, the photon detector which has a super high detectivity and very short response time is gradually beyond thermal infrared detector, dominant in the field of infrared detector. The optical multiplexing structure is the key factor of IR mixed gas detection system, which consists of single light source multi-plexing detection structure and multi light source multiplexing detection structure. Particularly, single light source multiplexing detection structure is advantages of small volume and high integration, which make it a plausible candidate for the portable mixed gas detection system; Meanwhile, multi light source multiplexing detection structure is embodiment of time division multiplex, frequency division multiplexing and wavelength division multiplexing, and become the leading structure of the mixed gas detection system because of its wider spectral range, higher spectral resolution, etc. The detection method applied to IR mixed gas detection includes non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) spectroscopy, wavelength and frequency-modulation spectroscopy, cavity-enhanced spectroscopy and photoacoustic spectroscopy, etc. The IR mixed gas detection system designed by researchers after recognizing the whole sections of the proposed system, which play a significant role in industrial and agricultural production, environmental monitoring, and life science, etc.

Real Time Apnoea Monitoring of Children Using the Microsoft Kinect Sensor: A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Al-Naji, Ali; Gibson, Kim; Lee, Sang-Heon; Chahl, Javaan

2017-02-03

The objective of this study was to design a non-invasive system for the observation of respiratory rates and detection of apnoea using analysis of real time image sequences captured in any given sleep position and under any light conditions (even in dark environments). A Microsoft Kinect sensor was used to visualize the variations in the thorax and abdomen from the respiratory rhythm. These variations were magnified, analyzed and detected at a distance of 2.5 m from the subject. A modified motion magnification system and frame subtraction technique were used to identify breathing movements by detecting rapid motion areas in the magnified frame sequences. The experimental results on a set of video data from five subjects (3 h for each subject) showed that our monitoring system can accurately measure respiratory rate and therefore detect apnoea in infants and young children. The proposed system is feasible, accurate, safe and low computational complexity, making it an efficient alternative for non-contact home sleep monitoring systems and advancing health care applications.

Evaluation of an in-vehicle monitoring system (IVMS) to reduce risky driving behaviors in commercial drivers: Comparison of in-cab warning lights and supervisory coaching with videos of driving behavior.

PubMed

Bell, Jennifer L; Taylor, Matthew A; Chen, Guang-Xiang; Kirk, Rachel D; Leatherman, Erin R

2017-02-01

Roadway incidents are the leading cause of work-related death in the United States. The objective of this research was to evaluate whether two types of feedback from a commercially available in-vehicle monitoring system (IVMS) would reduce the incidence of risky driving behaviors in drivers from two companies. IVMS were installed in 315 vehicles representing the industries of local truck transportation and oil and gas support operations, and data were collected over an approximate two-year period in intervention and control groups. In one period, intervention group drivers were given feedback from in-cab warning lights from an IVMS that indicated occurrence of harsh vehicle maneuvers. In another period, intervention group drivers viewed video recordings of their risky driving behaviors with supervisors, and were coached by supervisors on safe driving practices. Risky driving behaviors declined significantly more during the period with coaching plus instant feedback with lights in comparison to the period with lights-only feedback (ORadj=0.61 95% CI 0.43-0.86; Holm-adjusted p=0.035) and the control group (ORadj=0.52 95% CI 0.33-0.82; Holm-adjusted p=0.032). Lights-only feedback was not found to be significantly different than the control group's decline from baseline (ORadj=0.86 95% CI 0.51-1.43; Holm-adjusted p>0.05). The largest decline in the rate of risky driving behaviors occurred when feedback included both supervisory coaching and lights. Supervisory coaching is an effective form of feedback to improve driving habits in the workplace. The potential advantages and limitations of this IVMS-based intervention program are discussed. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Evaluation of an in-vehicle monitoring system (IVMS) to reduce risky driving behaviors in commercial drivers: Comparison of in-cab warning lights and supervisory coaching with videos of driving behavior

PubMed Central

Bell, Jennifer L.; Taylor, Matthew A.; Chen, Guang-Xiang; Kirk, Rachel D.; Leatherman, Erin R.

2017-01-01

Problem Roadway incidents are the leading cause of work-related death in the United States. Methods The objective of this research was to evaluate whether two types of feedback from a commercially available in-vehicle monitoring system (IVMS) would reduce the incidence of risky driving behaviors in drivers from two companies. IVMS were installed in 315 vehicles representing the industries of local truck transportation and oil and gas support operations, and data were collected over an approximate two-year period in intervention and control groups. In one period, intervention group drivers were given feedback from in-cab warning lights from an IVMS that indicated occurrence of harsh vehicle maneuvers. In another period, intervention group drivers viewed video recordings of their risky driving behaviors with supervisors, and were coached by supervisors on safe driving practices. Results Risky driving behaviors declined significantly more during the period with coaching plus instant feedback with lights in comparison to the period with lights-only feedback (ORadj = 0.61 95% CI 0.43–0.86; Holm-adjusted p = 0.035) and the control group (ORadj = 0.52 95% CI 0.33–0.82; Holm-adjusted p = 0.032). Lights-only feedback was not found to be significantly different than the control group's decline from baseline (ORadj = 0.86 95% CI 0.51–1.43; Holm-adjusted p > 0.05). Conclusions The largest decline in the rate of risky driving behaviors occurred when feedback included both supervisory coaching and lights. Practical applications Supervisory coaching is an effective form of feedback to improve driving habits in the workplace. The potential advantages and limitations of this IVMS-based intervention program are discussed. PMID:28160807

Interpretation of digital chest radiographs: comparison of light emitting diode versus cold cathode fluorescent lamp backlit monitors.

PubMed

Lim, Hyun-ju; Chung, Myung Jin; Lee, Geewon; Yie, Miyeon; Shin, Kyung Eun; Moon, Jung Won; Lee, Kyung Soo

2013-01-01

To compare the diagnostic performance of light emitting diode (LED) backlight monitors and cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) monitors for the interpretation of digital chest radiographs. We selected 130 chest radiographs from health screening patients. The soft copy image data were randomly sorted and displayed on a 3.5 M LED (2560 × 1440 pixels) monitor and a 3 M CCFL (2048 × 1536 pixels) monitor. Eight radiologists rated their confidence in detecting nodules and abnormal interstitial lung markings (ILD). Low dose chest CT images were used as a reference standard. The performance of the monitor systems was assessed by analyzing 2080 observations and comparing them by multi-reader, multi-case receiver operating characteristic analysis. The observers reported visual fatigue and a sense of heat. Radiant heat and brightness of the monitors were measured. Measured brightness was 291 cd/m(2) for the LED and 354 cd/m(2) for the CCFL monitor. Area under curves for nodule detection were 0.721 ± 0.072 and 0.764 ± 0.098 for LED and CCFL (p = 0.173), whereas those for ILD were 0.871 ± 0.073 and 0.844 ± 0.068 (p = 0.145), respectively. There were no significant differences in interpretation time (p = 0.446) or fatigue score (p = 0.102) between the two monitors. Sense of heat was lower for the LED monitor (p = 0.024). The temperature elevation was 6.7℃ for LED and 12.4℃ for the CCFL monitor. Although the LED monitor had lower maximum brightness compared with the CCFL monitor, soft copy reading of the digital chest radiographs on LED and CCFL showed no difference in terms of diagnostic performance. In addition, LED emitted less heat.

Light weight, high-speed, and self-powered wireless fiber optic sensor (WiFOS) structural health monitor system for avionics and aerospace environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mendoza, Edgar A.; Kempen, Cornelia; Sun, Sunjian; Esterkin, Yan

2014-09-01

This paper describes recent progress towards the development of an innovative light weight, high-speed, and selfpowered wireless fiber optic sensor (WiFOS™) structural health monitor system suitable for the onboard and in-flight unattended detection, localization, and classification of load, fatigue, and structural damage in advanced composite materials commonly used in avionics and aerospace systems. The WiFOS™ system is based on ROI's advancements on monolithic photonic integrated circuit microchip technology, integrated with smart power management, on-board data processing, wireless data transmission optoelectronics, and self-power using energy harvesting tools such as solar, vibration, thermoelectric, and magneto-electric. The self-powered, wireless WiFOS™ system offers a versatile and powerful SHM tool to enhance the reliability and safety of avionics platforms, jet fighters, helicopters, commercial aircraft that use lightweight composite material structures, by providing comprehensive information about the structural integrity of the structure from a large number of locations. Immediate SHM applications are found in rotorcraft and aircraft, ships, submarines, and in next generation weapon systems, and in commercial oil and petrochemical, aerospace industries, civil structures, power utilities, portable medical devices, and biotechnology, homeland security and a wide spectrum of other applications.

Light collection device for flame emission detectors

DOEpatents

Woodruff, Stephen D.; Logan, Ronald G.; Pineault, Richard L.

1990-01-01

A light collection device for use in a flame emission detection system such as an on-line, real-time alkali concentration process stream monitor is disclosed which comprises a sphere coated on its interior with a highly diffuse reflective paint which is positioned over a flame emission source, and one or more fiber optic cables which transfer the light generated at the interior of the sphere to a detecting device. The diffuse scattering of the light emitted by the flame uniformly distributes the light in the sphere, and the collection efficiency of the device is greater than that obtainable in the prior art. The device of the present invention thus provides enhanced sensitivity and reduces the noise associated with flame emission detectors, and can achieve substantial improvements in alkali detection levels.

Design and performance test of NIRS-based spinal cord lesion detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Nanxi; Li, Ting

2018-02-01

Spinal cord lesions can cause a series of severe complications, which can even lead to paralysis with high mortality. However, the traditional diagnosis of spinal cord lesion relies on complicated imaging modalities and other invasive and dangerous methods. Here, we have designed a small monitor based on NIRS technology for noninvasive monitoring for spinal cord lesions. The development of the instrument system includes the design of hardware circuits and the program of software. In terms of hardware, OPT1011 is selected as the light detector, and the appropriate probe distribution structure is selected according to the simulation result of Monte Carlo Simulation. At the same time, the powerful controller is selected as our system's central processing chip for the circuit design, and the data is transmitted by serial port to the host computer for post processing. Finally, we verify the stability and feasibility of the instrument system. It is found that the spinal signal could be obviously detected in the system, which indicates that our monitor based on NIRS technology has the potential to monitor the spinal lesion.

Development and Application of a ZigBee-Based Building Energy Monitoring and Control System

PubMed Central

Peng, Changhai

2014-01-01

Increasing in energy consumption, particularly with the ever-increasing growth and development of urban systems, has become a major concern in most countries. In this paper, the authors propose a cost-effective ZigBee-based building energy monitoring and control system (ZBEMCS), which is composed of a gateway, a base station, and sensors. Specifically, a new hardware platform for power sensor nodes is developed to perform both local/remote power parameter measurement and power on/off switching for electric appliances. The experimental results show that the ZBEMCS can easily monitor energy usage with a high level of accuracy. Two typical applications of ZBEMCS such as subentry metering and household metering of building energy are presented. The former includes lighting socket electricity, HVAC electricity, power electricity and special electricity. The latter includes household metering according to the campus's main function zone and each college or department. Therefore, this system can be used for energy consumption monitoring, long-term energy conservation planning, and the development of automated energy conservation for building applications. PMID:25254249

Development and application of a ZigBee-based building energy monitoring and control system.

PubMed

Peng, Changhai; Qian, Kun

2014-01-01

Increasing in energy consumption, particularly with the ever-increasing growth and development of urban systems, has become a major concern in most countries. In this paper, the authors propose a cost-effective ZigBee-based building energy monitoring and control system (ZBEMCS), which is composed of a gateway, a base station, and sensors. Specifically, a new hardware platform for power sensor nodes is developed to perform both local/remote power parameter measurement and power on/off switching for electric appliances. The experimental results show that the ZBEMCS can easily monitor energy usage with a high level of accuracy. Two typical applications of ZBEMCS such as subentry metering and household metering of building energy are presented. The former includes lighting socket electricity, HVAC electricity, power electricity and special electricity. The latter includes household metering according to the campus's main function zone and each college or department. Therefore, this system can be used for energy consumption monitoring, long-term energy conservation planning, and the development of automated energy conservation for building applications.

Ambient lighting: setting international standards for the viewing of softcopy chest images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McEntee, Mark F.; Ryan, John; Evanoff, Micheal G.; Keeling, Aoife; Chakraborty, Dev; Manning, David; Brennan, Patrick C.

2007-03-01

Clinical radiological judgments are increasingly being made on softcopy LCD monitors. These monitors are found throughout the hospital environment in radiological reading rooms, outpatient clinics and wards. This means that ambient lighting where clinical judgments from images are made can vary widely. Inappropriate ambient lighting has several deleterious effects: monitor reflections reduce contrast; veiling glare adds brightness; dynamic range and detectability of low contrast objects is limited. Radiological images displayed on LCDs are more sensitive to the impact of inappropriate ambient lighting and with these devices problems described above are often more evident. The current work aims to provide data on optimum ambient lighting, based on lesions within chest images. The data provided may be used for the establishment of workable ambient lighting standards. Ambient lighting at 30cms from the monitor was set at 480 Lux (office lighting) 100 Lux (WHO recommendations), 40 Lux and <10 Lux. All monitors were calibrated to DICOM part 14 GSDF. Sixty radiologists were presented with 30 chest images, 15 images having simulated nodular lesions of varying subtlety and size. Lesions were positioned in accordance with typical clinical presentation and were validated radiologically. Each image was presented for 30 seconds and viewers were asked to identify and score any visualized lesion from 1-4 to indicate confidence level of detection. At the end of the session, sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Analysis of the data suggests that visualization of chest lesions is affected by inappropriate lighting with chest radiologists demonstrating greater ambient lighting dependency. JAFROC analyses are currently being performed.

PERCEPTION AND TELEVISION--PHYSIOLOGICAL FACTORS OF TELEVISION VIEWING.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

GUBA, EGON; AND OTHERS

AN EXPERIMENTAL SYSTEM WAS DEVELOPED FOR RECORDING EYE-MOVEMENT DATA. RAW DATA WERE IN THE FORM OF MOTION PICTURES TAKEN OF THE MONITOR OF A CLOSED LOOP TELEVISION SYSTEM. A TELEVISION CAMERA WAS MOUNTED ON THE SUBJECTS' FIELD OF VIEW. THE EYE MARKER APPEARED AS A SMALL SPOT OF LIGHT AND INDICATED THE POINT IN THE VISUAL FIELD AT WHICH THE SUBJECT…

Toward a fully integrated wireless wearable EEG-NIRS bimodal acquisition system.

PubMed

Safaie, J; Grebe, R; Abrishami Moghaddam, H; Wallois, F

2013-10-01

Interactions between neuronal electrical activity and regional changes in microcirculation are assumed to play a major role in physiological brain activity and the development of pathological disorders, but have been poorly elucidated to date. There is a need for advanced diagnostic tools to investigate the relationships between these two physiological processes. To meet these needs, a wireless wearable system has been developed, which combines a near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) system using light emitting diodes (LEDs) as a light source and silicon photodiodes as a detector with an integrated electroencephalography (EEG) system. The main advantages over currently available devices are miniaturization and integration of a real-time electrical and hemodynamic activity monitor into one wearable device. For patient distributed monitoring and creating a body-area network, up to seven same devices can be connected to a single base station (PC) synchronously. Each node presents enhanced portability due to the wireless communication and highly integrated components resulting in a small, lightweight signal acquisition device. Further progress includes the individual control of LEDs output to automatically or interactively adjust emitted light to the actual local situation online, the use of silicon photodiodes with a safe low-voltage power supply, and an integrated three dimensional accelerometer for movement detection for the identification of motion artifacts. The device was tested and validated using our enhanced EEG-NIRS tissue mimicking fluid phantom for sensitivity mapping. Typical somatotopic electrical evoked potential experiments were performed to verify clinical applicability.

Real-Time Analysis of Isoprene in Breath by Using Ultraviolet-Absorption Spectroscopy with a Hollow Optical Fiber Gas Cell

PubMed Central

Iwata, Takuro; Katagiri, Takashi; Matsuura, Yuji

2016-01-01

A breath analysis system based on ultraviolet-absorption spectroscopy was developed by using a hollow optical fiber as a gas cell for real-time monitoring of isoprene in breath. The hollow optical fiber functions as an ultra-small-volume gas cell with a long path. The measurement sensitivity of the system was evaluated by using nitric-oxide gas as a gas sample. The evaluation result showed that the developed system, using a laser-driven, high-intensity light source and a 3-m-long, aluminum-coated hollow optical fiber, could successfully measure nitric-oxide gas with a 50 ppb concentration. An absorption spectrum of a breath sample in the wavelength region of around 200–300 nm was measured, and the measured spectrum revealed the main absorbing components in breath as water vapor, isoprene, and ozone converted from oxygen by radiation of ultraviolet light. The concentration of isoprene in breath was estimated by multiple linear regression. The regression analysis results showed that the proposed analysis system enables real-time monitoring of isoprene during the exhaling of breath. Accordingly, it is suitable for measuring the circadian variation of isoprene. PMID:27929387

Infrared Hollow Optical Fiber Probe for Localized Carbon Dioxide Measurement in Respiratory Tracts

PubMed Central

Katagiri, Takashi; Shibayama, Kyosuke; Iida, Takeru

2018-01-01

A real-time gas monitoring system based on optical absorption spectroscopy is proposed for localized carbon dioxide (CO2) measurement in respiratory tracts. In this system, a small gas cell is attached to the end of a hollow optical fiber that delivers mid-infrared light with small transmission loss. The diameters of the fiber and the gas cell are smaller than 1.2 mm so that the probe can be inserted into a working channel of common bronchoscopes. The dimensions of the gas cell are designed based on absorption spectra of CO2 standard gases in the 4.2 μm wavelength region, which are measured using a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer. A miniature gas cell that is comprised of a stainless-steel tube with slots for gas inlet and a micro-mirror is fabricated. A compact probing system with a quantum cascade laser (QCL) light source is built using a gas cell with a hollow optical fiber for monitoring CO2 concentration. Experimental results using human breaths show the feasibility of the system for in-situ measurement of localized CO2 concentration in human airways. PMID:29584666

Real-Time Analysis of Isoprene in Breath by Using Ultraviolet-Absorption Spectroscopy with a Hollow Optical Fiber Gas Cell.

PubMed

Iwata, Takuro; Katagiri, Takashi; Matsuura, Yuji

2016-12-05

A breath analysis system based on ultraviolet-absorption spectroscopy was developed by using a hollow optical fiber as a gas cell for real-time monitoring of isoprene in breath. The hollow optical fiber functions as an ultra-small-volume gas cell with a long path. The measurement sensitivity of the system was evaluated by using nitric-oxide gas as a gas sample. The evaluation result showed that the developed system, using a laser-driven, high-intensity light source and a 3-m-long, aluminum-coated hollow optical fiber, could successfully measure nitric-oxide gas with a 50 ppb concentration. An absorption spectrum of a breath sample in the wavelength region of around 200-300 nm was measured, and the measured spectrum revealed the main absorbing components in breath as water vapor, isoprene, and ozone converted from oxygen by radiation of ultraviolet light. The concentration of isoprene in breath was estimated by multiple linear regression. The regression analysis results showed that the proposed analysis system enables real-time monitoring of isoprene during the exhaling of breath. Accordingly, it is suitable for measuring the circadian variation of isoprene.

Degradation Kinetics of Grape Skin and Seed Proanthocyanidins in a Model Wine System

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Catechin (monomer), purified grape skin proanthocyanidin (polymer), and purified grape seed proanthocyanidin underwent monitored accelerated oxidation under continuous oxygenation and UV light, at a constant 20 degrees C. Compounds were dissolved in model wine solutions with (and without) catechol. ...

1999 status of the nation's highways, bridges and transit : conditions & performance : report to Congress : executive summary.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-01-01

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is conducting a strategic reassessment of the Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS). The purpose of the reassessment is to review HPMS in light of current issues, anticipate future needs, and determine...

Personal Alarm System

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

2015-04-17

Software that runs on smartphones and desktop web browsers and notifies border officials of radiation alarms. It displays images and data associated with an alarm and provides a variety of reports. DOE had a need for discrete notification. PAS replaces the lights and sounds of a Radiation Portal Monitor.

Imaging and modeling of collagen architecture in living tissue with polarized light transfer (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramella-Roman, Jessica C.; Stoff, Susan; Chue-Sang, Joseph; Bai, Yuqiang

2016-03-01

The extra-cellular space in connective tissue of animals and humans alike is comprised in large part of collagen. Monitoring of collagen arrangement and cross-linking has been utilized to diagnose a variety of medical conditions and guide surgical intervention. For example, collagen monitoring is useful in the assessment and treatment of cervical cancer, skin cancer, myocardial infarction, and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. We have developed a suite of tools and models based on polarized light transfer for the assessment of collagen presence, cross-linking, and orientation in living tissue. Here we will present some example of such approach applied to the human cervix. We will illustrate a novel Mueller Matrix (MM) imaging system for the study of cervical tissue; furthermore we will show how our model of polarized light transfer through cervical tissue compares to the experimental findings. Finally we will show validation of the methodology through histological results and Second Harmonic imaging microscopy.

A comparison of five methods for monitoring the precision of automated x-ray film processors.

PubMed

Nickoloff, E L; Leo, F; Reese, M

1978-11-01

Five different methods for preparing sensitometric strips used to monitor the precision of automated film processors are compared. A method for determining the sensitivity of each system to processor variations is presented; the observed statistical variability is multiplied by the system response to temperature or chemical changes. Pre-exposed sensitometric strips required the use of accurate densitometers and stringent control limits to be effective. X-ray exposed sensitometric strips demonstrated large variations in the x-ray output (2 omega approximately equal to 8.0%) over a period of one month. Some light sensitometers were capable of detecting +/- 1.0 degrees F (+/- 0.6 degrees C) variations in developer temperature in the processor and/or about 10.0 ml of chemical contamination in the processor. Nevertheless, even the light sensitometers were susceptible to problems, e.g. film emulsion selection, line voltage variations, and latent image fading. Advantages and disadvantages of the various sensitometric methods are discussed.

Multimodal inspection in power engineering and building industries: new challenges and solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kujawińska, Małgorzata; Malesa, Marcin; Malowany, Krzysztof

2013-09-01

Recently the demand and number of applications of full-field, optical measurement methods based on noncoherent light sources increased significantly. They include traditional image processing, thermovision, digital image correlation (DIC) and structured light methods. However, there are still numerous challenges connected with implementation of these methods to in-situ, long-term monitoring in industrial, civil engineering and cultural heritage applications, multimodal measurements of a variety of object features or simply adopting instruments to work in hard environmental conditions. In this paper we focus on 3D DIC method and present its enhancements concerning software modifications (new visualization methods and a method for automatic merging of data distributed in time) and hardware improvements. The modified 3D DIC system combined with infrared camera system is applied in many interesting cases: measurements of boiler drum during annealing and of pipelines in heat power stations and monitoring of different building steel struts at construction site and validation of numerical models of large building structures constructed of graded metal plate arches.

Isotopic signature of atmospheric xenon released from light water reactors.

PubMed

Kalinowski, Martin B; Pistner, Christoph

2006-01-01

A global monitoring system for atmospheric xenon radioactivity is being established as part of the International Monitoring System to verify compliance with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). The isotopic activity ratios of (135)Xe, (133m)Xe, (133)Xe and (131m)Xe are of interest for distinguishing nuclear explosion sources from civilian releases. Simulations of light water reactor (LWR) fuel burn-up through three operational reactor power cycles are conducted to explore the possible xenon isotopic signature of nuclear reactor releases under different operational conditions. It is studied how ratio changes are related to various parameters including the neutron flux, uranium enrichment and fuel burn-up. Further, the impact of diffusion and mixing on the isotopic activity ratio variability are explored. The simulations are validated with reported reactor emissions. In addition, activity ratios are calculated for xenon isotopes released from nuclear explosions and these are compared to the reactor ratios in order to determine whether the discrimination of explosion releases from reactor effluents is possible based on isotopic activity ratios.

33. VIEW OF FOUR OF SEVEN MONITORS SUSPENDED FROM CEILING ...

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

33. VIEW OF FOUR OF SEVEN MONITORS SUSPENDED FROM CEILING OF SLC-3W CONTROL ROOM NEAR NORTH WALL. LEFT TO RIGHT ABOVE THE MONITORS: DIGITAL GREENWICH MEAN TIME CLOCK, COMPLEX SAFETY WARNING LIGHTS FOR SLC-3W (PAD-2) AND LOB (THE GREEN LIGHT ON THE BOTTOM OF EACH STACK IS ILLUMINATED), AND DIGITAL COUNTDOWN AND HOLD CLOCKS. LEFT TO RIGHT BELOW THE MONITORS: INDICATOR LIGHTS SHOWING WHICH PAD OR VEHICLE FACILITIES ARE RECEIVING POWER FROM POWER PLANT 4 ON SOUTH VAFB, LIGHTS TO INDICATE IF POWER PLANT 4 IS ON OR OFF LINE, DIGITAL COUNTDOWN CLOCK, AND MILITARY-TIME CLOCK. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

Strain and ground-motion monitoring at magmatic areas: ultra-long and ultra-dense networks using fibre optic sensing systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jousset, Philippe; Reinsch, Thomas; Henninges, Jan; Blanck, Hanna; Ryberg, Trond

2016-04-01

The fibre optic distributed acoustic sensing technology (DAS) is a "new" sensing system for exploring earth crustal elastic properties and monitoring both strain and seismic waves with unprecedented acquisition characteristics. The DAS technology principle lies in sending successive and coherent pulses of light in an optical fibre and measuring the back-scattered light issued from elastic scattering at random defaults within the fibre. The read-out unit includes an interferometer, which measures light interference patterns continuously. The changes are related to the distance between such defaults and therefore the strain within the fibre can be detected. Along an optical fibre, DAS can be used to acquire acoustic signals with a high spatial (every meter over kilometres) and high temporal resolution (thousand of Hz). Fibre optic technologies were, up to now, mainly applied in perimeter surveillance applications and pipeline monitoring and in boreholes. Previous experiments in boreholes have shown that the DAS technology is well suited for probing subsurface elastic properties, showing new ways for cheaper VSP investigations of the Earth crust. Here, we demonstrate that a cable deployed at ground surface can also help in exploring subsurface properties at crustal scale and monitor earthquake activity in a volcanic environment. Within the framework of the EC funded project IMAGE, we observed a >15 km-long fibre optic cable at the surface connected to a DAS read-out unit. Acoustic data was acquired continuously for 9 days. Hammer shots were performed along the surface cable in order to locate individual acoustic traces and calibrate the spatial distribution of the acoustic information. During the monitoring period both signals from on- and offshore explosive sources and natural seismic events could be recorded. We compare the fibre optic data to conventional seismic records from a dense seismic network deployed on Reykjanes. We show that we can probe and monitor earth crust subsurface with dense acquisition of the ground motion, both in space and in time and over a broad band frequency range.

A novel pulsed gas metal arc welding system with direct droplet transfer close-loop control

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

Wang, Q.; Li, P.; Zhang, L.

1994-12-31

In pulsed gas metal arc welding (GMAW), a predominant parameter that has to be monitored and controlled in real time for maintaining process stability and ensuring weld quality, is droplet transfer. Based on the close correlation between droplet transfer and arc light radiant flux in GMAW of steel and aluminum, a direct closed-loop droplet transfer control system for pulsed GMAW with arc light sensor has been developed. By sensing the droplet transfer directly via the arc light signal, a pulsed GMAW process with real and exact one-pulse, one-droplet transfer has been achieved. The novel pulsed GMAW machine consists of threemore » parts: a sensing system, a controlling system, and a welding power system. The software used in this control system is capable of data sampling and processing, parameter matching, optimum parameter restoring, and resetting. A novel arc light sensing system has been developed. The sensor is small enough to be clamped to a semiautomatic welding torch. Based on thissensingn system, a closed-loop droplet transfer control system of GMAW of steel and aluminum has been built and a commercial prototype has been made. The system is capable of keeping one-pulse, one-droplet transfer against external interferences. The welding process with this control system has been proved to be stable, quiet, with no spatter, and provide good weld formation.« less

Measurement and Compensation of BPM Chamber Motion in HLS

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

Li, J. W.; Sun, B. G.; Cao, Y.

2010-06-23

Significant horizontal drifts in the beam orbit in the storage ring of HLS (Hefei Light Source) have been seen for many years. What leads to the motion of Beam Position Monitor (BPM) chamber is thermal expansion mainly caused by the synchrotron light. To monitor the BPM chamber motions for all BPMs, a BPM chamber motion measurement system is built in real-time. The raster gauges are used to measure the displacements. The results distinctly show the relation between the BPM chamber motion and the beam current. To suppress the effect of BPM chamber motion, a compensation strategy is implemented at HLS.more » The horizontal drifts of beam orbit have been really suppressed within 20{mu}m without the compensation of BPM chamber motion in the runtime.« less

Design of a novel noninvasive spectrometer for pesticide residues monitor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Zhong; Liu, Guodong; Huang, Zhen

2014-11-01

Although the gas or liquid chromatography had been widely used into pesticide residues monitoring, some drawbacks such as time-consuming, complicated operation and especially the destructivity for samples were existed. To overcome the limits of destructive detection methods, the noninvasive detection method based on spectroscopy was used to detect the pesticide residues in this paper. To overcome low resolution and light-efficiency due to the drawbacks of the classical plane and holography concave gratings, a novel noninvasive spectrometer for pesticide residues monitor (PRM) based on volume holography transmission (VHT) grating was designed. Meanwhile, a custom-built splitting light system for PRM based on the VHT grating was developed. In addition, the linear charge coupled device (CCD) with combined data acquisition (DAQ) card and the virtual-PRM based on LabVIEW were respectively used as the spectral acquisition hardware and software-platform. Experimental results showed that the spectral resolution of this spectrometer reached 2nm, and the VHT grating's diffraction efficiency was gotten via the simulation experiment.

The Use of Gamma-Ray Imaging to Improve Portal Monitor Performance

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

Ziock, Klaus-Peter; Collins, Jeff; Fabris, Lorenzo

2008-01-01

We have constructed a prototype, rapid-deployment portal monitor that uses visible-light and gamma-ray imaging to allow simultaneous monitoring of multiple lanes of traffic from the side of a roadway. Our Roadside Tracker uses automated target acquisition and tracking (TAT) software to identify and track vehicles in visible light images. The field of view of the visible camera overlaps with and is calibrated to that of a one-dimensional gamma-ray imager. The TAT code passes information on when vehicles enter and exit the system field of view and when they cross gamma-ray pixel boundaries. Based on this in-formation, the gamma-ray imager "harvests"more » the gamma-ray data specific to each vehicle, integrating its radiation signature for the entire time that it is in the field of view. In this fashion we are able to generate vehicle-specific radiation signatures and avoid source confusion problems that plague nonimaging approaches to the same problem.« less

Regulated bioluminescence as a tool for bioremediation process monitoring and control of bacterial cultures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burlage, Robert S.; Heitzer, Armin; Digrazia, Philip M.

1991-01-01

An effective on-line monitoring technique for toxic waste bioremediation using bioluminescent microorganisms has shown great potential for the description and optimization of biological processes. The lux genes of the bacterium Vibrio fischeri are used by this species to produce visible light. The lux genes can be genetically fused to the control region of a catabolic gene, with the result that bioluminescence is produced whenever the catabolic gene is induced. Thus the detection of light from a sample indicates that genetic expression from a specific gene is occurring. This technique was used to monitor biodegradation of specific contaminants from waste sites. For these studies, fusions between the lux genes and the operons for naphthalene and toluene/xylene degradation were constructed. Strains carrying one of these fusions respond sensitively and specifically to target substrates. Bioluminescence from these cultures can be rapidly measured in a nondestructive and noninvasive manner. The potential for this technique in this and other biological systems is discussed.

Analysis and control of the photon beam position at PLS-II

PubMed Central

Ko, J.; Kim, I.-Y.; Kim, C.; Kim, D.-T.; Huang, J.-Y.; Shin, S.

2016-01-01

At third-generation light sources, the photon beam position stability is a critical issue for user experiments. In general, photon beam position monitors are developed to detect the real photon beam position, and the position is controlled by a feedback system in order to maintain the reference photon beam position. At Pohang Light Source II, a photon beam position stability of less than 1 µm r.m.s. was achieved for a user service period in the beamline, where the photon beam position monitor is installed. Nevertheless, a detailed analysis of the photon beam position data was necessary in order to ensure the performance of the photon beam position monitor, since it can suffer from various unknown types of noise, such as background contamination due to upstream or downstream dipole radiation, and undulator gap dependence. This paper reports the results of a start-to-end study of the photon beam position stability and a singular value decomposition analysis to confirm the reliability of the photon beam position data. PMID:26917132

Energy expenditure estimate by heart-rate monitor and a portable electromagnetic coils system.

PubMed

Gastinger, Steven; Nicolas, Guillaume; Sorel, Anthony; Sefati, Hamid; Prioux, Jacques

2012-04-01

The aim of this article was to compare 2 portable devices (a heart-rate monitor and an electromagnetic-coil system) that evaluate 2 different physiological parameters--heart rate (HR) and ventilation (VE)--with the objective of estimating energy expenditure (EE). The authors set out to prove that VE is a more pertinent setting than HR to estimate EE during light to moderate activities (sitting and standing at rest and walking at 4, 5, and 6 km/hr). Eleven healthy men were recruited to take part in this study (27.6 ± 5.4 yr, 73.7 ± 9.7 kg). The authors determined the relationships between HR and EE and between VE and EE during light to moderate activities. They compared EE measured by indirect calorimetry (EEREF) with EE estimated by HR monitor (EEHR) and EE estimated by electromagnetic coils (EEMAG) in upright sitting and standing positions and during walking exercises. They compared EEREF with EEHR and EEMAG. The results showed no significant difference between the values of EEREF and EEMAG. However, they showed several significant differences between the values of EEREF and EEHR (for standing at rest and walking at 5 and 6 km/hr). These results showed that the electromagnetic-coil system seems to be more accurate than the HR monitor to estimate EE at rest and during exercise. Taking into consideration these results, it would be interesting to associate the parameters VE and HR to estimate EE. Furthermore, a new version of the electromagnetic-coil device was recently developed and provides the possibility to perform measurement under daily life conditions.

Can Commercial Digital Cameras Be Used as Multispectral Sensors? A Crop Monitoring Test.

PubMed

Lebourgeois, Valentine; Bégué, Agnès; Labbé, Sylvain; Mallavan, Benjamin; Prévot, Laurent; Roux, Bruno

2008-11-17

The use of consumer digital cameras or webcams to characterize and monitor different features has become prevalent in various domains, especially in environmental applications. Despite some promising results, such digital camera systems generally suffer from signal aberrations due to the on-board image processing systems and thus offer limited quantitative data acquisition capability. The objective of this study was to test a series of radiometric corrections having the potential to reduce radiometric distortions linked to camera optics and environmental conditions, and to quantify the effects of these corrections on our ability to monitor crop variables. In 2007, we conducted a five-month experiment on sugarcane trial plots using original RGB and modified RGB (Red-Edge and NIR) cameras fitted onto a light aircraft. The camera settings were kept unchanged throughout the acquisition period and the images were recorded in JPEG and RAW formats. These images were corrected to eliminate the vignetting effect, and normalized between acquisition dates. Our results suggest that 1) the use of unprocessed image data did not improve the results of image analyses; 2) vignetting had a significant effect, especially for the modified camera, and 3) normalized vegetation indices calculated with vignetting-corrected images were sufficient to correct for scene illumination conditions. These results are discussed in the light of the experimental protocol and recommendations are made for the use of these versatile systems for quantitative remote sensing of terrestrial surfaces.

Opacity meter for monitoring exhaust emissions from non-stationary sources

DOEpatents

Dec, John Edward

2000-01-01

Method and apparatus for determining the opacity of exhaust plumes from moving emissions sources. In operation, a light source is activated at a time prior to the arrival of a diesel locomotive at a measurement point, by means of a track trigger switch or the Automatic Equipment Identification system, such that the opacity measurement is synchronized with the passage of an exhaust plume past the measurement point. A beam of light from the light source passes through the exhaust plume of the locomotive and is detected by a suitable detector, preferably a high-rate photodiode. The light beam is well-collimated and is preferably monochromatic, permitting the use of a narrowband pass filter to discriminate against background light. In order to span a double railroad track and provide a beam which is substantially stronger than background, the light source, preferably a diode laser, must provide a locally intense beam. A high intensity light source is also desirable in order to increase accuracy at the high sampling rates required. Also included is a computer control system useful for data acquisition, manipulation, storage and transmission of opacity data and the identification of the associated diesel engine to a central data collection center.

Monitoring Biogeochemical Processes in Coral Reef Environments with Remote Sensing: A Cross-Disciplinary Approach.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perez, D.; Phinn, S. R.; Roelfsema, C. M.; Shaw, E. C.; Johnston, L.; Iguel, J.; Camacho, R.

2017-12-01

Primary production and calcification are important to measure and monitor over time, because of their fundamental roles in the carbon cycling and accretion of habitat structure for reef ecosystems. However, monitoring biogeochemical processes in coastal environments has been difficult due to complications in resolving differences in water optical properties from biological productivity and other sources (sediment, dissolved organics, etc.). This complicates application of algorithms developed for satellite image data from open ocean conditions, and requires alternative approaches. This project applied a cross-disciplinary approach, using established methods for monitoring productivity in terrestrial environments to coral reef systems. Availability of regularly acquired high spatial (< 5m pixels), multispectral satellite imagery has improved mapping and monitoring capabilities for shallow, marine environments such as seagrass and coral reefs. There is potential to further develop optical models for remote sensing applications to estimate and monitor reef system processes, such as primary productivity and calcification. This project collected field measurements of spectral absorptance and primary productivity and calcification rates for two reef systems: Heron Reef, southern Great Barrier Reef and Saipan Lagoon, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Field data were used to parameterize a light-use efficiency (LUE) model, estimating productivity from absorbed photosynthetically active radiation. The LUE model has been successfully applied in terrestrial environments for the past 40 years, and could potentially be used in shallow, marine environments. The model was used in combination with a map of benthic community composition produced from objective based image analysis of WorldView 2 imagery. Light-use efficiency was measured for functional groups: coral, algae, seagrass, and sediment. However, LUE was overestimated for sediment, which led to overestimation of productivity for the mapped area. This was due to differences in spatial and temporal resolution of field data used in the model. The limitations and application of the LUE model to coral reef environments will be presented.

Cost effective system for monitoring of fish migration with a camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sečnik, Matej; Brilly, Mitja; Vidmar, Andrej

2016-04-01

Within the European LIFE project Ljubljanica connects (LIFE10 NAT/SI/000142) we have developed a cost-effective solution for the monitoring of fish migration through the fish passes with the underwater camera. In the fish pass at Ambrožev trg and in the fish pass near the Fužine castle we installed a video camera called "Fishcam" to be able to monitor the migration of fish through the fish passes and success of its reconstruction. Live stream from fishcams installed in the fishpassesis available on our project website (http://ksh.fgg.uni-lj.si/ljubljanicaconnects/ang/12_camera). The system for the fish monitoring is made from two parts. First is the waterproof box for the computer with charger and the second part is the camera itself. We used a high sensitive Sony analogue camera. The advantage of this camera is that it has very good sensitivity in low light conditions, so it can take good quality pictures even at night with a minimum additional lighting. For the night recording we use additional IR reflector to illuminate passing fishes. The camera is connected to an 8-inch tablet PC. We decided to use a tablet PC because it is quite small, cheap, it is relatively fast and has a low power consumption. On the computer we use software which has advanced motion detection capabilities, so we can also detect the small fishes. When the fish is detected by a software, its photograph is automatically saved to local hard drive and for backup also on Google drive. The system for monitoring of fish migration has turned out to work very well. From the beginning of monitoring in June 2015 to end of the year there were more than 100.000 photographs produced. The first analysis of them was already prepared estimating fish species and their frequency in passing the fish pass.

The Application of Lidar to Synthetic Vision System Integrity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, Jacob L.; UijtdeHaag, Maarten; Vadlamani, Ananth; Young, Steve

2003-01-01

One goal in the development of a Synthetic Vision System (SVS) is to create a system that can be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for use at various flight criticality levels. As part of NASA s Aviation Safety Program, Ohio University and NASA Langley have been involved in the research and development of real-time terrain database integrity monitors for SVS. Integrity monitors based on a consistency check with onboard sensors may be required if the inherent terrain database integrity is not sufficient for a particular operation. Sensors such as the radar altimeter and weather radar, which are available on most commercial aircraft, are currently being investigated for use in a real-time terrain database integrity monitor. This paper introduces the concept of using a Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) sensor as part of a real-time terrain database integrity monitor. A LiDAR system consists of a scanning laser ranger, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), and a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. Information from these three sensors can be combined to generate synthesized terrain models (profiles), which can then be compared to the stored SVS terrain model. This paper discusses an initial performance evaluation of the LiDAR-based terrain database integrity monitor using LiDAR data collected over Reno, Nevada. The paper will address the consistency checking mechanism and test statistic, sensitivity to position errors, and a comparison of the LiDAR-based integrity monitor to a radar altimeter-based integrity monitor.

Design and Implementation of a Smart LED Lighting System Using a Self Adaptive Weighted Data Fusion Algorithm

PubMed Central

Sung, Wen-Tsai; Lin, Jia-Syun

2013-01-01

This work aims to develop a smart LED lighting system, which is remotely controlled by Android apps via handheld devices, e.g., smartphones, tablets, and so forth. The status of energy use is reflected by readings displayed on a handheld device, and it is treated as a criterion in the lighting mode design of a system. A multimeter, a wireless light dimmer, an IR learning remote module, etc. are connected to a server by means of RS 232/485 and a human computer interface on a touch screen. The wireless data communication is designed to operate in compliance with the ZigBee standard, and signal processing on sensed data is made through a self adaptive weighted data fusion algorithm. A low variation in data fusion together with a high stability is experimentally demonstrated in this work. The wireless light dimmer as well as the IR learning remote module can be instructed directly by command given on the human computer interface, and the reading on a multimeter can be displayed thereon via the server. This proposed smart LED lighting system can be remotely controlled and self learning mode can be enabled by a single handheld device via WiFi transmission. Hence, this proposal is validated as an approach to power monitoring for home appliances, and is demonstrated as a digital home network in consideration of energy efficiency.

Third symposium on underground mining

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

None

1977-01-01

The Third Symposium on Underground Mining was held at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville, KY, October 18--20, 1977. Thirty-one papers have been entered individually into EDB and ERA. The topics covered include mining system (longwall, shortwall, room and pillar, etc.), mining equipment (continuous miners, longwall equipment, supports, roof bolters, shaft excavation equipment, monitoring and control systems. Maintenance and rebuilding facilities, lighting systems, etc.), ventilation, noise abatement, economics, accidents (cost), dust control and on-line computer systems. (LTN)

Multispectral Scanner for Monitoring Plants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gat, Nahum

2004-01-01

A multispectral scanner has been adapted to capture spectral images of living plants under various types of illumination for purposes of monitoring the health of, or monitoring the transfer of genes into, the plants. In a health-monitoring application, the plants are illuminated with full-spectrum visible and near infrared light and the scanner is used to acquire a reflected-light spectral signature known to be indicative of the health of the plants. In a gene-transfer- monitoring application, the plants are illuminated with blue or ultraviolet light and the scanner is used to capture fluorescence images from a green fluorescent protein (GFP) that is expressed as result of the gene transfer. The choice of wavelength of the illumination and the wavelength of the fluorescence to be monitored depends on the specific GFP.

The role of nanotechnology and nano and micro-electronics in monitoring and control of cardiovascular diseases and neurological disorders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varadan, Vijay K.

2007-04-01

Nanotechnology has been broadly defined as the one for not only the creation of functional materials and devices as well as systems through control of matter at the scale of 1-100 nm, but also the exploitation of novel properties and phenomena at the same scale. Growing needs in the point-of-care (POC) that is an increasing market for improving patient's quality of life, are driving the development of nanotechnologies for diagnosis and treatment of various life threatening diseases. This paper addresses the recent development of nanodiagnostic sensors and nanotherapeutic devices with functionalized carbon nanotube and/or nanowire on a flexible organic thin film electronics to monitor and control of the three leading diseases namely 1) neurodegenerative diseases, 2) cardiovascular diseases, and 3) diabetes and metabolic diseases. The sensors developed include implantable and biocompatible devices, light weight wearable devices in wrist-watches, hats, shoes and clothes. The nanotherapeutics devices include nanobased drug delivery system. Many of these sensors are integrated with the wireless systems for the remote physiological monitoring. The author's research team has also developed a wireless neural probe using nanowires and nanotubes for monitoring and control of Parkinson's disease. Light weight and compact EEG, EOG and EMG monitoring system in a hat developed is capable of monitoring real time epileptic patients and patients with neurological and movement disorders using the Internet and cellular network. Physicians could be able to monitor these signals in realtime using portable computers or cell phones and will give early warning signal if these signals cross a pre-determined threshold level. In addition the potential impact of nanotechnology for applications in medicine is that, the devices can be designed to interact with cells and tissues at the molecular level, which allows high degree of functionality. Devices engineered at nanometer scale imply a controlled manipulation of individual molecules and atoms that can interact with the human body at sub-cellular level. The recent progress in microelectronics and nanosensors crates very powerful tools for the early detection and diagnosis. The nanowire integrated potassium and dopamine sensors are ideal for the monitoring and control of many cardiovascular diseases and neurological disorders. Selected movies illustrating the applications of nanodevices to patients will be shown at the talk.

Photocatalytic water oxidation by a pyrochlore oxide upon irradiation with visible light: rhodium substitution into yttrium titanate.

PubMed

Kiss, Borbala; Didier, Christophe; Johnson, Timothy; Manning, Troy D; Dyer, Matthew S; Cowan, Alexander J; Claridge, John B; Darwent, James R; Rosseinsky, Matthew J

2014-12-22

A stable visible-light-driven photocatalyst (λ≥450 nm) for water oxidation is reported. Rhodium substitution into the pyrochlore Y2 Ti2 O7 is demonstrated by monitoring Vegard's law evolution of the unit-cell parameters with changing rhodium content, to a maximum content of 3 % dopant. Substitution renders the solid solutions visible-light active. The overall rate of oxygen evolution is comparable to WO3 but with superior light-harvesting and surface-area-normalized turnover rates, making Y2 Ti1.94 Rh0.06 O7 an excellent candidate for use in a Z-scheme water-splitting system. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Absorbance Based Light Emitting Diode Optical Sensors and Sensing Devices

PubMed Central

O'Toole, Martina; Diamond, Dermot

2008-01-01

The ever increasing demand for in situ monitoring of health, environment and security has created a need for reliable, miniaturised sensing devices. To achieve this, appropriate analytical devices are required that possess operating characteristics of reliability, low power consumption, low cost, autonomous operation capability and compatibility with wireless communications systems. The use of light emitting diodes (LEDs) as light sources is one strategy, which has been successfully applied in chemical sensing. This paper summarises the development and advancement of LED based chemical sensors and sensing devices in terms of their configuration and application, with the focus on transmittance and reflectance absorptiometric measurements. PMID:27879829

Differential optical absorption spectrometer for measurement of tropospheric pollutants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evangelisti, F.; Baroncelli, A.; Bonasoni, P.; Giovanelli, G.; Ravegnani, F.

1995-05-01

Our institute has recently developed a differential optical absorption spectrometry system called the gas analyzer spectrometer correlating optical absorption differences (GASCOAD), which features as a detector a linear image sensor that uses an artificial light source for long-path tropospheric-pollution monitoring. The GASCOAD, its method of eliminating interference from background sky light, and subsequent spectral analysis are reported and discussed. The spectrometer was used from 7 to 22 February 1993 in Milan, a heavily polluted metropolitan area, to measure the concentrations of SO2, NO2, O3, and HNO2 averaged over a 1.7-km horizontal light path. The findings are reported and briefly discussed.

Absorbance Based Light Emitting Diode Optical Sensors and Sensing Devices.

PubMed

O'Toole, Martina; Diamond, Dermot

2008-04-07

The ever increasing demand for in situ monitoring of health, environment and security has created a need for reliable, miniaturised sensing devices. To achieve this, appropriate analytical devices are required that possess operating characteristics of reliability, low power consumption, low cost, autonomous operation capability and compatibility with wireless communications systems. The use of light emitting diodes (LEDs) as light sources is one strategy, which has been successfully applied in chemical sensing. This paper summarises the development and advancement of LED based chemical sensors and sensing devices in terms of their configuration and application, with the focus on transmittance and reflectance absorptiometric measurements.

A Fiber Optic Probe for Monitoring Protein Aggregation, Nucleation, and Crystallization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ansari, Rafat R.; Suh, Kwang I.; Arabshahi, Alireza; Wilson, William W.; Bray, Terry L.; DeLucas, Lawrence J.

1996-01-01

Protein crystals are experimentally grown in hanging drops in microgravity experiments on-board the Space Shuttle orbiter. The technique of dynamic light scattering (DLS) can be used to monitor crystal growth process in hanging droplets (approx. 30 (L)) in microgravity experiments, but elaborate instrumentation and optical alignment problems have made in-situ applications difficult. In this paper we demonstrate that such experiments are now feasible. We apply a newly developed fiber optic probe to various earth and space (micro- gravity) bound protein crystallization system configurations to test its capability. These include conventional batch (cuvette or capillary) systems, hanging drop method in a six-pack hanging drop vapor diffusion apparatus (HDVDA), a modified HDVDA for temperature- induced nucleation and aggregation studies, and a newly envisioned dynamically controlled vapor diffusion system (DCVDS) configuration. Our compact system exploits the principles of DLS and offers a fast (within a few seconds) means of quantitatively and non-invasively monitoring the various growth stages of protein crystallization. In addition to DLS capability, the probe can also be used for performing single-angle static light scattering measurements. It utilizes extremely low levels of laser power (approx. few (W)) without a need of having any optical alignment and vibration isolation. The compact probe is also equipped with a miniaturized microscope for visualization of macroscopic protein crystals. This new optical diagnostic system opens up enormous opportunity for exploring new ways to grow good quality crystals suitable for x-ray crystallographic analysis and may help develop a concrete scientific basis for understanding the process of crystallization.

In situ measurement of particulate number density and size distribution from an aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Briehl, D.

1974-01-01

Commercial particulate measuring instruments were flown aboard the NASA Convair 990. A condensation nuclei monitor was utilized to measure particles larger than approximately 0.003 micrometers in diameter. A specially designed pressurization system was used with this counter so that the sample could be fed into the monitor at cabin altitude pressure. A near-forward light scattering counter was used to measure the number and size distribution particles in the size range from 0.5 to 5 micrometers and greater in diameter.

Proceedings of the Annual Meeting, Aquatic Plant Control Research Program (18th) Held at Raleigh, North Carolina on 14-17 November 1983.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-06-01

Aquatic Plant Management Program: Water Quality Monitoring, by John H. Rodgers, Jr., Kevin H. Reinert, and Mark L. Hinman...Rodgers, Jr.,* Kevin H. Reinert,* and Mark L. Hinman* Din INTRODUCTION 0 A water quality monitoring program was conducted on Pat Mayse Lake during...Mississippi. 117 Herbicide Sprayer Plant Bed Translucen- Rof -SupplementalLighting_ Waer Supply _ W i Sampling Stations Figure 1. Flume system set up to

Optical state-of-charge monitor for batteries

DOEpatents

Weiss, Jonathan D.

1999-01-01

A method and apparatus for determining the instantaneous state-of-charge of a battery in which change in composition with discharge manifests itself as a change in optical absorption. In a lead-acid battery, the sensor comprises a fiber optic system with an absorption cell or, alternatively, an optical fiber woven into an absorbed-glass-mat battery. In a lithium-ion battery, the sensor comprises fiber optics for introducing light into the anode to monitor absorption when lithium ions are introduced.

Process simulation in digital camera system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toadere, Florin

2012-06-01

The goal of this paper is to simulate the functionality of a digital camera system. The simulations cover the conversion from light to numerical signal and the color processing and rendering. We consider the image acquisition system to be linear shift invariant and axial. The light propagation is orthogonal to the system. We use a spectral image processing algorithm in order to simulate the radiometric properties of a digital camera. In the algorithm we take into consideration the transmittances of the: light source, lenses, filters and the quantum efficiency of a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor. The optical part is characterized by a multiple convolution between the different points spread functions of the optical components. We use a Cooke triplet, the aperture, the light fall off and the optical part of the CMOS sensor. The electrical part consists of the: Bayer sampling, interpolation, signal to noise ratio, dynamic range, analog to digital conversion and JPG compression. We reconstruct the noisy blurred image by blending different light exposed images in order to reduce the photon shot noise, also we filter the fixed pattern noise and we sharpen the image. Then we have the color processing blocks: white balancing, color correction, gamma correction, and conversion from XYZ color space to RGB color space. For the reproduction of color we use an OLED (organic light emitting diode) monitor. The analysis can be useful to assist students and engineers in image quality evaluation and imaging system design. Many other configurations of blocks can be used in our analysis.

Optical time-of-flight and absorbance imaging of biologic media.

PubMed

Benaron, D A; Stevenson, D K

1993-03-05

Imaging the interior of living bodies with light may assist in the diagnosis and treatment of a number of clinical problems, which include the early detection of tumors and hypoxic cerebral injury. An existing picosecond time-of-flight and absorbance (TOFA) optical system has been used to image a model biologic system and a rat. Model measurements confirmed TOFA principles in systems with a high degree of photon scattering; rat images, which were constructed from the variable time delays experienced by a fixed fraction of early-arriving transmitted photons, revealed identifiable internal structure. A combination of light-based quantitative measurement and TOFA localization may have applications in continuous, noninvasive monitoring for structural imaging and spatial chemometric analysis in humans.

Optical Time-of-Flight and Absorbance Imaging of Biologic Media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benaron, David A.; Stevenson, David K.

1993-03-01

Imaging the interior of living bodies with light may assist in the diagnosis and treatment of a number of clinical problems, which include the early detection of tumors and hypoxic cerebral injury. An existing picosecond time-of-flight and absorbance (TOFA) optical system has been used to image a model biologic system and a rat. Model measurements confirmed TOFA principles in systems with a high degree of photon scattering; rat images, which were constructed from the variable time delays experienced by a fixed fraction of early-arriving transmitted photons, revealed identifiable internal structure. A combination of light-based quantitative measurement and TOFA localization may have applications in continuous, noninvasive monitoring for structural imaging and spatial chemometric analysis in humans.

Emergency vehicle traffic signal preemption system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bachelder, Aaron D. (Inventor); Foster, Conrad F. (Inventor)

2011-01-01

An emergency vehicle traffic light preemption system for preemption of traffic lights at an intersection to allow safe passage of emergency vehicles. The system includes a real-time status monitor of an intersection which is relayed to a control module for transmission to emergency vehicles as well as to a central dispatch office. The system also provides for audio warnings at an intersection to protect pedestrians who may not be in a position to see visual warnings or for various reasons cannot hear the approach of emergency vehicles. A transponder mounted on an emergency vehicle provides autonomous control so the vehicle operator can attend to getting to an emergency and not be concerned with the operation of the system. Activation of a priority-code (i.e. Code-3) situation provides communications with each intersection being approached by an emergency vehicle and indicates whether the intersection is preempted or if there is any conflict with other approaching emergency vehicles. On-board diagnostics handle various information including heading, speed, and acceleration sent to a control module which is transmitted to an intersection and which also simultaneously receives information regarding the status of an intersection. Real-time communications and operations software allow central and remote monitoring, logging, and command of intersections and vehicles.

Monitoring Architectural Heritage by Wireless Sensors Networks: San Gimignano — A Case Study

PubMed Central

Mecocci, Alessandro; Abrardo, Andrea

2014-01-01

This paper describes a wireless sensor network (WSN) used to monitor the health state of architectural heritage in real-time. The WSN has been deployed and tested on the “Rognosa” tower in the medieval village of San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy. This technology, being non-invasive, mimetic, and long lasting, is particularly well suited for long term monitoring and on-line diagnosis of the conservation state of heritage buildings. The proposed monitoring system comprises radio-equipped nodes linked to suitable sensors capable of monitoring crucial parameters like: temperature, humidity, masonry cracks, pouring rain, and visual light. The access to data is granted by a user interface for remote control. The WSN can autonomously send remote alarms when predefined thresholds are reached. PMID:24394600

Small diameter, deep bore optical inspection system

DOEpatents

Lord, D.E.; Petrini, R.R.; Carter, G.W.

An improved rod optic system for inspecting small diameter, deep bores is described. The system consists of a rod optic system utilizing a curved mirror at the end of the rod lens such that the optical path through the system is bent 90/sup 0/ to minimize optical distortion in examing the sides of a curved bore. The system is particularly useful in the examination of small bores for corrosion, and is capable if examing 1/16 inch diameter and up to 4-inch deep drill holes, for example. The positioning of the curved mirror allows simultaneous viewing from shallow and righ angle points of observation of the same artifact (such as corrosion) in the bore hole. The improved rod optic system may be used for direct eye sighting, or in combination with a still camera or a low-light television monitor; particularly low-light color television.

Integrated Fiber-Optic Light Probe: Measurement of Static Deflections in Rotating Turbomachinery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kurkov, Anatole P.

1998-01-01

At the NASA Lewis Research Center, in cooperation with Integrated Fiber Optic Systems, Inc., an integrated fiber-optic light probe system was designed, fabricated, and tested for monitoring blade tip deflections, vibrations, and to some extent, changes in the blade tip clearances of a turbomachinery fan or a compressor rotor. The system comprises a set of integrated fiber-optic light probes that are positioned to detect the passing blade tip at the leading and trailing edges. In this configuration, measurements of both nonsynchronous blade vibrations and steady-state blade deflections can be made from the timing information provided by each light probe-consisting of an integrated fiber-optic transmitting channel and numerical aperture receiving fibers, all mounted in the same cylindrical housing. With integrated fiber-optic technology, a spatial resolution of 50 mm is possible while the outer diameter is kept below 2.5 mm. To evaluate these probes, we took measurements in a single-stage compressor facility and an advanced fan rig in Lewis' 9- by 15-Foot Low-Speed Wind Tunnel.

Development of a Multisensory Wearable System for Monitoring Cigarette Smoking Behavior in Free-Living Conditions

PubMed Central

Imtiaz, Masudul Haider; Ramos-Garcia, Raul I.; Senyurek, Volkan Yusuf; Tiffany, Stephen; Sazonov, Edward

2017-01-01

This paper presents the development and validation of a novel multi-sensory wearable system (Personal Automatic Cigarette Tracker v2 or PACT2.0) for monitoring of cigarette smoking in free-living conditions. The contributions of the PACT2.0 system are: (1) the implementation of a complete sensor suite for monitoring of all major behavioral manifestations of cigarette smoking (lighting events, hand-to-mouth gestures, and smoke inhalations); (2) a miniaturization of the sensor hardware to enable its applicability in naturalistic settings; and (3) an introduction of new sensor modalities that may provide additional insight into smoking behavior e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS), pedometer and Electrocardiogram(ECG) or provide an easy-to-use alternative (e.g., bio-impedance respiration sensor) to traditional sensors. PACT2.0 consists of three custom-built devices: an instrumented lighter, a hand module, and a chest module. The instrumented lighter is capable of recording the time and duration of all lighting events. The hand module integrates Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and a Radio Frequency (RF) transmitter to track the hand-to-mouth gestures. The module also operates as a pedometer. The chest module monitors the breathing (smoke inhalation) patterns (inductive and bio-impedance respiratory sensors), cardiac activity (ECG sensor), chest movement (three-axis accelerometer), hand-to-mouth proximity (RF receiver), and captures the geo-position of the subject (GPS receiver). The accuracy of PACT2.0 sensors was evaluated in bench tests and laboratory experiments. Use of PACT2.0 for data collection in the community was validated in a 24 h study on 40 smokers. Of 943 h of recorded data, 98.6% of the data was found usable for computer analysis. The recorded information included 549 lighting events, 522/504 consumed cigarettes (from lighter data/self-registered data, respectively), 20,158/22,207 hand-to-mouth gestures (from hand IMU/proximity sensor, respectively) and 114,217/112,175 breaths (from the respiratory inductive plethysmograph (RIP)/bio-impedance sensor, respectively). The proposed system scored 8.3 ± 0.31 out of 10 on a post-study acceptability survey. The results suggest that PACT2.0 presents a reliable platform for studying of smoking behavior at the community level. PMID:29607211

Skylab Medical Experiments Altitude Test /SMEAT/ facility design and operation.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hinners, A. H., Jr.; Correale, J. V.

1973-01-01

This paper presents the design approaches and test facility operation methods used to successfully accomplish a 56-day test for Skylab to permit evaluation of selected Skylab medical experiments in a ground test simulation of the Skylab environment with an astronaut crew. The systems designed for this test include the two-gas environmental control system, the fire suppression and detection system, equipment transfer lock, ground support equipment, safety systems, potable water system, waste management system, lighting and power system, television monitoring, communications and recreation systems, and food freezer.

Fiber optic hydrogen sensor

DOEpatents

Buchanan, B.R.; Prather, W.S.

1991-01-01

Apparatus and method for detecting a chemical substance by exposing an optic fiber having a core and a cladding to the chemical substance so that the chemical substance can be adsorbed onto the surface of the cladding. The optic fiber is coiled inside a container having a pair of valves for controlling the entrance and exit of the substance. Light from a light source is received by one end of the optic fiber, preferably external to the container, and carried by the core of the fiber. Adsorbed substance changes the transmissivity of the fiber as measured by a spectrophotometer at the other end, also preferably external to the container. Hydrogen is detected by the absorption of infrared light carried by an optic fiber with a silica cladding. Since the adsorption is reversible, a sensor according to the present invention can be used repeatedly. Multiple positions in a process system can be monitored using a single container that can be connected to each location to be monitored so that a sample can be obtained for measurement, or, alternatively, containers can be placed near each position and the optic fibers carrying the partially-absorbed light can be multiplexed for rapid sequential reading, by a single spectrophotometer.

Fiber optic hydrogen sensor

DOEpatents

Buchanan, B.R.; Prather, W.S.

1992-10-06

An apparatus and method are described for detecting a chemical substance by exposing an optic fiber having a core and a cladding to the chemical substance so that the chemical substance can be adsorbed onto the surface of the cladding. The optic fiber is coiled inside a container having a pair of valves for controlling the entrance and exit of the substance. Light from a light source is received by one end of the optic fiber, preferably external to the container, and carried by the core of the fiber. Adsorbed substance changes the transmissivity of the fiber as measured by a spectrophotometer at the other end, also preferably external to the container. Hydrogen is detected by the absorption of infrared light carried by an optic fiber with a silica cladding. Since the adsorption is reversible, a sensor according to the present invention can be used repeatedly. Multiple positions in a process system can be monitored using a single container that can be connected to each location to be monitored so that a sample can be obtained for measurement, or, alternatively, containers can be placed near each position and the optic fibers carrying the partially-absorbed light can be multiplexed for rapid sequential reading by a single spectrophotometer. 4 figs.

Fiber optic hydrogen sensor

DOEpatents

Buchanan, Bruce R.; Prather, William S.

1992-01-01

An apparatus and method for detecting a chemical substance by exposing an optic fiber having a core and a cladding to the chemical substance so that the chemical substance can be adsorbed onto the surface of the cladding. The optic fiber is coiled inside a container having a pair of valves for controlling the entrance and exit of the substance. Light from a light source is received by one end of the optic fiber, preferably external to the container, and carried by the core of the fiber. Adsorbed substance changes the transmissivity of the fiber as measured by a spectrophotometer at the other end, also preferably external to the container. Hydrogen is detected by the absorption of infrared light carried by an optic fiber with a silica cladding. Since the adsorption is reversible, a sensor according to the present invention can be used repeatedly. Multiple positions in a process system can be monitored using a single container that can be connected to each location to be monitored so that a sample can be obtained for measurement, or, alternatively, containers can be placed near each position and the optic fibers carrying the partially-absorbed light can be multiplexed for rapid sequential reading by a single spectrophotometer.

Comparison of scientific CMOS camera and webcam for monitoring cardiac pulse after exercise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Yu; Papin, Charlotte; Azorin-Peris, Vicente; Kalawsky, Roy; Greenwald, Stephen; Hu, Sijung

2011-09-01

In light of its capacity for remote physiological assessment over a wide range of anatomical locations, imaging photoplethysmography has become an attractive research area in biomedical and clinical community. Amongst recent iPPG studies, two separate research directions have been revealed, i.e., scientific camera based imaging PPG (iPPG) and webcam based imaging PPG (wPPG). Little is known about the difference between these two techniques. To address this issue, a dual-channel imaging PPG system (iPPG and wPPG) using ambient light as the illumination source has been introduced in this study. The performance of the two imaging PPG techniques was evaluated through the measurement of cardiac pulse acquired from the face of 10 male subjects before and after 10 min of cycling exercise. A time-frequency representation method was used to visualize the time-dependent behaviour of the heart rate. In comparison to the gold standard contact PPG, both imaging PPG techniques exhibit comparable functional characteristics in the context of cardiac pulse assessment. Moreover, the synchronized ambient light intensity recordings in the present study can provide additional information for appraising the performance of the imaging PPG systems. This feasibility study thereby leads to a new route for non-contact monitoring of vital signs, with clear applications in triage and homecare.

Optical monitor for water vapor concentration

DOEpatents

Kebabian, Paul

1998-01-01

A system for measuring and monitoring water vapor concentration in a sample uses as a light source an argon discharge lamp, which inherently emits light with a spectral line that is close to a water vapor absorption line. In a preferred embodiment, the argon line is split by a magnetic field parallel to the direction of light propagation from the lamp into sets of components of downshifted and upshifted frequencies of approximately 1575 Gauss. The downshifted components are centered on a water vapor absorption line and are thus readily absorbed by water vapor in the sample; the upshifted components are moved away from that absorption line and are minimally absorbed. A polarization modulator alternately selects the upshifted components or downshifted components and passes the selected components to the sample. After transmission through the sample, the transmitted intensity of a component of the argon line varies as a result of absorption by the water vapor. The system then determines the concentration of water vapor in the sample based on differences in the transmitted intensity between the two sets of components. In alternative embodiments alternate selection of sets of components is achieved by selectively reversing the polarity of the magnetic field or by selectively supplying the magnetic field to the emitting plasma.

[Investigation of emission characteristics for light duty vehicles with a portable emission measurement system].

PubMed

Wang, Hai-Kun; Fu, Li-Xin; Zhou, Yu; Lin, Xin; Chen, Ai-Zhong; Ge, Wei-hu; Du, Xuan

2008-10-01

Emission from 7 typical light-duty vehicles under actual driving conditions was monitored using a portable emission measurement system to gather data for characterization of the real world vehicle emission in Shenzhen, including the effects of driving modes on vehicle emission, comparison of fuel consumption based emission factors (g x L(-1) with mileage based emission factors (g x km(-1)), and the average emission factors of the monitored vehicles. The acceleration and deceleration modes accounted for 66.7% of total travel time, 80.3% of traveling distance and 74.6%-79.2% of vehicle emission; the acceleration mode contributed more than other driving modes. The fuel based emission factors were less dependent on the driving speed; they may be utilized in building macro-scale vehicle emission inventory with smaller sensitivity to the vehicle driving conditions. The effect of vehicle technology on vehicle emission was significant; the emission factors of CO, HC and NO(x) of carbureted vehicles were 19.9-20.5, 5.6-26.1 and 1.8-2.0 times the more advanced vehicles of Euro II, respectively. Using the ECE + EUDC driving cycle would not produce the desired real-world emission rates of light duty vehicles in a typical Chinese city.

Optical monitor for water vapor concentration

DOEpatents

Kebabian, P.

1998-06-02

A system for measuring and monitoring water vapor concentration in a sample uses as a light source an argon discharge lamp, which inherently emits light with a spectral line that is close to a water vapor absorption line. In a preferred embodiment, the argon line is split by a magnetic field parallel to the direction of light propagation from the lamp into sets of components of downshifted and upshifted frequencies of approximately 1575 Gauss. The downshifted components are centered on a water vapor absorption line and are thus readily absorbed by water vapor in the sample; the upshifted components are moved away from that absorption line and are minimally absorbed. A polarization modulator alternately selects the upshifted components or downshifted components and passes the selected components to the sample. After transmission through the sample, the transmitted intensity of a component of the argon line varies as a result of absorption by the water vapor. The system then determines the concentration of water vapor in the sample based on differences in the transmitted intensity between the two sets of components. In alternative embodiments alternate selection of sets of components is achieved by selectively reversing the polarity of the magnetic field or by selectively supplying the magnetic field to the emitting plasma. 5 figs.

On-track testing of a power harvesting device for railroad track health monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hansen, Sean E.; Pourghodrat, Abolfazl; Nelson, Carl A.; Fateh, Mahmood

2010-03-01

A considerable proportion of railroad infrastructure exists in regions which are comparatively remote. With regard to the cost of extending electrical infrastructure into these areas, road crossings in these areas do not have warning light systems or crossing gates and are commonly marked with reflective signage. For railroad track health monitoring purposes, distributed sensor networks can be applicable in remote areas, but the same limitation regarding electrical infrastructure is the hindrance. This motivated the development of an energy harvesting solution for remote railroad deployment. This paper describes on-track experimental testing of a mechanical device for harvesting mechanical power from passing railcar traffic, in view of supplying electrical power to warning light systems at crossings and to remote networks of sensors. The device is mounted to and spans two rail ties and transforms the vertical rail displacement into electrical energy through mechanical amplification and rectification into a PMDC generator. A prototype was tested under loaded and unloaded railcar traffic at low speeds. Stress analysis and speed scaling analysis are presented, results of the on-track tests are compared and contrasted to previous laboratory testing, discrepancies between the two are explained, and conclusions are drawn regarding suitability of the device for illuminating high-efficiency LED lights at railroad crossings and powering track-health sensor networks.

Optical oxygen concentration monitor

DOEpatents

Kebabian, P.

1997-07-22

A system for measuring and monitoring the concentration of oxygen uses as a light source an argon discharge lamp, which inherently emits light with a spectral line that is close to one of oxygen`s A-band absorption lines. In a preferred embodiment, the argon line is split into sets of components of shorter and longer wavelengths by a magnetic field of approximately 2,000 Gauss that is parallel to the light propagation from the lamp. The longer wavelength components are centered on an absorption line of oxygen and thus readily absorbed, and the shorter wavelength components are moved away from that line and minimally absorbed. A polarization modulator alternately selects the set of the longer wavelength, or upshifted, components or the set of the shorter wavelength, or downshifted, components and passes the selected set to an environment of interest. After transmission over a path through that environment, the transmitted optical flux of the argon line varies as a result of the differential absorption. The system then determines the concentration of oxygen in the environment based on the changes in the transmitted optical flux between the two sets of components. In alternative embodiments modulation is achieved by selectively reversing the polarity of the magnetic field or by selectively supplying the magnetic field to either the emitting plasma of the lamp or the environment of interest. 4 figs.

Optical oxygen concentration monitor

DOEpatents

Kebabian, Paul

1997-01-01

A system for measuring and monitoring the concentration of oxygen uses as a light source an argon discharge lamp, which inherently emits light with a spectral line that is close to one of oxygen's A-band absorption lines. In a preferred embodiment, the argon line is split into sets of components of shorter and longer wavelengths by a magnetic field of approximately 2000 Gauss that is parallel to the light propagation from the lamp. The longer wavelength components are centered on an absorption line of oxygen and thus readily absorbed, and the shorter wavelength components are moved away from that line and minimally absorbed. A polarization modulator alternately selects the set of the longer wavelength, or upshifted, components or the set of the shorter wavelength, or downshifted, components and passes the selected set to an environment of interest. After transmission over a path through that environment, the transmitted optical flux of the argon line varies as a result of the differential absorption. The system then determines the concentration of oxygen in the environment based on the changes in the transmitted optical flux between the two sets of components. In alternative embodiments modulation is achieved by selectively reversing the polarity of the magnetic field or by selectively supplying the magnetic field to either the emitting plasma of the lamp or the environment of interest.

During air cool process aerosol absorption detection with photothermal interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Baosheng; Xu, Limei; Huang, Junling; Ma, Fei; Wang, Yicheng; Li, Zhengqiang

2014-11-01

This paper studies the basic principle of laser photothermal interferometry method of aerosol particles absorption coefficient. The photothermal interferometry method with higher accuracy and lower uncertainty can directly measure the absorption coefficient of atmospheric aerosols and not be affected by scattered light. With Jones matrix expression, the math expression of a special polarization interferometer is described. This paper using folded Jamin interferometer, which overcomes the influence of vibration on measuring system. Interference come from light polarization beam with two orthogonal and then combine to one beam, finally aerosol absorption induced refractive index changes can be gotten with four beam of phase orthogonal light. These kinds of styles really improve the stability of system and resolution of the system. Four-channel detections interact with interference fringes, to reduce the light intensity `zero drift' effect on the system. In the laboratory, this device typical aerosol absorption index, it shows that the result completely agrees with actual value. After heated by laser, cool process of air also show the process of aerosol absorption. This kind of instrument will be used to monitor ambient aerosol absorption and suspended particulate matter chemical component. Keywords: Aerosol absorption coefficient; Photothermal interferometry; Suspended particulate matter.

Middle infrared optoelectronic absorption systems for monitoring physiological glucose solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, W. Blake

Tight monitoring of the glucose levels for diabetic individuals is essential to control long-term complications. A definitive diabetes management system has yet to be developed for the diabetic. This research investigates the application of middle infrared absorption frequencies for monitoring glucose levels in biological solutions. Three frequencies were identified using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and correlated to changes in glucose concentrations. The 1035 +/- 1 cm-1 frequency was determined to be the best representative frequency. Other biological molecules contributed no significant interference to monitoring glucose absorption. A second frequency at 1193 cm-1 was suggested as a representative background absorption frequency, which could be used for more accurate glucose absorption values. Next, a quantum cascade laser optoelectronic absorption system was designed and developed to monitor glucose. After careful alignment and design, the system was used to monitor physiological glucose concentrations. Correlation at 1036 cm-1 with glucose changes was comparable to the previous results. The use of the background absorption frequency was verified. This frequency essentially acts as a calibrating frequency to adjust in real-time to any changes in the background absorption that may alter the accuracy of the predicted glucose value. An evanescent wave cavity ring-down spectroscopy technique was explored to monitor molecules in a biological solution. Visible light at 425 nm was used to monitor hemoglobin in control urine samples. An adsorption isotherm for hemoglobin was detectable to limit of 5.8 nM. Evanescent wave cavity ring-down spectroscopy would be useful for a glucose solution. Given an equivalent system designed for the middle infrared, the molar extinction coefficient of glucose allows for a detectable limit of 45 mg/dl for a free-floating glucose solution, which is below normal physiological concentrations. The future use of a hydrophobic coating could limit the adsorption of glucose to the surface but still allow physiological monitoring. Three middle infrared optoelectronic absorption systems have been designed for monitoring glucose in a physiological solution. The systems are applicable for the monitoring of glucose. These systems may lead to a useful monitoring device for the diabetic so that the universal complications associated with the disease may be limited.

Framework for Structural Online Health Monitoring of Aging and Degradation of Secondary Systems due to some Aspects of Erosion

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

Gribok, Andrei; Patnaik, Sobhan; Williams, Christian

This report describes the current state of research related to critical aspects of erosion and selected aspects of degradation of secondary components in nuclear power plants. The report also proposes a framework for online health monitoring of aging and degradation of secondary components. The framework consists of an integrated multi-sensor modality system which can be used to monitor different piping configurations under different degradation conditions. The report analyses the currently known degradation mechanisms and available predictive models. Based on this analysis, the structural health monitoring framework is proposed. The Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program began to evaluate technologies that couldmore » be used to perform online monitoring of piping and other secondary system structural components in commercial NPPs. These online monitoring systems have the potential to identify when a more detailed inspection is needed using real-time measurements, rather than at a pre-determined inspection interval. This transition to condition-based, risk informed automated maintenance will contribute to a significant reduction of operations and maintenance costs that account for the majority of nuclear power generation costs. There is unanimous agreement between industry experts and academic researchers that identifying and prioritizing inspection locations in secondary piping systems (for example, in raw water piping or diesel piping) would eliminate many excessive in-service inspections. The proposed structural health monitoring framework takes aim at answering this challenge by combining long-range guided wave technologies with other monitoring techniques, which can significantly increase the inspection length and pinpoint the locations that degraded the most. More widely, the report suggests research efforts aimed at developing, validating, and deploying online corrosion monitoring techniques for complex geometries, which are pervasive in NPPs.« less

The Global Drought Information System - A Decision Support Tool with Global Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arndt, D. S.; Brewer, M.; Heim, R. R., Jr.

2014-12-01

Drought is a natural hazard which can cause famine in developing countries and severe economic hardship in developed countries. Given current concerns with the increasing frequency and magnitude of droughts in many regions of the world, especially in the light of expected climate change, drought monitoring and dissemination of early warning information in a timely fashion on a global scale is a critical concern as an important adaptation and mitigation strategy. While a number of nations, and a few continental-scale activities have developed drought information system activities, a global drought early warning system (GDEWS) remains elusive, despite the benefits highlighted by ministers to the Global Earth Observation System of System in 2008. In an effort to begin a process of drought monitoring with international collaboration, the National Integrated Drought Information System's (NIDIS) U.S. Drought Portal, a web-based information system created to address drought services and early warning in the United States, including drought monitoring, forecasting, impacts, mitigation, research, and education, volunteered to develop a prototype Global Drought Monitoring Portal (GDMP). Through integration of data and information at the global level, and with four continental-level partners, the GDMP has proven successful as a tool to monitor drought around the globe. At a past meeting between NIDIS, the World Meteorological Organization, and the Global Earth Observation System of Systems, it was recommended that the GDMP form the basis for a Global Drought Information System (GDIS). Currently, GDIS activities are focused around providing operational global drought monitoring products and assessments, incorporating additional drought monitoring information, especially from those areas without regional or continental-scale input, and incorporating drought-specific climate forecast information from the World Climate Research Programme. Additional GDIS pilot activities are underway with an emphasis on information and decision making, and how to effectively provide drought early warning. This talk will provide an update on the status of GDIS and its role in international drought monitoring.

Intense Terahertz Fields for Fast Energy Release

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-11-01

could allow us to monitor shock propagation in the sample and observe any effects of THz irradiation . In order to optimize the system, we moved a...the response and access for the THz light needed to simultaneously irradiate the sample. Preliminary measurements of sample responses to each of the

Fast global orbit feedback system in PLS-II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, J.; Kim, C.; Kim, J. M.; Kim, K. R.; Lee, E. H.; Lee, J. W.; Lee, T. Y.; Park, C. D.; Shin, S.; Yoon, J. C.; Cho, W. S.; Park, G. S.; Kim, S. C.

2016-12-01

The transverse position of the electron beam in the Pohang Light Source-II is stabilized by the global orbit feedback system. A slow orbit feedback system has been operating at 2 Hz, and a fast orbit feedback (FOFB) system at 813 Hz was installed recently. This FOFB system consists of 96 electron-beam-position monitors, 48 horizontal fast correctors, 48 vertical fast correctors and Versa Module Europa bus control system. We present the design and implementation of the FOFB system and its test result. Simulation analysis is presented and future improvements are suggested.

SenseWearMini and Actigraph GT3X Accelerometer Classification of Observed Sedentary and Light-Intensity Physical Activities in a Laboratory Setting.

PubMed

Feehan, Lynne M; Goldsmith, Charles H; Leung, April Y F; Li, Linda C

Purpose: To compare the ability of SenseWear Mini (SWm) and Actigraph GT3X (AG 3 ) accelerometers to differentiate between healthy adults' observed sedentary and light activities in a laboratory setting. Methods: The 22 participants (15 women, 7 men), ages 19 to 72 years, wore SWm and AG 3 monitors and performed five sedentary and four light activities for 5 minutes each while observed in a laboratory setting. Performance was examined through comparisons of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratios. Correct identification of both types of activities was examined using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: Both monitors demonstrated excellent ability to identify sedentary activities (sensitivity>0.89). The SWm monitor was better at identifying light activities (specificity 0.61-0.71) than the AG 3 monitor (specificity 0.27-0.47) and thus also showed a greater ability to correctly identify both sedentary and light activities (SWm AUC 0.84; AG 3 AUC 0.62-0.73). Conclusions: SWm may be a more suitable monitor for detecting time spent in sedentary and light-intensity activities. This finding has clinical and research relevance for evaluation of time spent in lower intensity physical activities by sedentary adults.

Investigations of DC power supplies with optoelectronic transducers and RF energy converters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guzowski, B.; Gozdur, R.; Bernacki, L.; Lakomski, M.

2016-04-01

Fiber Distribution Cabinets (FDC) monitoring systems are increasingly popular. However it is difficult to realize such system in passive FDC, due to lack of source of power supply. In this paper investigation of four different DC power supplies with optoelectronic transducers is described. Two converters: photovoltaic power converter and PIN photodiode can convert the light transmitted through the optical fiber to electric energy. Solar cell and antenna RF-PCB are also tested. Results presented in this paper clearly demonstrate that it is possible to build monitoring system in passive FDC. During the tests maximum obtained output power was 11 mW. However all converters provided enough power to excite 32-bit microcontroller with ARM-cores and digital thermometer.

Real-time supernova neutrino burst monitor at Super-Kamiokande

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abe, K.; Haga, Y.; Hayato, Y.; Ikeda, M.; Iyogi, K.; Kameda, J.; Kishimoto, Y.; Miura, M.; Moriyama, S.; Nakahata, M.; Nakano, Y.; Nakayama, S.; Sekiya, H.; Shiozawa, M.; Suzuki, Y.; Takeda, A.; Tanaka, H.; Tomura, T.; Ueno, K.; Wendell, R. A.; Yokozawa, T.; Irvine, T.; Kajita, T.; Kametani, I.; Kaneyuki, K.; Lee, K. P.; McLachlan, T.; Nishimura, Y.; Richard, E.; Okumura, K.; Labarga, L.; Fernandez, P.; Berkman, S.; Tanaka, H. A.; Tobayama, S.; Gustafson, J.; Kearns, E.; Raaf, J. L.; Stone, J. L.; Sulak, L. R.; Goldhaber, M.; Carminati, G.; Kropp, W. R.; Mine, S.; Weatherly, P.; Renshaw, A.; Smy, M. B.; Sobel, H. W.; Takhistov, V.; Ganezer, K. S.; Hartfiel, B. L.; Hill, J.; Keig, W. E.; Hong, N.; Kim, J. Y.; Lim, I. T.; Akiri, T.; Himmel, A.; Scholberg, K.; Walter, C. W.; Wongjirad, T.; Ishizuka, T.; Tasaka, S.; Jang, J. S.; Learned, J. G.; Matsuno, S.; Smith, S. N.; Hasegawa, T.; Ishida, T.; Ishii, T.; Kobayashi, T.; Nakadaira, T.; Nakamura, K.; Oyama, Y.; Sakashita, K.; Sekiguchi, T.; Tsukamoto, T.; Suzuki, A. T.; Takeuchi, Y.; Bronner, C.; Hirota, S.; Huang, K.; Ieki, K.; Kikawa, T.; Minamino, A.; Murakami, A.; Nakaya, T.; Suzuki, K.; Takahashi, S.; Tateishi, K.; Fukuda, Y.; Choi, K.; Itow, Y.; Mitsuka, G.; Mijakowski, P.; Hignight, J.; Imber, J.; Jung, C. K.; Yanagisawa, C.; Wilking, M. J.; Ishino, H.; Kibayashi, A.; Koshio, Y.; Mori, T.; Sakuda, M.; Yamaguchi, R.; Yano, T.; Kuno, Y.; Tacik, R.; Kim, S. B.; Okazawa, H.; Choi, Y.; Nishijima, K.; Koshiba, M.; Suda, Y.; Totsuka, Y.; Yokoyama, M.; Martens, K.; Marti, Ll.; Vagins, M. R.; Martin, J. F.; de Perio, P.; Konaka, A.; Chen, S.; Zhang, Y.; Connolly, K.; Wilkes, R. J.

2016-08-01

We present a real-time supernova neutrino burst monitor at Super-Kamiokande (SK). Detecting supernova explosions by neutrinos in real time is crucial for giving a clear picture of the explosion mechanism. Since the neutrinos are expected to come earlier than light, a fast broadcasting of the detection may give astronomers a chance to make electromagnetic radiation observations of the explosions right at the onset. The role of the monitor includes a fast announcement of the neutrino burst detection to the world and a determination of the supernova direction. We present the online neutrino burst detection system and studies of the direction determination accuracy based on simulations at SK.

FERMILAB CRYOMODULE TEST STAND RF INTERLOCK SYSTEM

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

Petersen, Troy; Diamond, J. S.; McDowell, D.

2016-10-12

An interlock system has been designed for the Fermilab Cryo-module Test Stand (CMTS), a test bed for the cryo- modules to be used in the upcoming Linac Coherent Light Source 2 (LCLS-II) project at SLAC. The interlock system features 8 independent subsystems, one per superconducting RF cavity and solid state amplifier (SSA) pair. Each system monitors several devices to detect fault conditions such as arcing in the waveguides or quenching of the SRF system. Additionally each system can detect fault conditions by monitoring the RF power seen at the cavity coupler through a directional coupler. In the event of amore » fault condition, each system is capable of removing RF signal to the amplifier (via a fast RF switch) as well as turning off the SSA. Additionally, each input signal is available for re- mote viewing and recording via a Fermilab designed digitizer board and MVME 5500 processor.« less

Development of Laser Scanner for Full Cross-Sectional Deformation Monitoring of Underground Gateroads

PubMed Central

Yang, Qianlong; Zhang, Zhenyu; Liu, Xiaoqian; Ma, Shuqi

2017-01-01

The deformation of underground gateroads tends to be asymmetric and complex. Traditional instrumentation fails to accurately and conveniently monitor the full cross-sectional deformation of underground gateroads. Here, a full cross-sectional laser scanner was developed, together with a visualization software package. The developed system used a polar coordinate measuring method and the full cross-sectional measurement was shown by 360° rotation of a laser sensor driven by an electrical motor. Later on, the potential impact of gateroad wall flatness, roughness, and geometrical profile, as well as coal dust environment on the performance of the developed laser scanner will be evaluated. The study shows that high-level flatness is favorable in the application of the developed full cross-sectional deformation monitoring system. For a smooth surface of gateroad, the sensor cannot receive reflected light when the incidence angle of laser beam is large, causing data loss. Conversely, the roughness surface shows its nature as the diffuse reflection light can be received by the sensor. With regards to coal dust in the measurement environment, fine particles of floating coal dust in the air can lead to the loss of measurement data to some extent, due to scattering of the laser beam. PMID:28590449

Innovative technologies (DIY instruments and data sonification) for engaging volunteers to participate in marine environmental monitoring programs.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piera, J.

2016-02-01

In recent years the promotion of marine observations based on volunteer participation, known as Citizen Science, has provided environmental data with unprecedented resolution and coverage. The Citizen Science based approach has the additional advantage to engage people by raising awareness and knowledge of marine environmental problems. The technological advances in embedded systems and sensors, enables citizens to create their own devices (known as DIY, Do-It-Yourself, technologies) for monitoring the marine environment. Within the context of the CITCLOPS project (www.citclops.eu), a DIY instrument was developed to monitor changes on water transparency as a water quality indicator. The instrument, named KdUINO, is based on quasi-digital sensors controlled by an open-hardware (Arduino) board. The sensors measure light irradiance at different depth and the instrument automatically calculates the light diffuse attenuation Kd coefficient to quantify the water transparency. The buoy construction is an ideal activity for creative STEM programming. Several workshops in high schools were done to show to the students how to construct their own buoy. Some of them used the buoy to develop their own scientific experiments. In order to engage students more motivated in artistic disciplines, the research group developed also a sonification system that allows creating music and graphics using KdUINO measurements as input data.

Adapting Wireless Technology to Lighting Control and Environmental Sensing

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

Dana Teasdale; Francis Rubinstein; Dave Watson

The high cost of retrofitting buildings with advanced lighting control systems is a barrier to adoption of this energy-saving technology. Wireless technology, however, offers a solution to mounting installation costs since it requires no additional wiring to implement. To demonstrate the feasibility of such a system, a prototype wirelessly-controlled advanced lighting system was designed and built. The system includes the following components: a wirelessly-controllable analog circuit module (ACM), a wirelessly-controllable electronic dimmable ballast, a T8 3-lamp fixture, an environmental multi-sensor, a current transducer, and control software. The ACM, dimmable ballast, multi-sensor, and current transducer were all integrated with SmartMesh{trademark} wirelessmore » mesh networking nodes, called motes, enabling wireless communication, sensor monitoring, and actuator control. Each mote-enabled device has a reliable communication path to the SmartMesh Manager, a single board computer that controls network functions and connects the wireless network to a PC running lighting control software. The ACM is capable of locally driving one or more standard 0-10 Volt electronic dimmable ballasts through relay control and a 0-10 Volt controllable output. The mote-integrated electronic dimmable ballast is designed to drive a standard 3-lamp T8 light fixture. The environmental multi-sensor measures occupancy, light level and temperature. The current transducer is used to measure the power consumed by the fixture. Control software was developed to implement advanced lighting algorithms, including daylight ramping, occupancy control, and demand response. Engineering prototypes of each component were fabricated and tested in a bench-scale system. Based on standard industry practices, a cost analysis was conducted. It is estimated that the installation cost of a wireless advanced lighting control system for a retrofit application is at least 30% lower than a comparable wired system for a typical 16,000 square-foot office building, with a payback period of less than 3 years.« less

[Telemetry in the clinical setting].

PubMed

Hilbel, Thomas; Helms, Thomas M; Mikus, Gerd; Katus, Hugo A; Zugck, Christian

2008-09-01

Telemetric cardiac monitoring was invented in 1949 by Norman J Holter. Its clinical use started in the early 1960s. In the hospital, biotelemetry allows early mobilization of patients with cardiovascular risk and addresses the need for arrhythmia or oxygen saturation monitoring. Nowadays telemetry either uses vendor-specific UHF band broadcasting or the digital ISM band (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical Band) standardized Wi-Fi network technology. Modern telemetry radio transmitters can measure and send multiple physiological parameters like multi-channel ECG, NIPB and oxygen saturation. The continuous measurement of oxygen saturation is mandatory for the remote monitoring of patients with cardiac pacemakers. Real 12-lead ECG systems with diagnostic quality are an advantage for monitoring patients with chest pain syndromes or in drug testing wards. Modern systems are light-weight and deliver a maximum of carrying comfort due to optimized cable design. Important for the system selection is a sophisticated detection algorithm with a maximum reduction of artifacts. Home-monitoring of implantable cardiac devices with telemetric functionalities are becoming popular because it allows remote diagnosis of proper device functionality and also optimization of the device settings. Continuous real-time monitoring at home for patients with chronic disease may be possible in the future using Digital Video Broadcasting Terrestrial (DVB-T) technology in Europe, but is currently not yet available.

Research on photodiode detector-based spatial transient light detection and processing system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Meiying; Wang, Hu; Liu, Yang; Zhao, Hui; Nan, Meng

2016-10-01

In order to realize real-time signal identification and processing of spatial transient light, the features and the energy of the captured target light signal are first described and quantitatively calculated. Considering that the transient light signal has random occurrence, a short duration and an evident beginning and ending, a photodiode detector based spatial transient light detection and processing system is proposed and designed in this paper. This system has a large field of view and is used to realize non-imaging energy detection of random, transient and weak point target under complex background of spatial environment. Weak signal extraction under strong background is difficult. In this paper, considering that the background signal changes slowly and the target signal changes quickly, filter is adopted for signal's background subtraction. A variable speed sampling is realized by the way of sampling data points with a gradually increased interval. The two dilemmas that real-time processing of large amount of data and power consumption required by the large amount of data needed to be stored are solved. The test results with self-made simulative signal demonstrate the effectiveness of the design scheme. The practical system could be operated reliably. The detection and processing of the target signal under the strong sunlight background was realized. The results indicate that the system can realize real-time detection of target signal's characteristic waveform and monitor the system working parameters. The prototype design could be used in a variety of engineering applications.

Handheld dual fluorescence and reflection spectroscopy system for monitoring topical low dose ALA-PDT of actinic keratoses (AK)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Charamisinau, Ivan; Keymel, Kenneth; Potter, William; Oseroff, Allan R.

2006-02-01

Photodynamic therapy is an effective, minimally invasive skin cancer treatment modality with few side effects. Improved therapeutic selectivity and efficacy is expected if treatment is optimized individually for each patient based on detailed measurements prior and during the treatment. The handheld system presented allows measuring optical properties of the skin, the rate of photosensitizer photobleaching during the ALA PDT and oxygen saturation in the tissue. The photobleaching rate is monitored using fluorescence spectroscopy, where protoporphyrin IX in tissue is exited by 410 nm (blue) or 532 nm (green) laser light, and fluorescence in the 580-800 nm range is monitored. The photobleaching rate is calculated by correlating the measured spectrum with known protoporphyrin IX, photoproduct and nonspecific tissue autofluorescence spectra using correlation analysis. Double-wavelength excitation allows a rough estimation of the depth of the fluorescence source due to the significant difference in penetration depth for blue and green light. Blood concentration and oxygenation in the tissue are found from the white light reflectance spectrum in the 460-800 nm range. Known spectra for the oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin, melanin, and tissue baseline absorption and tissue scattering are substituted in nonlinear equations to find the penetration depth and diffuse reflectance coefficient. The nonlinear equation for the diffuse reflectance coefficient is solved for blood and melanin concentrations and blood oxygenation values that provide the best fit to the measured spectrum. The optical properties of the tissue obtained from the reflectance spectroscopy are used to correct the fluorescence data. A noncontact probe with 5 fibers (3 excitation and 2 detection) focused to the same 5 mm diameter spot: 2 excitation lasers, a white light lamp and a two-channel spectrometer are used. A LabView program with custom nonlinear equation solvers written in C++ automatically performs the measurements and calculations, and writes data to a database. The system is currently used in a clinical trial to find the relationship between skin pigmentation, oxygen saturation in blood, photobleaching rate and optimal fluence rate for skin cancer treatment of actinic keratoses.

Optical Structural Health Monitoring Device

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buckner, Benjamin D.; Markov, Vladimir; Earthman, James C.

2010-01-01

This non-destructive, optical fatigue detection and monitoring system relies on a small and unobtrusive light-scattering sensor that is installed on a component at the beginning of its life in order to periodically scan the component in situ. The method involves using a laser beam to scan the surface of the monitored component. The device scans a laser spot over a metal surface to which it is attached. As the laser beam scans the surface, disruptions in the surface cause increases in scattered light intensity. As the disruptions in the surface grow, they will cause the light to scatter more. Over time, the scattering intensities over the scanned line can be compared to detect changes in the metal surface to find cracks, crack precursors, or corrosion. This periodic monitoring of the surface can be used to indicate the degree of fatigue damage on a component and allow one to predict the remaining life and/or incipient mechanical failure of the monitored component. This wireless, compact device can operate for long periods under its own battery power and could one day use harvested power. The prototype device uses the popular open-source TinyOS operating system on an off-the-shelf Mica2 sensor mote, which allows wireless command and control through dynamically reconfigurable multi-node sensor networks. The small size and long life of this device could make it possible for the nodes to be installed and left in place over the course of years, and with wireless communication, data can be extracted from the nodes by operators without physical access to the devices. While a prototype has been demonstrated at the time of this reporting, further work is required in the system s development to take this technology into the field, especially to improve its power management and ruggedness. It should be possible to reduce the size and sensitivity as well. Establishment of better prognostic methods based on these data is also needed. The increase of surface roughness with fatigue is closely connected to the microstructure of the metal, and ongoing research is seeking to connect this observed evidence of the fatigue state with microstructural theories of fatigue evolution to allow more accurate prognosis of remaining component life. Plans are also being discussed for flight testing, perhaps on NASA s SOFIA platform.

Structural Health Monitoring of Civil Infrastructure Using Optical Fiber Sensing Technology: A Comprehensive Review

PubMed Central

Ye, X. W.; Su, Y. H.; Han, J. P.

2014-01-01

In the last two decades, a significant number of innovative sensing systems based on optical fiber sensors have been exploited in the engineering community due to their inherent distinctive advantages such as small size, light weight, immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and corrosion, and embedding capability. A lot of optical fiber sensor-based monitoring systems have been developed for continuous measurement and real-time assessment of diversified engineering structures such as bridges, buildings, tunnels, pipelines, wind turbines, railway infrastructure, and geotechnical structures. The purpose of this review article is devoted to presenting a summary of the basic principles of various optical fiber sensors, innovation in sensing and computational methodologies, development of novel optical fiber sensors, and the practical application status of the optical fiber sensing technology in structural health monitoring (SHM) of civil infrastructure. PMID:25133250

Structural health monitoring of civil infrastructure using optical fiber sensing technology: a comprehensive review.

PubMed

Ye, X W; Su, Y H; Han, J P

2014-01-01

In the last two decades, a significant number of innovative sensing systems based on optical fiber sensors have been exploited in the engineering community due to their inherent distinctive advantages such as small size, light weight, immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and corrosion, and embedding capability. A lot of optical fiber sensor-based monitoring systems have been developed for continuous measurement and real-time assessment of diversified engineering structures such as bridges, buildings, tunnels, pipelines, wind turbines, railway infrastructure, and geotechnical structures. The purpose of this review article is devoted to presenting a summary of the basic principles of various optical fiber sensors, innovation in sensing and computational methodologies, development of novel optical fiber sensors, and the practical application status of the optical fiber sensing technology in structural health monitoring (SHM) of civil infrastructure.

Digital video system for on-line portal verification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leszczynski, Konrad W.; Shalev, Shlomo; Cosby, N. Scott

1990-07-01

A digital system has been developed for on-line acquisition, processing and display of portal images during radiation therapy treatment. A metal/phosphor screen combination is the primary detector, where the conversion from high-energy photons to visible light takes place. A mirror angled at 45 degrees reflects the primary image to a low-light-level camera, which is removed from the direct radiation beam. The image registered by the camera is digitized, processed and displayed on a CRT monitor. Advanced digital techniques for processing of on-line images have been developed and implemented to enhance image contrast and suppress the noise. Some elements of automated radiotherapy treatment verification have been introduced.

Real-time evaluation of two light delivery systems for photodynamic disinfection of Candida albicans biofilm in curved root canals.

PubMed

Sabino, C P; Garcez, A S; Núñez, S C; Ribeiro, M S; Hamblin, M R

2015-08-01

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) combined with endodontic treatment has been recognized as an alternative approach to complement conventional root canal disinfection methods on bacterial biofilms. We developed an in  vitro model of bioluminescent Candida albicans biofilm inside curved dental root canals and investigated the microbial reduction produced when different light delivery methods are employed. Each light delivery method was evaluated in respect to the light distribution provided inside curved root canals. After conventional endodontic preparation, teeth were sterilized before canals were contaminated by a bioluminescent strain of C. albicans (CEC789). Methylene blue (90 μM) was introduced into the canals and then irradiated (λ = 660 nm, P = 100 mW, beam diameter = 2 mm) with laser tip either in contact with pulp chamber or within the canal using an optical diffuser fiber. Light distribution was evaluated by CCD camera, and microbial reduction was monitored through bioluminescence imaging. Our findings demonstrated that the bioluminescent C. albicans biofilm model had good reproducibility and uniformity. Light distribution in dental tissue was markedly dependent on the light delivery system, and this strategy was directly related to microbial destruction. Both light delivery systems performed significant fungal inactivation. However, when irradiation was performed with optical diffuser fiber, microbial burden reduction was nearly 100 times more effective. Bioluminescence is an interesting real-time analysis to endodontic C. albicans biofilm inactivation. APDT showed to be an effective way to inactivate C. albicans biofilms. Diffuser fibers provided optimized light distribution inside curved root canals and significantly increased APDT efficiency.

Real-time evaluation of two light delivery systems for photodynamic disinfection of Candida albicans biofilm in curved root canals

PubMed Central

Sabino, C. P.; Garcez, A. S.; Núñez, S. C.; Ribeiro, M. S.; Hamblin, M. R.

2014-01-01

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) combined with endodontic treatment has been recognized as an alternative approach to complement conventional root canal disinfection methods on bacterial biofilms. We developed an in vitro model of bioluminescent Candida albicans biofilm inside curved dental root canals and investigated the microbial reduction produced when different light delivery methods are employed. Each light delivery method was evaluated in respect to the light distribution provided inside curved root canals. After conventional endodontic preparation, teeth were sterilized before canals were contaminated by a bioluminescent strain of C. albicans (CEC789). Methylene blue (90 µM) was introduced into the canals and then irradiated (λ=660 nm, P=100 mW, beam diameter=2 mm) with laser tip either in contact with pulp chamber or within the canal using an optical diffuser fiber. Light distribution was evaluated by CCD camera, and microbial reduction was monitored through bioluminescence imaging. Our findings demonstrated that the bioluminescent C. albicans biofilm model had good reproducibility and uniformity. Light distribution in dental tissue was markedly dependent on the light delivery system, and this strategy was directly related to microbial destruction. Both light delivery systems performed significant fungal inactivation. However, when irradiation was performed with optical diffuser fiber, microbial burden reduction was nearly 100 times more effective. Bioluminescence is an interesting real-time analysis to endodontic C. albicans biofilm inactivation. APDT showed to be an effective way to inactivate C. albicans biofilms. Diffuser fibers provided optimized light distribution inside curved root canals and significantly increased APDT efficiency. PMID:25060900

Light absorption by secondary organic aerosol from α-pinene: Effects of oxidants, seed aerosol acidity, and relative humidity

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

Song, Chen; Gyawali, Madhu; Zaveri, Rahul A.

2013-10-25

It is well known that light absorption from dust and black carbon aerosols has a warming effect on climate while light scattering from sulfate, nitrate, and sea salt aerosols has a cooling effect. However, there are large uncertainties associated with light absorption and scattering by different types of organic aerosols, especially in the near-UV and UV spectral regions. In this paper, we present the results from a systematic laboratory study focused on measuring light absorption by secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) generated from dark α-pinene + O 3 and α-pinene + NO x + O 3 systems in the presence ofmore » neutral and acidic sulfate seed aerosols. Light absorption was monitored using photoacoustic spectrometers at four different wavelengths: 355, 405, 532, and 870 nm. Significant light absorption at 355 and 405 nm was observed for the SOA formed from α-pinene + O 3 + NO 3 system only in the presence of highly acidic sulfate seed aerosols under dry conditions. In contrast, no absorption was observed when the relative humidity was elevated to greater than 27% or in the presence of neutral sulfate seed aerosols. Organic nitrates in the SOA formed in the presence of neutral sulfate seed aerosols were found to be nonabsorbing, while the light-absorbing compounds are speculated to be aldol condensation oligomers with nitroxy organosulfate groups that are formed in highly acidic sulfate aerosols. Finally and overall, these results suggest that dark α-pinene + O 3 and α-pinene + NO x + O 3 systems do not form light-absorbing SOA under typical atmospheric conditions.« less

Vehicle Transponder for Preemption of Traffic Lights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Foster, Conrad; Bachelder, Aaron

2006-01-01

The purpose of this article is to describe, in more detail, the transponder installed in each vehicle that participates in the emergency traffic-light-preemption system described in the immediately preceding article. The transponder (see figure) is a fully autonomous data--collection, data-processing, information-display, and communication subsystem that performs robustly in preemption of traffic lights and monitoring of the statuses of street intersections. This transponder monitors the condition of the emergency vehicle in which it is installed and determines when the vehicle has been placed in an emergency-response condition with its siren and/or warning lights activated. Upon detection of such a condition, the transponder collects real-time velocity and acceleration data from the onboard diagnostic (OBD) computer of the vehicle. For this purpose, the transponder contains an OBD interface circuit, including a microprocessor that determines the manufacturer and model of the vehicle and then sends the appropriate commands to the OBD computer requesting the speed and acceleration data. At the same time, data from an onboard navigation system are collected to determine the location and the heading of the vehicle. Then acceleration, speed, position, and heading data are processed and combined with a vehicle-identification number and the resulting set of data is transmitted to monitoring and control units located at all intersections within communication range. When the unit at an intersection determines that this vehicle is approaching and has priority to preempt the intersection, it transmits a signal declaring the priority and the preemption to all participating vehicles (including this one) in the vicinity. If the unit at the intersection has determined that other participating vehicles are also approaching the intersection, then this unit also transmits, to the vehicle that has priority, a message that the other vehicles are approaching the same intersection. The texts of these messages, plus graphical symbols that show the directions and numbers of the approaching vehicles, are presented on the display panel of a computer that is part of the transponder.

A new system for measuring three-dimensional back shape in scoliosis

PubMed Central

Pynsent, Paul; Fairbank, Jeremy; Disney, Simon

2008-01-01

The aim of this work was to develop a low-cost automated system to measure the three-dimensional shape of the back in patients with scoliosis. The resulting system uses structured light to illuminate a patient’s back from an angle while a digital photograph is taken. The height of the surface is calculated using Fourier transform profilometry with an accuracy of ±1 mm. The surface is related to body axes using bony landmarks on the back that have been palpated and marked with small coloured stickers prior to photographing. Clinical parameters are calculated automatically and presented to the user on a monitor and as a printed report. All data are stored in a database. The database can be interrogated and successive measurements plotted for monitoring the deformity changes. The system developed uses inexpensive hardware and open source software. Accurate surface topography can help the clinician to measure spinal deformity at baseline and monitor changes over time. It can help the patients and their families to assess deformity. Above all it reduces the dependence on serial radiography and reduces radiation exposure when monitoring spinal deformity. PMID:18247064

The Development of Smart Home System for Controlling and Monitoring Energy Consumption using WebSocket Protocol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Witthayawiroj, Niti; Nilaphruek, Pongpon

2017-03-01

Energy consumption especially electricity is considered one of the most serious problems in households these days. It is because the amount of electricity consumed is more than the amount that people actually need. This means that there is an overusing which resulted from the inconvenience of moving to the switch to turn off the light or any appliances and it is often that closing the light is forgettable, for instance; in addition, there are no tools for monitoring how much energy that is consumed in residents. From this, it can be easily seen that people are having a problem in energy usage monitor and control. There are two main objectives of this study including 1) creating the communication framework among server, clients and devices, and 2) developing the prototype system that try to solve the mentioned problems which gives the user an opportunity to know the amount of electricity they have used in their houses and also the ability to turn appliances on and off through the Internet on smart devices such as smart phones and tablets that support Android platform or any web browser. Raspberry Pi is used as a microcontroller and the data is transferred to the smart device by WebSocket protocol which is strongly recommended for real-time communication. The example features on the device’s screen are user management, controlling and monitoring of appliances. The result expresses that the system is very effective and not difficult to use from users’ satisfaction. However, current sensors may be used for a more accurate electricity measurement and Wi-Fi module for more appliances to calculate its power in the future.

An optically coupled system for quantitative monitoring of MRI gradient currents induced into endocardial leads.

PubMed

Mattei, E; Calcagnini, G; Triventi, M; Delogu, A; Del Guercio, M; Angeloni, A; Bartolini, P

2013-01-01

The time-varying gradient fields generated during Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedures have the potential to induce electrical current on implanted endocardial leads. Whether this current can result in undesired cardiac stimulation is unknown. This paper presents an optically coupled system with the potential to quantitatively measure the currents induced by the gradient fields into endocardial leads during MRI procedures. Our system is based on a microcontroller that works as analog-to-digital (A/D) converter and sends the current signal acquired from the lead to an optical high-speed light-emitting-diode transmitter. Plastic fiber guides the light outside the MRI chamber, to a photodiode receiver and then to an acquisition board connected to a PC. The preliminary characterization of the performances of the system is also presented.

The LED and fiber based calibration system for the photomultiplier array of SNO+

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seabra, L.; Alves, R.; Andringa, S.; Bradbury, S.; Carvalho, J.; Clark, K.; Coulter, I.; Descamps, F.; Falk, L.; Gurriana, L.; Kraus, C.; Lefeuvre, G.; Maio, A.; Maneira, J.; Mottram, M.; Peeters, S.; Rose, J.; Sinclair, J.; Skensved, P.; Waterfield, J.; White, R.; Wilson, J.; SNO+ Collaboration

2015-02-01

A new external LED/fiber light injection calibration system was designed for the calibration and monitoring of the photomultiplier array of the SNO+ experiment at SNOLAB. The goal of the calibration system is to allow an accurate and regular measurement of the photomultiplier array's performance, while minimizing the risk of radioactivity ingress. The choice in SNO+ was to use a set of optical fiber cables to convey into the detector the light pulses produced by external LEDs. The quality control was carried out using a modified test bench that was used in QC of optical fibers for TileCal/ATLAS. The optical fibers were characterized for transmission, timing and angular dispersions. This article describes the setups used for the characterization and quality control of the system based on LEDs and optical fibers and their results.

Fiber optic probes for laser light scattering: Ground based evaluation for micgrogravity flight experimentation. Integrated coherent imaging fiber optic systems for laser light scattering and other applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dhadwal, Harbans Singh

1994-01-01

The research work presented in this report has established a new class of backscatter fiber optics probes for remote dynamic light scattering capability over a range of scattering angles from 94 degrees to 175 degrees. The fiber optic probes provide remote access to scattering systems, and can be utilized in either a noninvasive or invasive configuration. The fiber optics create an interference free data channel to inaccessible and harsh environments. Results from several studies of concentrated suspension, microemulsions, and protein systems are presented. The second part of the report describes the development of a new technology of wavefront processing within the optical fiber, that is, integrated fiber optics. Results have been very encouraging and the technology promises to have significant impact on the development of fiber optic sensors in a variety of fields ranging from environmental monitoring to optical recording, from biomedical sensing to photolithography.

FLASH fly-by-light flight control demonstration results overview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Halski, Don J.

1996-10-01

The Fly-By-Light Advanced Systems Hardware (FLASH) program developed Fly-By-Light (FBL) and Power-By-Wire (PBW) technologies for military and commercial aircraft. FLASH consists of three tasks. Task 1 developed the fiber optic cable, connectors, testers and installation and maintenance procedures. Task 3 developed advanced smart, rotary thin wing and electro-hydrostatic (EHA) actuators. Task 2, which is the subject of this paper,l focused on integration of fiber optic sensors and data buses with cable plant components from Task 1 and actuators from Task 3 into centralized and distributed flight control systems. Both open loop and piloted hardware-in-the-loop demonstrations were conducted with centralized and distributed flight control architectures incorporating the AS-1773A optical bus, active hand controllers, optical sensors, optimal flight control laws in high speed 32-bit processors, and neural networks for EHA monitoring and fault diagnosis. This paper overviews the systems level testing conducted under the FLASH Flight Control task. Preliminary results are summarized. Companion papers provide additional information.

Electronic method for autofluorography of macromolecules on two-D matrices

DOEpatents

Davidson, Jackson B.; Case, Arthur L.

1983-01-01

A method for detecting, localizing, and quantifying macromolecules contained in a two-dimensional matrix is provided which employs a television-based position sensitive detection system. A molecule-containing matrix may be produced by conventional means to produce spots of light at the molecule locations which are detected by the television system. The matrix, such as a gel matrix, is exposed to an electronic camera system including an image-intensifier and secondary electron conduction camera capable of light integrating times of many minutes. A light image stored in the form of a charge image on the camera tube target is scanned by conventional television techniques, digitized, and stored in a digital memory. Intensity of any point on the image may be determined from the number at the memory address of the point. The entire image may be displayed on a television monitor for inspection and photographing or individual spots may be analyzed through selected readout of the memory locations. Compared to conventional film exposure methods, the exposure time may be reduced 100-1000 times.

Real Time Apnoea Monitoring of Children Using the Microsoft Kinect Sensor: A Pilot Study

PubMed Central

Al-Naji, Ali; Gibson, Kim; Lee, Sang-Heon; Chahl, Javaan

2017-01-01

The objective of this study was to design a non-invasive system for the observation of respiratory rates and detection of apnoea using analysis of real time image sequences captured in any given sleep position and under any light conditions (even in dark environments). A Microsoft Kinect sensor was used to visualize the variations in the thorax and abdomen from the respiratory rhythm. These variations were magnified, analyzed and detected at a distance of 2.5 m from the subject. A modified motion magnification system and frame subtraction technique were used to identify breathing movements by detecting rapid motion areas in the magnified frame sequences. The experimental results on a set of video data from five subjects (3 h for each subject) showed that our monitoring system can accurately measure respiratory rate and therefore detect apnoea in infants and young children. The proposed system is feasible, accurate, safe and low computational complexity, making it an efficient alternative for non-contact home sleep monitoring systems and advancing health care applications. PMID:28165382

Method and apparatus for monitoring the power of a laser beam

DOEpatents

Paris, R.D.; Hackel, R.P.

1996-02-06

A method for monitoring the power of a laser beam in real time is disclosed. At least one optical fiber is placed through the laser beam, where a portion of light from the laser beam is coupled into the optical fiber. The optical fiber may be maintained in a stationary position or moved periodically over a cross section of the laser beam to couple light from each area traversed. Light reaching both fiber ends is monitored according to frequency and processed to determine the power of the laser beam. 6 figs.

Method and apparatus for monitoring the power of a laser beam

DOEpatents

Paris, Robert D.; Hackel, Richard P.

1996-01-01

A method for monitoring the power of a laser beam in real time is disclosed. At least one optical fiber is placed through the laser beam, where a portion of light from the laser beam is coupled into the optical fiber. The optical fiber may be maintained in a stationary position or moved periodically over a cross section of the laser beam to couple light from each area traversed. Light reaching both fiber ends is monitored according to frequency and processed to determine the power of the laser beam.

Borehole optical lateral displacement sensor

DOEpatents

Lewis, R.E.

1998-10-20

There is provided by this invention an optical displacement sensor that utilizes a reflective target connected to a surface to be monitored to reflect light from a light source such that the reflected light is received by a photoelectric transducer. The electric signal from the photoelectric transducer is then imputed into electronic circuitry to generate an electronic image of the target. The target`s image is monitored to determine the quantity and direction of any lateral displacement in the target`s image which represents lateral displacement in the surface being monitored. 4 figs.

Cerium-doped scintillating fused-silica fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akchurin, N.; Cowden, C.; Damgov, J.; Dragoiu, C.; Dudero, P.; Faulkner, J.; Kunori, S.

2018-04-01

We report on a set of measurements made on (scintillating) cerium-doped fused-silica fibers using high-energy particle beams. These fibers were uniformly embedded in a copper absorber in order to utilize electromagnetic showers as a source of charged particles for generating signals. This new type of cerium-doped fiber potentially offers myriad new applications in calorimeters in high-energy physics, tracking systems, and beam monitoring detectors for future applications. The light yield, pulse shape, attenuation length, and light propagation speeds are given and discussed. Possible future applications are also explored.

Closed Ecological Life Support Systems (CELSS) Test Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Macelroy, Robert D.

1992-01-01

The CELSS Test Facility (CTF) is being developed for installation on Space Station Freedom (SSF) in August 1999. It is designed to conduct experiments that will determine the effects of microgravity on the productivity of higher (crop) plants. The CTF will occupy two standard SSF racks and will accommodate approximately one square meter of growing area and a canopy height of 80 cm. The growth volume will be isolated from the external environment, allowing stringent control of environmental conditions. Temperature, humidity, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and light levels will all be closely controlled to prescribed set points and monitored. This level of environmental control is needed to prevent stress and allow accurate assessment of microgravity effect (10-3 to 10-6 x g). Photosynthetic rates and respiration rates, calculated through continuous recording of gas concentrations, transpiration, and total and edible biomass produced will be measured. Toxic byproducts will be monitored and scrubbed. Transpiration water will be collected within the chamber and recycled into the nutrient solution. A wide variety of crop plants, e.g., wheat, soy beans, lettuce, potatoes, can be accommodated and various nutrient delivery systems and light delivery systems will be available. In the course of its development, the CTF will exploit fully, and contribute importantly, to the state-of-art in closed system technology and plant physiology.

Adapting Wireless Technology to Lighting Control and Environmental Sensing

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

Dana Teasdale; Francis Rubinstein; David S. Watson

Although advanced lighting control systems offer significant energy savings, the high cost of retrofitting buildings with advanced lighting control systems is a barrier to adoption of this energy-saving technology. Wireless technology, however, offers a solution to mounting installation costs since it requires no additional wiring to implement. To demonstrate the feasibility of such a system, a prototype wirelessly-controlled advanced lighting system was designed and built. The system includes the following components: a wirelessly-controllable analog circuit module (ACM), a wirelessly-controllable electronic dimmable ballast, a T8 3-lamp fixture, an environmental multi-sensor, a current transducer, and control software. The ACM, dimmable ballast, multi-sensor,more » and current transducer were all integrated with SmartMesh{trademark} wireless mesh networking nodes, called motes, enabling wireless communication, sensor monitoring, and actuator control. Each mote-enabled device has a reliable communication path to the SmartMesh Manager, a single board computer that controls network functions and connects the wireless network to a PC running lighting control software. The ACM is capable of locally driving one or more standard 0-10 Volt electronic dimmable ballasts through relay control and a 0-10 Volt controllable output, in addition to 0-24 Volt and 0-10 Volt inputs. The mote-integrated electronic dimmable ballast is designed to drive a standard 3-lamp T8 light fixture. The environmental multisensor measures occupancy, light level and temperature. The current transducer is used to measure the power consumed by the fixture. Control software was developed to implement advanced lighting algorithms, including open and closed-loop daylight ramping, occupancy control, and demand response. Engineering prototypes of each component were fabricated and tested in a bench-scale system. Based on standard industry practices, a cost analysis was conducted. It is estimated that the installation cost of a wireless advanced lighting control system for a retrofit application is at least 20% lower than a comparable wired system for a typical 16,000 square-foot office building, with a payback period of less than 3 years. At 30% market penetration saturation, a cumulative 695 Billion kWh of energy could be saved through 2025, a cost savings of $52 Billion.« less

DANSS Neutrino Spectrometer: Detector Calibration, Response Stability, and Light Yield

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alekseev, I. G.; Belov, V. V.; Danilov, M. V.; Zhitnikov, I. V.; Kobyakin, A. S.; Kuznetsov, A. S.; Machikhiliyan, I. V.; Medvedev, D. V.; Rusinov, V. Yu.; Svirida, D. N.; Skrobova, N. A.; Starostin, A. S.; Tarkovsky, E. I.; Fomina, M. V.; Shevchik, E. A.; Shirchenko, M. V.

2018-05-01

Apart from monitoring nuclear reactor parameters, the DANSS neutrino experiment is aimed at searching for sterile neutrinos through a detailed analysis of the ratio of reactor antineutrino spectra measured at different distances from the reactor core. The light collection system of the detector is dual, comprising both the vacuum photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) and silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs). In this paper, the techniques developed to calibrate the responses of these photodetectors are discussed in detail. The long-term stability of the key parameters of the detector and their dependences on the ambient temperature are investigated. The results of detector light yield measurements, performed independently with PMTs and SiPMs are reported.

Optical emission line monitor with background observation and cancellation

DOEpatents

Goff, D.R.; Notestein, J.E.

1985-01-04

A fiber optics based optical emission line monitoring system is provided in which selected spectral emission lines, such as the sodium D-line emission in coal combustion, may be detected in the presence of interferring background or blackbody radiation with emissions much greater in intensity than that of the emission line being detected. A bifurcated fiber optic light guide is adapted at the end of one branch to view the combustion light which is guided to a first bandpass filter, adapted to the common trunk end of the fiber. A portion of the light is reflected back through the common trunk portion of the fiber to a second bandpass filter adapted to the end of the other branch of the fiber. The first filter bandpass is centered at a wavelength corresponding to the emission line to be detected with a bandwidth of about three nanometers (nm). The second filter is centered at the same wavelength but having a width of about 10 nm. First and second light detectors are located to view the light passing through the first and second filters respectively. Thus, the second detector is blind to the light corresponding to the emission line of interest detected by the first detector and the difference between the two detector outputs is uniquely indicative of the intensity of only the combustion flame emission of interest. This instrument can reduce the effects of interfering blackbody radiation by greater than 20 dB.

Optical emission line monitor with background observation and cancellation

DOEpatents

Goff, David R.; Notestein, John E.

1986-01-01

A fiber optics based optical emission line monitoring system is provided in which selected spectral emission lines, such as the sodium D-line emission in coal combustion, may be detected in the presence of interferring background or blackbody radiation with emissions much greater in intensity than that of the emission line being detected. A bifurcated fiber optic light guide is adapted at the end of one branch to view the combustion light which is guided to a first bandpass filter, adapted to the common trunk end of the fiber. A portion of the light is reflected back through the common trunk portion of the fiber to a second bandpass filter adapted to the end of the other branch of the fiber. The first filter bandpass is centered at a wavelength corresponding to the emission line to be detected with a bandwidth of about three nanometers (nm). The second filter is centered at the same wavelength but having a width of about 10 nm. First and second light detectors are located to view the light passing through the first and second filters respectively. Thus, the second detector is blind to the light corresponding to the emission line of interest detected by the first detector and the difference between the two detector outputs is uniquely indicative of the intensity of only the combustion flame emission of interest. This instrument can reduce the effects of interferring blackbody radiation by greater than 20 dB.

Can Commercial Digital Cameras Be Used as Multispectral Sensors? A Crop Monitoring Test

PubMed Central

Lebourgeois, Valentine; Bégué, Agnès; Labbé, Sylvain; Mallavan, Benjamin; Prévot, Laurent; Roux, Bruno

2008-01-01

The use of consumer digital cameras or webcams to characterize and monitor different features has become prevalent in various domains, especially in environmental applications. Despite some promising results, such digital camera systems generally suffer from signal aberrations due to the on-board image processing systems and thus offer limited quantitative data acquisition capability. The objective of this study was to test a series of radiometric corrections having the potential to reduce radiometric distortions linked to camera optics and environmental conditions, and to quantify the effects of these corrections on our ability to monitor crop variables. In 2007, we conducted a five-month experiment on sugarcane trial plots using original RGB and modified RGB (Red-Edge and NIR) cameras fitted onto a light aircraft. The camera settings were kept unchanged throughout the acquisition period and the images were recorded in JPEG and RAW formats. These images were corrected to eliminate the vignetting effect, and normalized between acquisition dates. Our results suggest that 1) the use of unprocessed image data did not improve the results of image analyses; 2) vignetting had a significant effect, especially for the modified camera, and 3) normalized vegetation indices calculated with vignetting-corrected images were sufficient to correct for scene illumination conditions. These results are discussed in the light of the experimental protocol and recommendations are made for the use of these versatile systems for quantitative remote sensing of terrestrial surfaces. PMID:27873930

An infra-red imaging system for the analysis of tropisms in Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings

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

Orbovic, V.; Poff, K.L.

1990-05-01

Since blue and green light will induce phototropism and red light is absorbed by phytochrome, no wavelength of visible radiation should be considered safe for any study of tropisms in etiolated seedlings. For this reason, we have developed an infra-red imaging system with a video camera with which we can monitor seedlings using radiation at wavelengths longer than 800 nm. The image of the seedlings can be observed in real time, recorded on a VCR and subsequently analyzed using the Java image analysis system. The time courses for curvature of seedlings differ in shape, amplitude, and lag time. This variabilitymore » accounts for much of the noise in the measurement of curvature for a population of seedlings.« less

Dedicated System for Observation of Polaris

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gavin, Andrew

2018-01-01

Polaris, the North Star, has been known to be a Cepheid variable star for over 150 years (Seidel, 1852). Special interest has been given to Polaris’ variations because of its changing period and periods of cessation (D. Turner et al, 2005). The continuous monitoring of Polaris’ brightness provides us with insights on the behaviors of Cepheid variable stars that are undergoing transformations. Since its inception in 2004, the Polaris project has been somewhat of a white whale for PARI and the numerous interns that have worked on the project. The primary goal of this project is the production of a continuous light curve of Polaris through an automated system. Along with providing a continuous light curve of Polaris, this system will be able to produce an archive of data on the seeing conditions of the PARI site.

Effects of turbulence on the geodynamic laser ranging system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Churnside, James H.

1993-01-01

The Geodynamic Laser Ranging System (GLRS) is one of several instruments being developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for implementation as part of the Earth Observing System in the mid-1990s (Cohen et al., 1987; Bruno et al., 1988). It consists of a laser transmitter and receiver in space and an array of retroreflectors on the ground. The transmitter produces short (100 ps) pulses of light at two harmonics (0.532 and 0.355 microns) of the Nd:YAG laser. These propagate to a retroreflector on the ground and return. The receiver collects the reflected light and measures the round-trip transit time. Ranging from several angles accurately determines the position of the retroreflector, and changes in position caused by geophysical processes can be monitored.

Biofouling and the continuous monitoring of underwater light from a seagrass perspective

USGS Publications Warehouse

Onuf, C.P.

2006-01-01

For more than a decade, inexpensive electronic instruments have made continuous underwater light monitoring an integral part of many seagrass studies. Although biofouling, if not controlled, compromises the utility of the record. A year-long assessment of the time course of sensor fouling, in the Laguna Madre of Texas established that light transmitted through the fouling layer after 2 wk of exposure exceeded 90% except for a 6-8 wk period in May and June. On that basis, a 2-wk interval was chosen for routine servicing. Subsequent monitoring proved this choice to be grossly in error. The period of sub-90% transmittance after 2 wk extended to 4-6 mo annually over the next 3 yr. Fouling was strongly correlated with temperature, ambient light, and year. Since an algal bloom of 7-yr duration finally waned during this study, increased ambient light seemed most likely to explain increased fouling later in the study. The explanatory value of light was less than temperature or year in multiple regression, requiring some other explanation of the date effect than change in ambient light. Allelopathic and suspension-feeding depressant effects of the brown tide are offered as the most likely cause of unusually low fouling in the first year. Biofouling was so unpredictable and rapid in this study that at least weekly maintenance would be required to assure reliability of the light monitoring record. ?? 2006 Estuarine Research Federation.

Development of mediator-type biosensor to wirelessly monitor whole cholesterol concentration in fish.

PubMed

Takase, Mai; Murata, Masataka; Hibi, Kyoko; Huifeng, Ren; Endo, Hideaki

2014-04-01

We developed a wireless monitoring system to monitor fish condition by tracking the change in whole cholesterol concentration. The whole cholesterol concentration of fish is a source of steroid hormones or indicator of immunity level, which makes its detection important for tracking physiological condition of fish. Wireless monitoring system comprises of mediator-type biosensor and wireless transmission device. Biosensor is implantable to fish body, and transmission device is so light, in that fish is allowed to swim freely during monitoring. Cholesterol esterase and oxidase were fixated on to the detection site of biosensor and used to detect the whole cholesterol concentration. However, cholesterol oxidase incorporates oxidation-reduction reaction of oxygen for detection, which concentration fluctuates easily due to change in environmental condition. Meanwhile, mediator-type biosensor enables monitoring of whole cholesterol concentration by using mediator to substitute that oxidation-reduction reaction of oxygen. Characteristic of fabricated mediator-type biosensor was tested. The sensor output current of mediator-type biosensor remained stable compared to output current of non-mediator-type biosensor under fluctuating oxygen concentration of 0-8 ppm, which implied that this sensor is less affected by change in dissolved oxygen concentration. That biosensor was then implanted into fish for wireless monitoring. As a result, approximately 48 h of real-time monitoring was successful.

The low energy muon beam profile monitor for the muon g-2/EDM experiment at J-PARC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Razuvaev, G. P.; Bae, S.; Choi, H.; Choi, S.; Ko, H. S.; Kim, B.; Kitamura, R.; Mibe, T.; Otani, M.

2017-09-01

The muon g-2/EDM experiment at J-PARC aims to measure the muon anomalous magnetic moment and electric dipole moment with high precision by utilising an ultracold muon beam. The current muon g-2 discrepancy between the Standard Model prediction and the experimental value is about 3.5 standard deviations. This experiment requires a development of the muon LINAC to accelerate thermal muons to the 300 MeV/c momentum. Detectors for beam diagnostics play a key role in such an experiment. The beam profile monitoring system has been designed to measure the profile of the low energy muon beam. It was tested during two beam tests in 2016 at the MLF D2 line at J-PARC. The detector was used with positive muons, Mu-(μ+ e- e-), p and H-, e- and UV light. The system overview and preliminary results are given. Special attention is paid to the spatial resolution of the beam profile monitor and online monitor software used during data taking.

Visible-Light Initiated Free-Radical/Cationic Ring-Opening Hybrid Photopolymerization of Methacrylate/Epoxy: Polymerization Kinetics, Crosslinking Structure, and Dynamic Mechanical Properties.

PubMed

Ge, Xueping; Ye, Qiang; Song, Linyong; Misra, Anil; Spencer, Paulette

2015-04-01

The effects of polymerization kinetics and chemical miscibility on the crosslinking structure and mechanical properties of polymers cured by visible-light initiated free-radical/cationic ring-opening hybrid photopolymerization are determined. A three-component initiator system is used and the monomer system contains methacrylates and epoxides. The photopolymerization kinetics is monitored in situ by Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance. The crosslinking structure is studied by modulated differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis. X-ray microcomputed tomography is used to evaluate microphase separation. The mechanical properties of polymers formed by hybrid formed by free-radical polymerization. These investigations mark the first time that the benefits of the chain transfer reaction between epoxy and hydroxyl groups of methacrylate, on the crosslinking network and microphase separation during hybrid visible-light initiated photopolymerization, have been determined.

Employing lighting techniques during on-orbit operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wheelwright, Charles D.; Toole, Jennifer R.

1991-01-01

As a result of past space missions and evaluations, many procedures have been established and shown to be prudent applications for use in present and future space environment scenarios. However, recent procedures to employ the use of robotics to assist crewmembers in performing tasks which require viewing remote and obstructed locations have led to a need to pursue alternative methods to assist in these operations. One of those techniques which is under development entails incorporating the use of suitable lighting aids/techniques with a closed circuit television (CCTV) camera/monitor system to supervise the robotics operations. The capability to provide adequate lighting during grappling, deploying, docking and berthing operations under all on-orbit illumination conditions is essential to a successful mission. Using automated devices such as the Remote Manipulator System (RMS) to dock and berth a vehicle during payload retrieval, under nighttime, earthshine, solar, or artificial illumination conditions can become a cumbersome task without first incorporating lighting techniques that provide the proper target illumination, orientation, and alignment cues. Studies indicate that the use of visual aids such as the CCTV with a pretested and properly oriented lighting system can decrease the time necessary to accomplish grappling tasks. Evaluations have been and continue to be performed to assess the various on-orbit conditions in order to predict and determine the appropriate lighting techniques and viewing angles necessary to assist crewmembers in payload operations.

Employing lighting techniques during on-orbit operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wheelwright, Charles D.; Toole, Jennifer R.

As a result of past space missions and evaluations, many procedures have been established and shown to be prudent applications for use in present and future space environment scenarios. However, recent procedures to employ the use of robotics to assist crewmembers in performing tasks which require viewing remote and obstructed locations have led to a need to pursue alternative methods to assist in these operations. One of those techniques which is under development entails incorporating the use of suitable lighting aids/techniques with a closed circuit television (CCTV) camera/monitor system to supervise the robotics operations. The capability to provide adequate lighting during grappling, deploying, docking and berthing operations under all on-orbit illumination conditions is essential to a successful mission. Using automated devices such as the Remote Manipulator System (RMS) to dock and berth a vehicle during payload retrieval, under nighttime, earthshine, solar, or artificial illumination conditions can become a cumbersome task without first incorporating lighting techniques that provide the proper target illumination, orientation, and alignment cues. Studies indicate that the use of visual aids such as the CCTV with a pretested and properly oriented lighting system can decrease the time necessary to accomplish grappling tasks. Evaluations have been and continue to be performed to assess the various on-orbit conditions in order to predict and determine the appropriate lighting techniques and viewing angles necessary to assist crewmembers in payload operations.

Non-invasive red light optogenetic pacing and optical coherence microscopy (OCM) imaging for drosophila melanogaster (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Men, Jing; Li, Airong; Jerwick, Jason; Tanzi, Rudolph E.; Zhou, Chao

2017-02-01

Cardiac pacing could be a powerful tool for investigating mammalian cardiac electrical conduction systems as well as for treatment of certain cardiac pathologies. However, traditional electrical pacing using pacemaker requires an invasive surgical procedure. Electrical currents from the implanted electrodes can also cause damage to heart tissue, further restricting its utility. Optogenetic pacing has been developed as a promising, non-invasive alternative to electrical stimulation for controlling animal heart rhythms. It induces heart contractions by shining pulsed light on transgene-generated microbial opsins, which in turn activate the light gated ion channels in animal hearts. However, commonly used opsins in optogenetic pacing, such as channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2), require short light wavelength stimulation (475 nm), which is strongly absorbed and scattered by tissue. Here, we performed optogenetic pacing by expression of recently engineered red-shifted microbial opsins, ReaChR and CsChrimson, in a well-established animal model, Drosophila melanogaster, using the 617 nm stimulation light pulses. The OCM technique enables non-invasive optical imaging of animal hearts with high speed and ultrahigh axial and transverse resolutions. We integrated a customized OCM system with the optical stimulation system to monitor the optogenetic pacing noninvasively. The use of red-sifted opsins enabled deeper penetration of simulating light at lower power, which is promising for applications of optogenetic pacing in mammalian cardiac pathology studies or clinical treatments in the future.

Development of an ultra-compact mid-infrared attenuated total reflectance spectrophotometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Dong Soo; Lee, Tae-Ro; Yoon, Gilwon

2014-07-01

Mid-infrared spectroscopy has been an important tool widely used for qualitative analysis in various fields. However, portable or personal use is size and cost prohibitive for either Fourier transform infrared or attenuated total reflectance (ATR) spectrophotometers. In this study, we developed an ultra-compact ATR spectrophotometer whose frequency band was 5.5-11.0 μm. We used miniature components, such as a light source fabricated by semiconductor technology, a linear variable filter, and a pyro-electric array detector. There were no moving parts. Optimal design based on two light sources, a zippered configuration of the array detector and ATR optics could produce absorption spectra that might be used for qualitative analysis. A microprocessor synchronized the pulsed light sources and detector, and all the signals were processed digitally. The size was 13.5×8.5×3.5 cm3 and the weight was 300 grams. Due to its low cost, our spectrophotometer can replace many online monitoring devices. Another application could be for a u-healthcare system installed in the bathroom or attached to a smartphone for monitoring substances in body fluids.

Spectrometry: photon sorting at the speed of light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vink, H. J. P.; Day, J. P. R.; Volatier, J. B. C.; Nijkerk, M. D.

2015-09-01

The fact that every spectrometer can sort light by wavelength at the speed of light is intriguing. The field of spectrometry is a long-existing and ever-changing one. The application areas extend from optical communication to possible extraterrestrial life detection, health monitoring, environmental monitoring and quite a long list of other topics. TNO has played a role in several of these areas, always using state of the art designs and components. Some of the recent developments are described, as well as a possible path for (near) future developments. Any spectrometer consists of a telescope, slit, collimator, disperser and an imager. Each of these functions is discussed using and even pushing progress in the manufacturing and design capabilities of the industry. The progress from a two-mirror spherical telescope for a pushbroom space-based daily global coverage spectroscopy instrument OMI to a two-mirror freeform telescope for TROPOMI is described, the design and manufacturing of supergratings showing very little straylight, freeform mirrors and the use of deliberately decentered lenses is shown. A near-future small-satellite system is shown that is being built and tested as this paper was written.

Innovative Technique for High-Accuracy Remote Monitoring of Surface Water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gisler, A.; Barton-Grimley, R. A.; Thayer, J. P.; Crowley, G.

2016-12-01

Lidar (light detection and ranging) provides absolute depth and topographic mapping capability compared to other remote sensing methods, which is useful for mapping rapidly changing environments such as riverine systems and agricultural waterways. Effectiveness of current lidar bathymetric systems is limited by the difficulty in unambiguously identifying backscattered lidar signals from the water surface versus the bottom, limiting their depth resolution to 0.3-0.5 m. Additionally these are large, bulky systems that are constrained to expensive aircraft-mounted platforms and use waveform-processing techniques requiring substantial computation time. These restrictions are prohibitive for many potential users. A novel lidar device has been developed that allows for non-contact measurements of water depth down to 1 cm with an accuracy and precision of < 1 cm by exploiting the polarization properties of the light-surface interaction. This system can transition seamlessly from ranging over land to shallow to deep water allowing for shoreline charting, measuring water volume, mapping bottom topology, and identifying submerged objects. The scalability of the technique opens up the ability for handheld or UAS-mounted lidar bathymetric systems, which provides for potential applications currently unavailable to the community. The high laser pulse repetition rate allows for very fine horizontal resolution while the photon-counting technique permits real-time depth measurement and object detection. The enhanced measurement capability, portability, scalability, and relatively low-cost creates the opportunity to perform frequent high-accuracy monitoring and measuring of aquatic environments which is crucial for monitoring water resources on fast timescales. Results from recent campaigns measuring water depth in flowing creeks and murky ponds will be presented which demonstrate that the method is not limited by rough water surfaces and can map underwater topology through moderately turbid water.

Deployment of a Fully-Automated Green Fluorescent Protein Imaging System in a High Arctic Autonomous Greenhouse

PubMed Central

Abboud, Talal; Bamsey, Matthew; Paul, Anna-Lisa; Graham, Thomas; Braham, Stephen; Noumeir, Rita; Berinstain, Alain; Ferl, Robert

2013-01-01

Higher plants are an integral part of strategies for sustained human presence in space. Space-based greenhouses have the potential to provide closed-loop recycling of oxygen, water and food. Plant monitoring systems with the capacity to remotely observe the condition of crops in real-time within these systems would permit operators to take immediate action to ensure optimum system yield and reliability. One such plant health monitoring technique involves the use of reporter genes driving fluorescent proteins as biological sensors of plant stress. In 2006 an initial prototype green fluorescent protein imager system was deployed at the Arthur Clarke Mars Greenhouse located in the Canadian High Arctic. This prototype demonstrated the advantageous of this biosensor technology and underscored the challenges in collecting and managing telemetric data from exigent environments. We present here the design and deployment of a second prototype imaging system deployed within and connected to the infrastructure of the Arthur Clarke Mars Greenhouse. This is the first imager to run autonomously for one year in the un-crewed greenhouse with command and control conducted through the greenhouse satellite control system. Images were saved locally in high resolution and sent telemetrically in low resolution. Imager hardware is described, including the custom designed LED growth light and fluorescent excitation light boards, filters, data acquisition and control system, and basic sensing and environmental control. Several critical lessons learned related to the hardware of small plant growth payloads are also elaborated. PMID:23486220

Dynamic Speckle Imaging with Low-Cost Devices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vannoni, Maurizio; Trivi, Marcelo; Arizaga, Ricardo; Rabal, Hector; Molesini, Giuseppe

2008-01-01

Light from a rough sample surface illuminated with a laser consists of a speckle pattern. If the surface evolves with time, the pattern becomes dynamic, following the activity of the sample. This phenomenon is used both in research and in industry to monitor processes and systems that change with time. The measuring equipment generally includes…

Real-World Neuroimaging Technologies

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-05-10

system enables long-term wear of up to 10 consecutive hours of operation time. The system’s wireless technologies, light weight (200g), and dry sensor ...biomarkers, body sensor networks , brain computer interactionbrain, computer interfaces, data acquisition, electroencephalography monitoring, translational...brain activity in real-world scenarios. INDEX TERMS Behavioral science, biomarkers, body sensor networks , brain computer interfaces, brain computer

Magnetic field exposure and behavioral monitoring system.

PubMed

Thomas, A W; Drost, D J; Prato, F S

2001-09-01

To maximize the availability and usefulness of a small magnetic field exposure laboratory, we designed a magnetic field exposure system that has been used to test human subjects, caged or confined animals, and cell cultures. The magnetic field exposure system consists of three orthogonal pairs of coils 2 m square x 1 m separation, 1.751 m x 0.875 m separation, and 1.5 m x 0.75 m separation. Each coil consisted of ten turns of insulated 8 gauge stranded copper conductor. Each of the pairs were driven by a constant-current amplifier via digital to analog (D/A) converter. A 9 pole zero-gain active Bessel low-pass filter (1 kHz corner frequency) before the amplifier input attenuated the expected high frequencies generated by the D/A conversion. The magnetic field was monitored with a 3D fluxgate magnetometer (0-3 kHz, +/- 1 mT) through an analog to digital converter. Behavioral monitoring utilized two monochrome video cameras (viewing the coil center vertically and horizontally), both of which could be video recorded and real-time digitally Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) encoded to CD-ROM. Human postural sway (standing balance) was monitored with a 3D forceplate mounted on the floor, connected to an analog to digital converter. Lighting was provided by 12 offset overhead dimmable fluorescent track lights and monitored using a digitally connected spectroradiometer. The dc resistance, inductance of each coil pair connected in series were 1.5 m coil (0.27 Omega, 1.2 mH), 1.75 m coil (0.32 Omega, 1.4 mH), and 2 m coil (0.38 Omega, 1.6 mH). The frequency response of the 1.5 m coil set was 500 Hz at +/- 463 microT, 1 kHz at +/- 232 microT, 150 micros rise time from -200 microT(pk) to + 200 microT(pk) (square wave) and is limited by the maximum voltage ( +/- 146 V) of the amplifier (Bessel filter bypassed). Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The Global Drought Information System - A Decision Support Tool with Global Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heim, R. R.; Brewer, M.

2012-12-01

Drought is a natural hazard which can cause famine in developing countries and severe economic hardship in developed countries. Given current concerns with the increasing frequency and magnitude of droughts in many regions of the world, especially in the light of expected climate change, drought monitoring and dissemination of early warning information in a timely fashion on a global scale is a critical concern as an important adaptation and mitigation strategy. While a number of nations, and a few continental-scale activities have developed drought information system activities, a global drought early warning system (GDEWS) remains elusive, despite the benefits highlighted by ministers to the Global Earth Observation System of System in 2008. In an effort to begin a process of drought monitoring with international collaboration, the National Integrated Drought Information System's (NIDIS) U.S. Drought Portal, a web-based information system created to address drought services and early warning in the United States, including drought monitoring, forecasting, impacts, mitigation, research, and education, volunteered to develop a prototype Global Drought Monitoring Portal (GDMP). Through integration of data and information at the global level, and with four continental-level partners, the GDMP has proven successful as a tool to monitor drought around the globe. At a recent meeting between NIDIS, the World Meteorological Organization, and the Global Earth Observation System of Systems, it was recommended that the GDMP form the basis for a Global Drought Information System (GDIS). Currently, GDIS activities are focused around incorporating additional drought monitoring information, especially from those areas without regional or continental-scale input, and incorporating drought-specific climate forecast information from the World Climate Research Programme. Additional GDIS pilot activities are underway with an emphasis on information and decision making, and how to effectively provide drought early warning. This talk will provide an update on the status of GDIS and its role in international drought monitoring.

Hemodynamic monitoring in different cortical layers with a single fiber optical system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Linhui; Noor, M. Sohail; Kiss, Zelma H. T.; Murari, Kartikeya

2018-02-01

Functional monitoring of highly-localized deep brain structures is of great interest. However, due to light scattering, optical methods have limited depth penetration or can only measure from a large volume. In this research, we demonstrate continuous measurement of hemodynamics in different cortical layers in response to thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) using a single fiber optical system. A 200-μm-core-diameter multimode fiber is used to deliver and collect light from tissue. The fiber probe can be stereotaxically implanted into the brain region of interest at any depth to measure the di use reflectance spectra from a tissue volume of 0.02-0.03 mm3 near the fiber tip. Oxygenation is then extracted from the reflectance spectra using an algorithm based on Monte Carlo simulations. Measurements were performed on the surface (cortical layer I) and at 1.5 mm depth (cortical layer VI) of the motor cortex in anesthetized rats with thalamic DBS. Preliminary results revealed the oxygenation changes in response to DBS. Moreover, the baseline as well as the stimulus-evoked change in oxygenation were different at the two depths of cortex.

An expert system for fault management assistance on a space sleep experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Atamer, A.; Delaney, M.; Young, L. R.

2002-01-01

The expert system, Principal Investigator-in-a-box, or [PI], was designed to assist astronauts or other operators in performing experiments outside their expertise. Currently, the software helps astronauts calibrate instruments for a Sleep and Respiration Experiment without contact with the investigator on the ground. It flew on the Space Shuttle missions STS-90 and STS-95. [PI] displays electrophysiological signals in real time, alerts astronauts via the indicator lights when a poor signal quality is detected, and advises astronauts how to restore good signal quality. Thirty subjects received training on the sleep instrumentation and the [PI] interface. A beneficial effects of [PI] and training reduced troubleshooting time. [PI] benefited subjects on the most difficult scenarios, even though its lights were not 100% accurate. Further, questionnaires showed that most subjects preferred monitoring waveforms with [PI] assistance rather than monitoring waveforms alone. This study addresses problems of complex troubleshooting and the extended time between training and execution that is common to many human operator situations on earth such as in power plant operation, and marine exploration.

Observations of transient events with Mini-MegaTORTORA wide-field monitoring system with sub-second temporal resolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karpov, S.; Beskin, G.; Biryukov, A.; Bondar, S.; Ivanov, E.; Katkova, E.; Orekhova, N.; Perkov, A.; Sasyuk, V.

2017-07-01

Here we present the summary of first years of operation and the first results of a novel 9-channel wide-field optical monitoring system with sub-second temporal resolution, Mini-MegaTORTORA (MMT-9), which is in operation now at Special Astrophysical Observatory on Russian Caucasus. The system is able to observe the sky simultaneously in either wide (900 square degrees) or narrow (100 square degrees) fields of view, either in clear light or with any combination of color (Johnson-Cousins B, V or R) and polarimetric filters installed, with exposure times ranging from 0.1 s to hundreds of seconds.The real-time system data analysis pipeline performs automatic detection of rapid transient events, both near-Earth and extragalactic. The objects routinely detected by MMT also include faint meteors and artificial satellites.

Mini-MegaTORTORA Wide-Field Monitoring System with Subsecond Temporal Resolution: Observation of Transient Events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karpov, S.; Beskin, G.; Biryukov, A.; Bondar, S.; Ivanov, E.; Katkova, E.; Orekhova, N.; Perkov, A.; Sasyuk, V.

2017-06-01

Here we present the summary of first years of operation and the first results of a novel 9-channel wide-field optical monitoring system with sub-second temporal resolution, Mini-MegaTORTORA (MMT-9), which is in operation now at Special Astrophysical Observatory on Russian Caucasus. The system is able to observe the sky simultaneously in either wide (˜900 square degrees) or narrow (˜100 square degrees) fields of view, either in clear light or with any combination of color (Johnson-Cousins B, V or R) and polarimetric filters installed, with exposure times ranging from 0.1 s to hundreds of seconds.The real-time system data analysis pipeline performs automatic detection of rapid transient events, both near-Earth and extragalactic. The objects routinely detected by MMT include faint meteors and artificial satellites.

Development of a complex experimental system for controlled ecological life support technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, S.; Tang, Y.; Zhu, J.; Wang, X.; Feng, H.; Ai, W.; Qin, L.; Deng, Y.

A complex experimental system for controlled ecological life support technique can be used as a test platform for plant-man integrated experiments and material close-loop experiments of the controlled ecological life support system CELSS Based on lots of plan investigation plan design and drawing design the system was built through the steps of processing installation and joined debugging The system contains a volume of about 40 0m 3 its interior atmospheric parameters such as temperature relative humidity oxygen concentration carbon dioxide concentration total pressure lighting intensity photoperiod water content in the growing-matrix and ethylene concentration are all monitored and controlled automatically and effectively Its growing system consists of two rows of racks along its left-and-right sides separately and each of which holds two up-and-down layers eight growing beds hold a total area of about 8 4m 2 and their vertical distance can be adjusted automatically and independently lighting sources consist of both red and blue light-emitting diodes Successful development of the test platform will necessarily create an essential condition for next large-scale integrated study of controlled ecological life support technique

TWO STARS TWO WAYS: CONFIRMING A MICROLENSING BINARY LENS SOLUTION WITH A SPECTROSCOPIC MEASUREMENT OF THE ORBIT

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

Yee, Jennifer C.; Johnson, John Asher; Eastman, Jason

Light curves of microlensing events involving stellar binaries and planetary systems can provide information about the orbital elements of the system due to orbital modulations of the caustic structure. Accurately measuring the orbit in either the stellar or planetary case requires detailed modeling of subtle deviations in the light curve. At the same time, the natural, Cartesian parameterization of a microlensing binary is partially degenerate with the microlens parallax. Hence, it is desirable to perform independent tests of the predictions of microlens orbit models using radial velocity (RV) time series of the lens binary system. To this end, we presentmore » 3.5 years of RV monitoring of the binary lens system OGLE-2009-BLG-020 L, for which Skowron et al. constrained all internal parameters of the 200–700 day orbit. Our RV measurements reveal an orbit that is consistent with the predictions of the microlens light curve analysis, thereby providing the first confirmation of orbital elements inferred from microlensing events.« less

Conformal and embedded IDT microsensors for health monitoring of structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varadan, Vijay K.; Varadan, Vasundara V.

2000-06-01

MEMS are currently being applied to the structural health monitoring of critical aircraft components and composites. The approach integrates acoustic emission, strain gauges, MEMS accelerometers and vibration monitoring aircraft components with a known history of catastrophic failure due to fracture. Recently a combination of the need for safety in the air and the desire to control costs is encouraging the use of in-flight monitoring of aircraft components and systems using light-weight, wireless and cost effective microsensors and MEMS. An in-situ aircraft structural health monitoring system, with sensors embedded in the composite structure or surface-mounted on the structure, would permit the timely detection of damage in aircraft. Micromachining offers the potential for fabricating a range of microsensor and MEMS for structural applications including load, vibration and acoustics characterization and monitoring. Such microsensors are extremely small; they can be embedded into structural materials, can be mass-produced and are therefore potentially cheap. The smart sensors are being developed using the standard microelectronics and micromachining in conjunction with novel Penn State wireless communication systems suitable for condition monitoring of aircraft structures in-flight. The main application areas of this investigation include continuos monitoring of a) structural integrity of aging aircraft, b) fatigue cracking, c) corrosion, d) deflection and strain of aircraft structures, wings, and rotorblades, e) impact damage, f) delamination and g) location and propagation of cracks. In this paper we give an overview of wireless programmable microsensors and MEMS and their associated driving electronics for such applications.

Construction and Setup of a Bench-scale Algal Photosynthetic Bioreactor with Temperature, Light, and pH Monitoring for Kinetic Growth Tests.

PubMed

Karam, Amanda L; McMillan, Catherine C; Lai, Yi-Chun; de Los Reyes, Francis L; Sederoff, Heike W; Grunden, Amy M; Ranjithan, Ranji S; Levis, James W; Ducoste, Joel J

2017-06-14

The optimal design and operation of photosynthetic bioreactors (PBRs) for microalgal cultivation is essential for improving the environmental and economic performance of microalgae-based biofuel production. Models that estimate microalgal growth under different conditions can help to optimize PBR design and operation. To be effective, the growth parameters used in these models must be accurately determined. Algal growth experiments are often constrained by the dynamic nature of the culture environment, and control systems are needed to accurately determine the kinetic parameters. The first step in setting up a controlled batch experiment is live data acquisition and monitoring. This protocol outlines a process for the assembly and operation of a bench-scale photosynthetic bioreactor that can be used to conduct microalgal growth experiments. This protocol describes how to size and assemble a flat-plate, bench-scale PBR from acrylic. It also details how to configure a PBR with continuous pH, light, and temperature monitoring using a data acquisition and control unit, analog sensors, and open-source data acquisition software.

Construction and Setup of a Bench-scale Algal Photosynthetic Bioreactor with Temperature, Light, and pH Monitoring for Kinetic Growth Tests

PubMed Central

Karam, Amanda L.; McMillan, Catherine C.; Lai, Yi-Chun; de los Reyes, Francis L.; Sederoff, Heike W.; Grunden, Amy M.; Ranjithan, Ranji S.; Levis, James W.; Ducoste, Joel J.

2017-01-01

The optimal design and operation of photosynthetic bioreactors (PBRs) for microalgal cultivation is essential for improving the environmental and economic performance of microalgae-based biofuel production. Models that estimate microalgal growth under different conditions can help to optimize PBR design and operation. To be effective, the growth parameters used in these models must be accurately determined. Algal growth experiments are often constrained by the dynamic nature of the culture environment, and control systems are needed to accurately determine the kinetic parameters. The first step in setting up a controlled batch experiment is live data acquisition and monitoring. This protocol outlines a process for the assembly and operation of a bench-scale photosynthetic bioreactor that can be used to conduct microalgal growth experiments. This protocol describes how to size and assemble a flat-plate, bench-scale PBR from acrylic. It also details how to configure a PBR with continuous pH, light, and temperature monitoring using a data acquisition and control unit, analog sensors, and open-source data acquisition software. PMID:28654054

40 CFR 65.104 - Instrument and sensory monitoring for leaks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... calibration gas other than methane in air may be used if the instrument does not respond to methane or if the.... (i) Valves in gas/vapor service and in light liquid service shall be monitored pursuant to § 65.106(b). (ii) Pumps in light liquid service shall be monitored pursuant to § 65.107(b). (iii) Connectors in gas...

40 CFR 65.104 - Instrument and sensory monitoring for leaks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... calibration gas other than methane in air may be used if the instrument does not respond to methane or if the.... (i) Valves in gas/vapor service and in light liquid service shall be monitored pursuant to § 65.106(b). (ii) Pumps in light liquid service shall be monitored pursuant to § 65.107(b). (iii) Connectors in gas...

WEclMon - A simple and robust camera-based system to monitor Drosophila eclosion under optogenetic manipulation and natural conditions.

PubMed

Ruf, Franziska; Fraunholz, Martin; Öchsner, Konrad; Kaderschabek, Johann; Wegener, Christian

2017-01-01

Eclosion in flies and other insects is a circadian-gated behaviour under control of a central and a peripheral clock. It is not influenced by the motivational state of an animal, and thus presents an ideal paradigm to study the relation and signalling pathways between central and peripheral clocks, and downstream peptidergic regulatory systems. Little is known, however, about eclosion rhythmicity under natural conditions, and research into this direction is hampered by the physically closed design of current eclosion monitoring systems. We describe a novel open eclosion monitoring system (WEclMon) that allows the puparia to come into direct contact with light, temperature and humidity. We demonstrate that the system can be used both in the laboratory and outdoors, and shows a performance similar to commercial closed funnel-type monitors. Data analysis is semi-automated based on a macro toolset for the open imaging software Fiji. Due to its open design, the WEclMon is also well suited for optogenetic experiments. A small screen to identify putative neuroendocrine signals mediating time from the central clock to initiate eclosion showed that optogenetic activation of ETH-, EH and myosuppressin neurons can induce precocious eclosion. Genetic ablation of myosuppressin-expressing neurons did, however, not affect eclosion rhythmicity.

WEclMon – A simple and robust camera-based system to monitor Drosophila eclosion under optogenetic manipulation and natural conditions

PubMed Central

Ruf, Franziska; Fraunholz, Martin; Öchsner, Konrad; Kaderschabek, Johann

2017-01-01

Eclosion in flies and other insects is a circadian-gated behaviour under control of a central and a peripheral clock. It is not influenced by the motivational state of an animal, and thus presents an ideal paradigm to study the relation and signalling pathways between central and peripheral clocks, and downstream peptidergic regulatory systems. Little is known, however, about eclosion rhythmicity under natural conditions, and research into this direction is hampered by the physically closed design of current eclosion monitoring systems. We describe a novel open eclosion monitoring system (WEclMon) that allows the puparia to come into direct contact with light, temperature and humidity. We demonstrate that the system can be used both in the laboratory and outdoors, and shows a performance similar to commercial closed funnel-type monitors. Data analysis is semi-automated based on a macro toolset for the open imaging software Fiji. Due to its open design, the WEclMon is also well suited for optogenetic experiments. A small screen to identify putative neuroendocrine signals mediating time from the central clock to initiate eclosion showed that optogenetic activation of ETH-, EH and myosuppressin neurons can induce precocious eclosion. Genetic ablation of myosuppressin-expressing neurons did, however, not affect eclosion rhythmicity. PMID:28658318

Analysis of de-noising methods to improve the precision of the ILSF BPM electronic readout system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shafiee, M.; Feghhi, S. A. H.; Rahighi, J.

2016-12-01

In order to have optimum operation and precise control system at particle accelerators, it is required to measure the beam position with the precision of sub-μm. We developed a BPM electronic readout system at Iranian Light Source Facility and it has been experimentally tested at ALBA accelerator facility. The results show the precision of 0.54 μm in beam position measurements. To improve the precision of this beam position monitoring system to sub-μm level, we have studied different de-noising methods such as principal component analysis, wavelet transforms, filtering by FIR, and direct averaging method. An evaluation of the noise reduction was given to testify the ability of these methods. The results show that the noise reduction based on Daubechies wavelet transform is better than other algorithms, and the method is suitable for signal noise reduction in beam position monitoring system.

System Developed for Real-Time Blade-Flutter Monitoring in the Wind Tunnel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kurkov, Anatole P.; Dhadwal, Harbans S.; Radzikowski, mark; Strukov, Dmitri

2005-01-01

A real-time system has been developed to monitor flutter vibrations in turbomachinery. The system is designed for continuous processing of blade tip timing data at a rate of 10 MB/sec. A USB 2.0 interface provides uninterrupted real-time processing of the data, and the blade-tip arrival times are measured with a 50-MHz oscillator and a 24-bit pipelined architecture counter. The input stage includes a glitch catcher, which reduces the probability of detecting a ghost blade to negligible levels. A graphical user interface provides online interrogation of any blade tip from any light probe sensor. Alternatively, data from all blades and all sensors can be superimposed into a single composite scatter plot displaying the vibration amplitude of each blade.

Utility gas turbine combustor viewing system: Volume 2, Engine operating envelope test: Final report

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

Morey, W.W.

1988-12-01

This report summarizes the development and field testing of a combustor viewing probe (CVP) as a flame diagnostic monitor for utility gas turbine engines. The prototype system is capable of providing a visual record of combustor flame images, recording flame spectral data, analyzing image and spectral data, and diagnosing certain engine malfunctions. The system should provide useful diagnostic information to utility plant operators, and reduced maintenance costs. The field tests demonstrated the ability of the CVP to monitor combustor flame condition and to relate changes in the engine operation with variations in the flame signature. Engine light off, run upmore » to full speed, the addition of load, and the effect of water injection for NO/sub x/ control could easily be identified on the video monitor. The viewing probe was also valuable in identifying hard startups and shutdowns, as well as transient effects that can seriously harm the engine.« less

Utility gas turbine combustor viewing system: Volume 1, Conceptual design and initial field testing: Final report

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

Morey, W.W.

1988-12-01

This report summarizes the development and field testing of a combustor viewing probe (CVP) as a flame diagnostic monitor for utility gas turbine engines. The prototype system is capable of providing a visual record of combustor flame images, recording flame spectral data, analyzing image and spectral data, and diagnosing certain engine malfunctions. The system should provide useful diagnostic information to utility plant operators, and reduce maintenance costs. The field tests demonstrated the ability of the CVP to monitor combustor flame condition and to relate changes in the engine operation with variations in the flame signature. Engine light off, run upmore » to full speed, the addition of load, and the effect of water injection for NO/sub x/ control could easily be identified on the video monitor. The viewing probe was also valuable in identifying hard startups and shutdowns, as well as transient effects that can seriously harm the engine. 11 refs.« less

Wireless physiological monitoring and ocular tracking: 3D calibration in a fully-immersive virtual health care environment.

PubMed

Zhang, Lelin; Chi, Yu Mike; Edelstein, Eve; Schulze, Jurgen; Gramann, Klaus; Velasquez, Alvaro; Cauwenberghs, Gert; Macagno, Eduardo

2010-01-01

Wireless physiological/neurological monitoring in virtual reality (VR) offers a unique opportunity for unobtrusively quantifying human responses to precisely controlled and readily modulated VR representations of health care environments. Here we present such a wireless, light-weight head-mounted system for measuring electrooculogram (EOG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) activity in human subjects interacting with and navigating in the Calit2 StarCAVE, a five-sided immersive 3-D visualization VR environment. The system can be easily expanded to include other measurements, such as cardiac activity and galvanic skin responses. We demonstrate the capacity of the system to track focus of gaze in 3-D and report a novel calibration procedure for estimating eye movements from responses to the presentation of a set of dynamic visual cues in the StarCAVE. We discuss cyber and clinical applications that include a 3-D cursor for visual navigation in VR interactive environments, and the monitoring of neurological and ocular dysfunction in vision/attention disorders.

Design of indoor temperature and humidity detection system based on single chip microcomputer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Xiuwei; Fu, Li; Ma, Tianhui

2018-03-01

The indoor temperature and humidity detection system based on STC15F2K60S2 is designed in this paper. The temperature and humidity sensor DHT22 to monitor the indoor temperature and humidity are used, and the temperature and humidity data to the user's handheld device are wirelessly transmitted, when the temperature reaches or exceeds the user set the temperature alarm value, and the system sound and light alarm, to remind the user.

Speckle-correlation monitoring of the internal micro-vascular flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zimnyakov, D. A.; Khmara, M. B.; Vilensky, M. A.; Kozlov, V. V.; Gorfinkel, I. V.; Zdrajevsky, R. A.

2009-10-01

The results of experimental study of possibility to monitor the micro-vascular blood flow in superficial tissues of various organs with the use of endoscope-based full-field speckle correlometer are presented. The blood microcirculation monitoring was carried out in the course of the laparotomy of abdominal cavity of laboratory animals (rats). Transfer of laser light to the area of interest and scattered radiation from the probed zone to the detector (CMOS camera) was carried out via fiber-optic bundles of endoscopic system. Microscopic hemodynamics was analyzed for small intestine, liver, spleen, kidney, and pancreas under different conditions (normal state, provocated peritonitis and ischemia, administration of vasodilative agents such as papaverine, lidocaine). The prospects and problems of internal monitoring of microvascular flow in laboratory and clinical conditions are discussed.

Measuring the color and brightness of artificial sky glow from cities using an all-sky imaging system calibrated with astronomical methods in the Johnson-Cousins B and V photometric systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pipkin, Ashley; Duriscoe, Dan M.; Lughinbuhl, Christian

2017-01-01

Artificial light at night, when observed at some distance from a city, results in a dome of sky glow, brightest at the horizon. The spectral power distribution of electric light utilized will determine its color of the light dome and the amount of light will determine its brightness. Recent outdoor lighting technologies have included blue-rich light emitting diode (LED) sources that may increase the relative amount of blue to green light in sky glow compared to typical high pressure sodium (HPS) sources with warmer spectra. Measuring and monitoring this effect is important to the preservation of night sky visual quality as seen from undeveloped areas outside the city, such as parks or other protected areas, since the dark-adapted human eye is more sensitive to blue and green. We present a method using a wide field CCD camera which images the entire sky in both Johnson V and B photometric bands. Standard stars within the images are used for calibration. The resulting all-sky brightness maps, and a derived B-V color index map, provide a means to assess and track the impact of specific outdoor lighting practices. We also present example data from several cities, including Las Vegas, Nevada, Flagstaff, Arizona, and Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Organ specificity in the plant circadian system is explained by different light inputs to the shoot and root clocks.

PubMed

Bordage, Simon; Sullivan, Stuart; Laird, Janet; Millar, Andrew J; Nimmo, Hugh G

2016-10-01

Circadian clocks allow the temporal compartmentalization of biological processes. In Arabidopsis, circadian rhythms display organ specificity but the underlying molecular causes have not been identified. We investigated the mechanisms responsible for the similarities and differences between the clocks of mature shoots and roots in constant conditions and in light : dark cycles. We developed an imaging system to monitor clock gene expression in shoots and light- or dark-grown roots, modified a recent mathematical model of the Arabidopsis clock and used this to simulate our new data. We showed that the shoot and root circadian clocks have different rhythmic properties (period and amplitude) and respond differently to light quality. The root clock was entrained by direct exposure to low-intensity light, even in antiphase to the illumination of shoots. Differences between the clocks were more pronounced in conditions where light was present than in constant darkness, and persisted in the presence of sucrose. We simulated the data successfully by modifying those parameters of a clock model that are related to light inputs. We conclude that differences and similarities between the shoot and root clocks can largely be explained by organ-specific light inputs. This provides mechanistic insight into the developing field of organ-specific clocks. © 2016 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2016 New Phytologist Trust.

Function of terahertz spectra in monitoring the decomposing process of biological macromolecules and in investigating the causes of photoinhibition.

PubMed

Qu, Yuangang; Zhang, Shuai; Lian, Yuji; Kuang, Tingyun

2017-03-01

Chlorophyll a and β-carotene play an important role in harvesting light energy, which is used to drive photosynthesis in plants. In this study, terahertz (THz) and visible range spectra of chlorophyll a and β-carotene and their changes under light treatment were investigated. The results show that the all THz transmission and absorption spectra of chlorophyll a and β-carotene changed upon light treatment, with the maximum changes at 15 min of illumination indicating the greatest changes of the collective vibrational mode of chlorophyll a and β-carotene. The absorption spectra of chlorophyll a in the visible light region decreased upon light treatment, signifying the degradation of chlorophyll a molecules. It can be inferred from these results that the THz spectra are very sensitive in monitoring the changes of the collective vibrational mode, despite the absence of changes in molecular configuration. The THz spectra can therefore be used to monitor the decomposing process of biological macromolecules; however, visible absorption spectra can only be used to monitor the breakdown extent of biological macromolecules.

Monitoring bacterial biofilms with a microfluidic flow chip designed for imaging with white-light interferometry

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

Brann, Michelle; Suter, Jonathan D.; Addleman, R. Shane

There is a need for imaging and sensing instrumentation that can monitor transitions in biofilm structure in order to better understand biofilm development and emergent properties such as anti-microbial resistance. Herein, we expanded on our previously reported technique for measuring and monitoring the thickness and topology of live biofilms using white-light interferometry (WLI). A flow cell designed for WLI enabled the use of this non-disruptive imaging method for the capture of high resolution three-dimensional profile images of biofilm growth over time. The fine axial resolution (3 nm) and wide field of view (>1 mm by 1 mm) enabled detection ofmore » biofilm formation as early as three hours after inoculation of the flow cell with a live bacterial culture (Pseudomonas fluorescens). WLI imaging facilitated monitoring the early stages of biofilm development and subtle variations in the structure of mature biofilms. Minimally-invasive imaging enabled monitoring of biofilm structure with surface metrology metrics (e.g., surface roughness). The system was used to observe a transition in biofilm structure that occurred in response to expsoure to a common antiseptic. In the future, WLI and the biofilm imaging cell described herein may be used to test the effectiveness of biofilm-specific therapies to combat common diseases associated with biofilm formation such as cystic fibrosis and periodontitis.« less

MRMer, an interactive open source and cross-platform system for data extraction and visualization of multiple reaction monitoring experiments.

PubMed

Martin, Daniel B; Holzman, Ted; May, Damon; Peterson, Amelia; Eastham, Ashley; Eng, Jimmy; McIntosh, Martin

2008-11-01

Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry identifies and quantifies specific peptides in a complex mixture with very high sensitivity and speed and thus has promise for the high throughput screening of clinical samples for candidate biomarkers. We have developed an interactive software platform, called MRMer, for managing highly complex MRM-MS experiments, including quantitative analyses using heavy/light isotopic peptide pairs. MRMer parses and extracts information from MS files encoded in the platform-independent mzXML data format. It extracts and infers precursor-product ion transition pairings, computes integrated ion intensities, and permits rapid visual curation for analyses exceeding 1000 precursor-product pairs. Results can be easily output for quantitative comparison of consecutive runs. Additionally MRMer incorporates features that permit the quantitative analysis experiments including heavy and light isotopic peptide pairs. MRMer is open source and provided under the Apache 2.0 license.

Fiber-Optic Sensor Would Monitor Growth of Polymer Film

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beamesderfer, Michael

2005-01-01

A proposed optoelectronic sensor system would measure the increase in thickness of a film of parylene (a thermoplastic polymer made from para-xylene) during growth of the film in a vapor deposition process. By enabling real-time monitoring of film thickness, the system would make it possible to identify process conditions favorable for growth and to tailor the final thickness of the film with greater precision than is now possible. The heart of the sensor would be a pair of fiber-optic Fabry-Perot interferometers, depicted schematically in the figure. (In principle, a single such interferometer would suffice. The proposal calls for the use of two interferometers for protective redundancy and increased accuracy.) Each interferometer would include a light source, a fiber-optic coupler, and photodetectors in a control box outside the deposition chamber. A single-mode optical fiber for each interferometer would run from inside the control box to a fused-silica faceplate in a sensor head. The sensory tips of the optical fibers would be polished flush with the free surface of the faceplate. In preparation for use, the sensor head would be mounted with a hermetic seal in a feed-through port in the deposition chamber, such that free face of the faceplate and the sensory tips of the optical fibers would be exposed to the deposition environment. During operation, light would travel along each optical fiber from the control box to the sensor head. A small portion of the light would be reflected toward the control box from the end face of each fiber. Once growth of the parylene film started, a small portion of the light would also be reflected toward the control box from the outer surface of the film. In the control box, the two reflected portions of the light beam would interfere in one of the photodetectors. The difference between the phases of the interfering reflected portions of the light beam would vary in proportion to the increasing thickness of the film and the known index of refraction of the film, causing the photodetector reading to vary in proportion to a known sinusoidal function of film thickness. Electronic means of monitoring this variation and the corresponding variation in phase and thickness are well established in the art of interferometry. Hence, by tracking the cumulative change in phase difference from the beginning of deposition, one could track the growing thickness of the film to within a small fraction of a wavelength of light.

Digital radiography in general dental practice: a field study.

PubMed

Hellén-Halme, K; Nilsson, M; Petersson, A

2007-07-01

The aim of this study was to conduct a field study to survey the performance of digital radiography and how it was used by dentists in general dental practice. 19 general dental practitioners were visited at their clinics. Ambient light (illuminance) was measured in the rooms where the monitors were placed. Different technical display parameters were noted. Test images and two phantoms--one low-contrast phantom and one line-pair resolution phantom--were used to evaluate the digital system. How the dentists used the enhancement program was investigated by noting which functions were used. Average illuminance in the operating room was 668 lux (range 190-1250 lux). On radiographs of the low-contrast phantom taken at the clinic, the ability to observe the holes decreased as illuminance increased. On average, the "light percentage" initially set on the monitor had to be decreased by 17% and contrast by 10% to optimize the display of the test images. The general dental practitioners used the enhancement programs most often to alter brightness and contrast to obtain the subjectively best image. Large differences between the clinics were noted. Knowledge of how to handle digital equipment in general dental practice should be improved. A calibrated monitor of good quality should be a given priority, as should proper ambient light conditions. There is a need to develop standardized quality controls for digital dental radiography.

Design of a visible-light spectroscopy clinical tissue oximeter.

PubMed

Benaron, David A; Parachikov, Ilian H; Cheong, Wai-Fung; Friedland, Shai; Rubinsky, Boris E; Otten, David M; Liu, Frank W H; Levinson, Carl J; Murphy, Aileen L; Price, John W; Talmi, Yair; Weersing, James P; Duckworth, Joshua L; Hörchner, Uwe B; Kermit, Eben L

2005-01-01

We develop a clinical visible-light spectroscopy (VLS) tissue oximeter. Unlike currently approved near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) or pulse oximetry (SpO2%), VLS relies on locally absorbed, shallow-penetrating visible light (475 to 625 nm) for the monitoring of microvascular hemoglobin oxygen saturation (StO2%), allowing incorporation into therapeutic catheters and probes. A range of probes is developed, including noncontact wands, invasive catheters, and penetrating needles with injection ports. Data are collected from: 1. probes, standards, and reference solutions to optimize each component; 2. ex vivo hemoglobin solutions analyzed for StO2% and pO2 during deoxygenation; and 3. human subject skin and mucosal tissue surfaces. Results show that differential VLS allows extraction of features and minimization of scattering effects, in vitro VLS oximetry reproduces the expected sigmoid hemoglobin binding curve, and in vivo VLS spectroscopy of human tissue allows for real-time monitoring (e.g., gastrointestinal mucosal saturation 69+/-4%, n=804; gastrointestinal tumor saturation 45+/-23%, n=14; and p<0.0001), with reproducible values and small standard deviations (SDs) in normal tissues. FDA approved VLS systems began shipping earlier this year. We conclude that VLS is suitable for the real-time collection of spectroscopic and oximetric data from human tissues, and that a VLS oximeter has application to the monitoring of localized subsurface hemoglobin oxygen saturation in the microvascular tissue spaces of human subjects.

Analysis of the Light Transmission Ability of Reinforcing Glass Fibers Used in Polymer Composites.

PubMed

Hegedűs, Gergely; Sarkadi, Tamás; Czigány, Tibor

2017-06-10

This goal of our research was to show that E-glass fiber bundles used for reinforcing composites can be enabled to transmit light in a common resin without any special preparation (without removing the sizing). The power of the transmitted light was measured and the attenuation coefficient, which characterizes the fiber bundle, was determined. Although the attenuation coefficient depends on temperature and the wavelength of the light, it is independent of the power of incident light, the quality of coupling, and the length of the specimen. The refractive index of commercially available transparent resins was measured and it was proved that a resin with a refractive index lower than that of the fiber can be used to make a composite whose fibers are capable of transmitting light. The effects of temperature, compression of the fibers, and the shape of fiber ends on the power of transmitted light were examined. The measurement of emitted light can provide information about the health of the fibers. This can be the basis of a simple health monitoring system in the case of general-purpose composite structures.

Analysis of the Light Transmission Ability of Reinforcing Glass Fibers Used in Polymer Composites

PubMed Central

Hegedűs, Gergely; Sarkadi, Tamás; Czigány, Tibor

2017-01-01

This goal of our research was to show that E-glass fiber bundles used for reinforcing composites can be enabled to transmit light in a common resin without any special preparation (without removing the sizing). The power of the transmitted light was measured and the attenuation coefficient, which characterizes the fiber bundle, was determined. Although the attenuation coefficient depends on temperature and the wavelength of the light, it is independent of the power of incident light, the quality of coupling, and the length of the specimen. The refractive index of commercially available transparent resins was measured and it was proved that a resin with a refractive index lower than that of the fiber can be used to make a composite whose fibers are capable of transmitting light. The effects of temperature, compression of the fibers, and the shape of fiber ends on the power of transmitted light were examined. The measurement of emitted light can provide information about the health of the fibers. This can be the basis of a simple health monitoring system in the case of general-purpose composite structures. PMID:28772996

Measuring the Photocatalytic Breakdown of Crystal Violet Dye using a Light Emitting Diode Approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ryan, Robert E.; Underwood, Lauren W.; O'Neal, Duane; Pagnutti, Mary; Davis, Bruce A.

2009-01-01

A simple method to estimate the photocatalytic reactivity performance of spray-on titanium dioxide coatings for transmissive glass surfaces was developed. This novel technique provides a standardized method to evaluate the efficiency of photocatalytic material systems over a variety of illumination levels. To date, photocatalysis assessments have generally been conducted using mercury black light lamps. Illumination levels for these types of lamps are difficult to vary, consequently limiting their use for assessing material performance under a diverse range of simulated environmental conditions. This new technique uses an ultraviolet (UV) gallium nitride (GaN) light emitting diode (LED) array instead of a traditional black light to initiate and sustain photocatalytic breakdown. This method was tested with a UV-resistant dye (crystal violet) applied to a titanium dioxide coated glass slide. Experimental control is accomplished by applying crystal violet to both titanium dioxide coated slides and uncoated control slides. A slide is illuminated by the UV LED array, at various light levels representative of outdoor and indoor conditions, from the dye side of the slide. To monitor degradation of the dye over time, a temperature-stabilized white light LED, whose emission spectrum overlaps with the dye absorption spectrum, is used to illuminate the opposite side of the slide. Using a spectrometer, the amount of light from the white light LED transmitted through the slide as the dye degrades is monitored as a function of wavelength and time and is subsequently analyzed. In this way, the rate of degradation for photocatalytically coated versus uncoated slide surfaces can be compared. Results demonstrate that the dye absorption decreased much more rapidly on the photocatalytically coated slides than on the control uncoated slides, and that dye degradation is dependent on illumination level. For photocatalytic activity assessment purposes, this experimental configuration and methodology minimizes many external variable effects and enables small changes in absorption to be measured. This research also compares the advantages of this innovative LED light source design over traditional mercury black light systems and non- LED lamp approaches. This novel technology begins to address the growing need for a standard method that can assess the performance of photocatalytic materials before deployment for large scale, real world use.

Surveillance methods for identifying, characterizing, and monitoring tobacco products: potential reduced exposure products as an example

PubMed Central

O’Connor, Richard J.; Cummings, K. Michael; Rees, Vaughan W.; Connolly, Gregory N.; Norton, Kaila J.; Sweanor, David; Parascandola, Mark; Hatsukami, Dorothy K.; Shields, Peter G.

2015-01-01

Tobacco products are widely sold and marketed, yet integrated data systems for identifying, tracking, and characterizing products are lacking. Tobacco manufacturers recently have developed potential reduction exposure products (PREPs) with implied or explicit health claims. Currently, a systematic approach for identifying, defining, and evaluating PREPs sold at the local, state or national levels in the US has not been developed. Identifying, characterizing, and monitoring new tobacco products could be greatly enhanced with a responsive surveillance system. This paper critically reviews available surveillance data sources for identifying and tracking tobacco products, including PREPs, evaluating strengths and weaknesses of potential data sources in light of their reliability and validity. Absent regulations mandating disclosure of product-specific information, it is likely that public health officials will need to rely on a variety of imperfect data sources to help identify, characterize, and monitor tobacco products, including PREPs. PMID:19959680

Fiber optic Raman sensor to monitor the concentration ratio of nitrogen and oxygen in a cryogenic mixture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiwari, Vidhu S.; Kalluru, Rajamohan R.; Yueh, Fang Y.; Singh, Jagdish P.; St. Cyr, William; Khijwania, Sunil K.

2007-06-01

A spontaneous Raman scattering optical fiber sensor was developed for a specific need of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for long-term detection and monitoring of the purity of liquid oxygen (LO2) in the oxidizer feed line during ground testing of rocket engines. The Raman peak intensity ratios for liquid nitrogen (LN2) and LO2 with varied weight ratios (LN2/LO2) were analyzed for their applicability to impurity sensing. The study of the sensor performance with different excitation light sources has helped to design a miniaturized, cost-effective system for this application. The optimal system response time of this miniaturized sensor for LN2/LO2 measurement was found to be in the range of a few seconds. It will need to be further reduced to the millisecond range for real-time, quantitative monitoring of the quality of cryogenic fluids in a harsh envioronment.

Cavity Attenuated Phase Shift (CAPS) Monitor Instrument Handbook

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

Sedlacek, Arthur J.

2016-04-01

The CAPS PMex monitor is a cavity attenuated phase shift extinction instrument. It operates as an optical extinction spectrometer, using a visible-light-emitting diode (LED) as the light source, a sample cell incorporating two high-reflectivity mirrors centered at the wavelength of the LED, and a vacuum photodiode detector. Its efficacy is based on the fact that aerosols are broadband scatterers and absorbers of light.

Why a Network Energy Monitoring and Control System?

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-01-01

years to complete as they were modified to work with existing, frequently very old, buildings. The benefits derived from those systems that did work were...or groups of workstations, then certain of the occupants could be tasked to turn off their respective lighting. The advantage is the increased...units. Duty Cycle (Strategy J) This strategy takes advantage of the oversizing of the air handling unit. The air handling unit is sized for a peak load

Detection of nitrogen dioxide by CW cavity-enhanced spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jie, Guo; Han, Ye-Xing; Yu, Zhi-Wei; Tang, Huai-Wu

2016-11-01

In the paper, an accurate and sensitive system was used to monitor the ambient atmospheric NO2 concentrations. This system utilizes cavity attenuated phase shift spectroscopy(CAPS), a technology related to cavity ring down spectroscopy(CRDS). Advantages of the CAPS system include such as: (1) cheap and easy to control the light source, (2) high accuracy, and (3) low detection limit. The performance of the CAPS system was evaluated by measuring of the stability and response of the system. The minima ( 0.08 ppb NO2) in the Allan plots show the optimum average time( 100s) for optimum detection performance of the CAPS system. Over a 20-day-long period of the ambient atmospheric NO2 concentrations monitoring, a comparison of the CAPS system with an extremely accurate and precise chemiluminescence-based NOx analyzer showed that the CAPS system was able to reliably and quantitatively measure both large and small fluctuations in the ambient nitrogen dioxide concentration. The experimental results show that the measuring instrument results correlation is 0.95.

Perspective: New Recommendations for the Treatment of Systemic Hypertension and their Potential Implications for Glaucoma Management.

PubMed

De Moraes, Carlos Gustavo; Cioffi, George A; Weinreb, Robert N; Liebmann, Jeffrey M

2018-05-10

There is compelling evidence that low systemic blood pressure is associated with glaucoma prevalence and progression. Recently, new guidelines for treatment of systemic hypertension have been implemented and recommend lower target blood pressure. These guidelines may have implications on the rates of glaucoma progression seen in clinical practice and how clinicians should be prepared to identify patients at risk. More importantly, a new paradigm to monitor glaucoma progression is patients treated for systemic hypertension may be warranted in light of these recent changes.

Remote photoplethysmography system for unsupervised monitoring regional anesthesia effectiveness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rubins, U.; Miscuks, A.; Marcinkevics, Z.; Lange, M.

2017-12-01

Determining the level of regional anesthesia (RA) is vitally important to both an anesthesiologist and surgeon, also knowing the RA level can protect the patient and reduce the time of surgery. Normally to detect the level of RA, usually a simple subjective (sensitivity test) and complicated quantitative methods (thermography, neuromyography, etc.) are used, but there is not yet a standardized method for objective RA detection and evaluation. In this study, the advanced remote photoplethysmography imaging (rPPG) system for unsupervised monitoring of human palm RA is demonstrated. The rPPG system comprises compact video camera with green optical filter, surgical lamp as a light source and a computer with custom-developed software. The algorithm implemented in Matlab software recognizes the palm and two dermatomes (Medial and Ulnar innervation), calculates the perfusion map and perfusion changes in real-time to detect effect of RA. Seven patients (aged 18-80 years) undergoing hand surgery received peripheral nerve brachial plexus blocks during the measurements. Clinical experiments showed that our rPPG system is able to perform unsupervised monitoring of RA.

A compact CCD-monitored atomic force microscope with optical vision and improved performances.

PubMed

Mingyue, Liu; Haijun, Zhang; Dongxian, Zhang

2013-09-01

A novel CCD-monitored atomic force microscope (AFM) with optical vision and improved performances has been developed. Compact optical paths are specifically devised for both tip-sample microscopic monitoring and cantilever's deflection detecting with minimized volume and optimal light-amplifying ratio. The ingeniously designed AFM probe with such optical paths enables quick and safe tip-sample approaching, convenient and effective tip-sample positioning, and high quality image scanning. An image stitching method is also developed to build a wider-range AFM image under monitoring. Experiments show that this AFM system can offer real-time optical vision for tip-sample monitoring with wide visual field and/or high lateral optical resolution by simply switching the objective; meanwhile, it has the elegant performances of nanometer resolution, high stability, and high scan speed. Furthermore, it is capable of conducting wider-range image measurement while keeping nanometer resolution. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Autonomous Mission Operations Roadmap

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frank, Jeremy David

2014-01-01

As light time delays increase, the number of such situations in which crew autonomy is the best way to conduct the mission is expected to increase. However, there are significant open questions regarding which functions to allocate to ground and crew as the time delays increase. In situations where the ideal solution is to allocate responsibility to the crew and the vehicle, a second question arises: should the activity be the responsibility of the crew or an automated vehicle function? More specifically, we must answer the following questions: What aspects of mission operation responsibilities (Plan, Train, Fly) should be allocated to ground based or vehicle based planning, monitoring, and control in the presence of significant light-time delay between the vehicle and the Earth?How should the allocated ground based planning, monitoring, and control be distributed across the flight control team and ground system automation? How should the allocated vehicle based planning, monitoring, and control be distributed between the flight crew and onboard system automation?When during the mission should responsibility shift from flight control team to crew or from crew to vehicle, and what should the process of shifting responsibility be as the mission progresses? NASA is developing a roadmap of capabilities for Autonomous Mission Operations for human spaceflight. This presentation will describe the current state of development of this roadmap, with specific attention to in-space inspection tasks that crews might perform with minimum assistance from the ground.

Towards real-time non contact spatial resolved oxygenation monitoring using a multi spectral filter array camera in various light conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bauer, Jacob R.; van Beekum, Karlijn; Klaessens, John; Noordmans, Herke Jan; Boer, Christa; Hardeberg, Jon Y.; Verdaasdonk, Rudolf M.

2018-02-01

Non contact spatial resolved oxygenation measurements remain an open challenge in the biomedical field and non contact patient monitoring. Although point measurements are the clinical standard till this day, regional differences in the oxygenation will improve the quality and safety of care. Recent developments in spectral imaging resulted in spectral filter array cameras (SFA). These provide the means to acquire spatial spectral videos in real-time and allow a spatial approach to spectroscopy. In this study, the performance of a 25 channel near infrared SFA camera was studied to obtain spatial oxygenation maps of hands during an occlusion of the left upper arm in 7 healthy volunteers. For comparison a clinical oxygenation monitoring system, INVOS, was used as a reference. In case of the NIRS SFA camera, oxygenation curves were derived from 2-3 wavelength bands with a custom made fast analysis software using a basic algorithm. Dynamic oxygenation changes were determined with the NIR SFA camera and INVOS system at different regional locations of the occluded versus non-occluded hands and showed to be in good agreement. To increase the signal to noise ratio, algorithm and image acquisition were optimised. The measurement were robust to different illumination conditions with NIR light sources. This study shows that imaging of relative oxygenation changes over larger body areas is potentially possible in real time.

Research on visible and near infrared spectral-polarimetric properties of soil polluted by crude oil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Hui-yan; Zhou, Pu-cheng; Pan, Bang-long

2017-10-01

Hydrocarbon contaminated soil can impose detrimental effects on forest health and quality of agricultural products. To manage such consequences, oil leak indicators should be detected quickly by monitoring systems. Remote sensing is one of the most suitable techniques for monitoring systems, especially for areas which are uninhabitable and difficulty to access. The most available physical quantities in optical remote sensing domain are the intensity and spectral information obtained by visible or infrared sensors. However, besides the intensity and wavelength, polarization is another primary physical quantity associated with an optical field. During the course of reflecting light-wave, the surface of soil polluted by crude oil will cause polarimetric properties which are related to the nature of itself. Thus, detection of the spectralpolarimetric properties for soil polluted by crude oil has become a new remote sensing monitoring method. In this paper, the multi-angle spectral-polarimetric instrument was used to obtain multi-angle visible and near infrared spectralpolarimetric characteristic data of soil polluted by crude oil. And then, the change rule between polarimetric properties with different affecting factors, such as viewing zenith angle, incidence zenith angle of the light source, relative azimuth angle, waveband of the detector as well as different grain size of soil were discussed, so as to provide a scientific basis for the research on polarization remote sensing for soil polluted by crude oil.

Shipborne LiDAR system for coastal change monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, chang hwan; Park, chang hong; Kim, hyun wook; hyuck Kim, won; Lee, myoung hoon; Park, hyeon yeong

2016-04-01

Coastal areas, used as human utilization areas like leisure space, medical care, ports and power plants, etc., are regions that are continuously changing and interconnected with oceans and land and the sea level has risen by about 8cm (1.9mm / yr) due to global warming from 1964 year to 2006 year in Korea. Coastal erosion due to sea-level rise has caused the problem of marine ecosystems and loss of tourism resources, etc. Regular monitoring of coastal erosion is essential at key locations with such volatility. But the survey method of land mobile LiDAR (light detection and ranging) system has much time consuming and many restrictions. For effective monitoring beach erosion, KIOST (Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology) has constructed a shipborne mobile LiDAR system. The shipborne mobile LiDAR system comprised a land mobile LiDAR (RIEGL LMS-420i), an INS (inertial navigation system, MAGUS Inertial+), a RTKGPS (LEICA GS15 GS25), and a fixed platform. The shipborne mobile LiDAR system is much more effective than a land mobile LiDAR system in the measuring of fore shore areas without shadow zone. Because the vessel with the shipborne mobile LiDAR system is continuously moved along the shoreline, it is possible to efficiently survey a large area in a relatively short time. Effective monitoring of the changes using the constructed shipborne mobile LiDAR system for seriously eroded coastal areas will be able to contribute to coastal erosion management and response.

Influence of room lighting on grey-scale perception with a CRT-and a TFT monitor display.

PubMed

Haak, R; Wicht, M J; Hellmich, M; Nowak, G; Noack, M J

2002-05-01

To determine the influence of ambient lighting on grey-scale perception using a cathode-ray tube (CRT) and a thin film transistor (TFT) computer display. A cathode ray tube (Nokia XS 446) and a liquid crystal display (Panasonic LC 50S) were used at reduced room lighting (70 lux) and under conditions recommended for a dental operatory (1000 lux). Twenty-seven observers examined twice a modified SMPTE test pattern [0 to 255; 255 to 0] grey-scale values. The corresponding contrast differences were allocated to four ranges of grey levels (I: 0-63; II: 64-127; III: 128-191; IV: 192-255). The influences of monitor type, grey-scale range and illumination were evaluated by means of repeated measures analysis of variance. Detection of differences in monochromatic intensity was significantly earlier with reduced lighting (P<0.0001). When full ambient lighting was used, the TFT display was superior compared to the CRT monitor in ranges II and III (P<0.0001), whereas no differences could be detected for grey intensities between 0 and 63 (P=0.71) and between 192 and 255 (P=0.36). Background lighting hampers grey-scale perception on computer displays. In this study of one TFT and one CRT monitor, the TFT in full ambient lighting was associated with earlier detection of grey scale differences than CRT.

Process Analyzer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1994-01-01

The ChemScan UV-6100 is a spectrometry system originally developed by Biotronics Technologies, Inc. under a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract. It is marketed to the water and wastewater treatment industries, replacing "grab sampling" with on-line data collection. It analyzes the light absorbance characteristics of a water sample, simultaneously detects hundreds of individual wavelengths absorbed by chemical substances in a process solution, and quantifies the information. Spectral data is then processed by ChemScan analyzer and compared with calibration files in the system's memory in order to calculate concentrations of chemical substances that cause UV light absorbance in specific patterns. Monitored substances can be analyzed for quality and quantity. Applications include detection of a variety of substances, and the information provided enables an operator to control a process more efficiently.

Light scattering techniques for the characterization of optical components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hauptvogel, M.; Schröder, S.; Herffurth, T.; Trost, M.; von Finck, A.; Duparré, A.; Weigel, T.

2017-11-01

The rapid developments in optical technologies generate increasingly higher and sometimes completely new demands on the quality of materials, surfaces, components, and systems. Examples for such driving applications are the steadily shrinking feature sizes in semiconductor lithography, nanostructured functional surfaces for consumer optics, and advanced optical systems for astronomy and space applications. The reduction of surface defects as well as the minimization of roughness and other scatter-relevant irregularities are essential factors in all these areas of application. Quality-monitoring for analysing and improving those properties must ensure that even minimal defects and roughness values can be detected reliably. Light scattering methods have a high potential for a non-contact, rapid, efficient, and sensitive determination of roughness, surface structures, and defects.

10-kW-class YAG laser application for heavy components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishide, Takashi; Tsubota, S.; Nayama, Michisuke; Shimokusu, Yoshiaki; Nagashima, Tadashi; Okimura, K.

2000-02-01

The authors have put the YAG laser of the kW class to practical use for repair welding of nuclear power plant steam generator heat exchanger tubes, all-position welding of pipings, etc. This paper describes following developed methods and systems of high power YAG laser processing. First, we apply the 6 kW to 10 kW YAG lasers for welding and cutting in heavy components. The beam guide systems we have used are optical fibers which core diameter is 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm and its length is 200 m as standard one. Using these system, we can get the 1 pass penetration of 15 mm to 20 mm and multi pass welding for more thick plates. Cutting of 100 mm thickness plate data also described for dismantling of nuclear power plants. In these systems we carried out the in-process monitoring by using CCD camera image processing and monitoring fiber which placed coaxial to the YAG optical lens system. In- process monitoring by the monitoring fiber, we measured the light intensity from welding area. Further, we have developed new hybrid welding with the TIG electrode at the center of lens for high power. The hybrid welding with TIG-YAG system aims lightening of welding groove allowances and welding of high quality. Through these techniques we have applied 7 kW class YAG laser for welding in the components of nuclear power plants.

Prototype for measuring pupil size changes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ventura, Liliane; Pergoraro Silva, Fernando; Rossi, Giuliano; Riul, Cassius

2007-02-01

The neurological control of the visual process is extremely complex and the pupil movement plays an important role. It controls the intensity of light entering the eye, is responsible for focusing depth and avoiding undesired paracentral rays. As such factors vary along the day for each patient individually, allied to the individual answer to determined light stimulation, it is not possible to predict the pupilar size change along the day, leading to undetermined image quality of the patient for a pre-existent condition. Among the clinical and surgical procedures in order to enhance the quality of the visual system of the patient, wave-front based surgeries are performed and its efficiency is strongly dependent on the pupilar position as well as the area to be ablated. In order to predict the individual behavior of the pupil change during an ordinary routine of the patient we have been developing a system to provide means for the personal refractive surgery to be the most efficient as possible. This work presents a method for monitoring the dynamics of the pupil. The methodology presented in this work provides measurements of the patient's pupil sizes along an entire day with light intensity conditioned to the one that the patient is exposed. A prototype has been developed using an eyeglass frame, where a dichroic mirror (70% transmittance) is attached to the frame, as well as a CMOS camera and an infrared illumination system. The image of the pupil is acquired every 4 minutes, its transferring is done by wireless serial communication (RS-232) and saved in a flash memory. Image processing and pupil size determination are done later separately from monitoring. The system is under preliminary tests.

Smart Nanostructures for Cargo Delivery: Uncaging and Activating by Light.

PubMed

Karimi, Mahdi; Sahandi Zangabad, Parham; Baghaee-Ravari, Soodeh; Ghazadeh, Mehdi; Mirshekari, Hamid; Hamblin, Michael R

2017-04-05

Nanotechnology has begun to play a remarkable role in various fields of science and technology. In biomedical applications, nanoparticles have opened new horizons, especially for biosensing, targeted delivery of therapeutics, and so forth. Among drug delivery systems (DDSs), smart nanocarriers that respond to specific stimuli in their environment represent a growing field. Nanoplatforms that can be activated by an external application of light can be used for a wide variety of photoactivated therapies, especially light-triggered DDSs, relying on photoisomerization, photo-cross-linking/un-cross-linking, photoreduction, and so forth. In addition, light activation has potential in photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, radiotherapy, protected delivery of bioactive moieties, anticancer drug delivery systems, and theranostics (i.e., real-time monitoring and tracking combined with a therapeutic action to different diseases sites and organs). Combinations of these approaches can lead to enhanced and synergistic therapies, employing light as a trigger or for activation. Nonlinear light absorption mechanisms such as two-photon absorption and photon upconversion have been employed in the design of light-responsive DDSs. The integration of a light stimulus into dual/multiresponsive nanocarriers can provide spatiotemporal controlled delivery and release of therapeutic agents, targeted and controlled nanosystems, combined delivery of two or more agents, their on-demand release under specific conditions, and so forth. Overall, light-activated nanomedicines and DDSs are expected to provide more effective therapies against serious diseases such as cancers, inflammation, infections, and cardiovascular disease with reduced side effects and will open new doors toward the treatment of patients worldwide.

Spectral characteristics of light sources for S-cone stimulation.

PubMed

Schlegelmilch, F; Nolte, R; Schellhorn, K; Husar, P; Henning, G; Tornow, R P

2002-11-01

Electrophysiological investigations of the short-wavelength sensitive pathway of the human eye require the use of a suitable light source as a S-cone stimulator. Different light sources with their spectral distribution properties were investigated and compared with the ideal S-cone stimulator. First, the theoretical background of the calculation of relative cone energy absorption from the spectral distribution function of the light source is summarized. From the results of the calculation, the photometric properties of the ideal S-cone stimulator will be derived. The calculation procedure was applied to virtual light sources (computer generated spectral distribution functions with different medium wavelengths and spectrum widths) and to real light sources (blue and green light emitting diodes, blue phosphor of CRT-monitor, multimedia projector, LCD monitor and notebook display). The calculated relative cone absorbencies are compared to the conditions of an ideal S-cone stimulator. Monochromatic light sources with wavelengths of less than 456 nm are close to the conditions of an ideal S-cone stimulator. Spectrum widths up to 21 nm do not affect the S-cone activation significantly (S-cone activation change < 0.2%). Blue light emitting diodes with peak wavelength at 448 nm and spectrum bandwidth of 25 nm are very useful for S-cone stimulation (S-cone activation approximately 95%). A suitable display for S-cone stimulation is the Trinitron computer monitor (S-cone activation approximately 87%). The multimedia projector has a S-cone activation up to 91%, but their spectral distribution properties depends on the selected intensity. LCD monitor and notebook displays have a lower S-cone activation (< or = 74%). Carefully selecting the blue light source for S-cone stimulation can reduce the unwanted L-and M-cone activation down to 4% for M-cones and 1.5% for L-cones.

Music-of-Light Stethoscope: A Demonstration of the Photoacoustic Effect

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nikitichev, D. I.; Xia, W.; Hill, E.; Mosse, C. A.; Perkins, T.; Konyn, K.; Ourselin, S.; Desjardins, A. E.; Vercauteren, T.

2016-01-01

In this paper we present a system aimed at demonstrating the photoacoustic (PA) effect for educational purposes. PA imaging is a hybrid imaging modality that requires no contrast agent and has a great potential for spine and brain lesion characterisation, breast cancer and blood flow monitoring notably in the context of fetal surgery. It relies on…

Spatiotemporal modeling of ecological and sociological predictors of West Nile virus in Suffolk County, NY, mosquitoes

EPA Science Inventory

Suffolk County, New York, is a locus for West Nile virus (WNV) infection in the American northeast that includes the majority of Long Island to the east of New York City. The county has a system of light and gravid traps used for mosquito collection and disease monitoring. In ord...

Building-integrated photovoltaics: A case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiss, G.; Kinkead, J.; Raman, M.

1995-03-01

In 1992, Kiss Cathcart Anders Architects performed a study for NREL on Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) issues as seen from the perspective of the building community. In general, the purpose of the study was to list major issues and potential applications; by it's nature it asked more questions than it answered. This second phase study was to produce quantitative data on the performance of specific BIPV systems. Only roof systems are evaluated. The energy performance, construction cost and simple payback for five different BIPV roof options are evaluated in six different locations: Oakland, New York, Miami, Phoenix, Chicago, and Cincinnati. The roof options evaluated include the following: single-glazed PV roof using glass-substrate PVs; double-glazed PV roof with insulating PV modules; ballasted roof-mounted system; sawtooth light monitor roof with indirect north daylighting; sawtooth roof with north light and active heat recovery.

Reverse photoacoustic standoff spectroscopy

DOEpatents

Van Neste, Charles W [Kingston, TN; Senesac, Lawrence R [Knoxville, TN; Thundat, Thomas G [Knoxville, TN

2011-04-12

A system and method are disclosed for generating a reversed photoacoustic spectrum at a greater distance. A source may emit a beam to a target and a detector measures signals generated as a result of the beam being emitted on the target. By emitting a chopped/pulsed light beam to the target, it may be possible to determine the target's optical absorbance by monitoring the intensity of light collected at the detector at different wavelengths. As the wavelength of light is changed, the target may absorb or reject each optical frequency. Rejection may increase the intensity at the sensing element and absorption may decrease the intensity. Accordingly, an identifying spectrum of the target may be made with the intensity variation of the detector as a function of illuminating wavelength.

Wireless health monitoring of cracks in structures with MEMS-IDT sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jae-Sung; Vinoy, K. J.; Varadan, Vijay K.

2002-07-01

The integration of MEMS, IDTs and required microelectronics and conformal antennas to realize programmable, robust and low cost passive microsensors suitable for many military structures and systems including aircraft, missiles and munitions is presented in this paper. The technology is currently being applied to the structural health monitoring of accelerometers, gyroscopes and vibration monitoring devices with signal processing electronics to provide real- time indicators of incipient failure of aircraft components with a known history of catastrophic failure due to fracture. Recently a combination of the need for safety in the air and the desire to control costs is encouraging the use of in-flight monitoring of aircraft components and systems using light-weight, wireless and cost effective microsensors and MEMS. An in-situ Aircraft structural health monitoring system, with sensors embedded in the composite structure or surface-mounted on the structure, would permit the timely detection of damage in aircraft. Micromachining offers the potential for fabricating a range of microsensors and MEMS for structural applications including load, vibration and acoustics characteristics and monitoring. Such microsensors are extremely small; they can be embedded into structural materials, can be mass-produced and are therefore potentially cheap. Additionally a range of sensor types can be integrated onto a single chip with built-in electronics and ASIC, providing a low power microsystem. The smart sensors are being developed using the standard microelectronics and micromachining in conjunction with novel Penn State smart electronics or wireless communication systems suitable for condition monitoring of aircraft structures in-flight. A hybrid accelerometer and gyroscope in a single chip suitable for inertial navigation system and other microsensors for health monitoring and condition-based maintenance of structures, drag sensing and control of aircraft, strain and deflection of structures and systems, ice sensing on aircraft, remote temperature and humidity measurement of propellant in munitions, chemical sensing, etc. are discussed.

Wireless microsensors for health monitoring of aircraft structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varadan, Vijay K.

2003-01-01

The integration of MEMS, IDTs (interdigital transducers) and required microelectronics and conformal antennas to realize programmable, robust and low cost passive microsensors suitable for many military structures and systems including aircraft, missiles and munitions is presented in this paper. The technology is currently being applied to the structural health monitoring of critical aircraft components. The approach integrates acoustic emission, strain gauges, MEMS accelerometers, gyroscopes and vibration monitoring devices with signal processing electronics to provide real-time indicators of incipient failure of aircraft components with a known history of catastrophic failure due to fracture. Recently a combination of the need for safety in the air and the desire to control costs is encouraging the use of in-flight monitoring of aircraft components and systems using light-weight, wireless and cost effective microsensors and MEMS. An in-situ Aircraft structural health monitoring (ASHM) system, with sensors embedded in the composite structure or surface-mounted on the structure, would permit the timely detection of damage in aircraft. Micromachining offers the potential for fabricating a range of microsensors and MEMS for structural applications including load, vibration and acoustics characterization and monitoring. Such microsensors are extremely small; they can be embedded into structural materials, can be mass-produced and are therefore potentially cheap. Additionally a range of sensor types can be integrated onto a single chip with built-in electronics and ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), providing a low power Microsystems. The smart sensors are being developed using the standard microelectronics and micromachining in conjunction with novel Penn State smart electronics or wireless communication systems suitable for condition monitoring of aircraft structures in-flight. A hybrid accelerometer and gyroscope in a single chip suitable for inertial navigation system and other microsensors for health monitoring and condition-based maintenance of structures, drag sensing and control of aircraft, strain and deflection of structures and systems, ice sensing on aircraft, remote temperature and humidity measurement of propellant in munitions, chemical sensing, etc. are discussed.

Dynamically controlled crystal growth system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bray, Terry L. (Inventor); Kim, Larry J. (Inventor); Harrington, Michael (Inventor); DeLucas, Lawrence J. (Inventor)

2002-01-01

Crystal growth can be initiated and controlled by dynamically controlled vapor diffusion or temperature change. In one aspect, the present invention uses a precisely controlled vapor diffusion approach to monitor and control protein crystal growth. The system utilizes a humidity sensor and various interfaces under computer control to effect virtually any evaporation rate from a number of different growth solutions simultaneously by means of an evaporative gas flow. A static laser light scattering sensor can be used to detect aggregation events and trigger a change in the evaporation rate for a growth solution. A control/follower configuration can be used to actively monitor one chamber and accurately control replicate chambers relative to the control chamber. In a second aspect, the invention exploits the varying solubility of proteins versus temperature to control the growth of protein crystals. This system contains miniature thermoelectric devices under microcomputer control that change temperature as needed to grow crystals of a given protein. Complex temperature ramps are possible using this approach. A static laser light scattering probe also can be used in this system as a non-invasive probe for detection of aggregation events. The automated dynamic control system provides systematic and predictable responses with regard to crystal size. These systems can be used for microgravity crystallization projects, for example in a space shuttle, and for crystallization work under terrestial conditions. The present invention is particularly useful for macromolecular crystallization, e.g. for proteins, polypeptides, nucleic acids, viruses and virus particles.

Intersection-Controller Software Module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bachelder, Aaron; Foster, Conrad

2005-01-01

An important part of the emergency-vehicle traffic-light-preemption system summarized in the preceding article is a software module executed by a microcontroller in each intersection controller. This module monitors the broadcasts from all nearby participating emergency vehicles and intersections. It gathers the broadcast data pertaining to the positions and velocities of the vehicles and the timing of traffic and pedestrian lights and processes the data into predictions of the future positions of the vehicles. Analyzing the predictions by a combination of proximity tests, map-matching techniques, and statistical calculations designed to minimize the adverse effects of uncertainties in vehicle positions and headings, the module decides whether to preempt and issues the appropriate commands to the traffic lights, pedestrian lights, and electronic warning signs at the intersection. The module also broadcasts its state to all nearby vehicles and intersections. The module is designed to mitigate the effects of missing data and of unpredictable delays in the system. It has been intensively tested and refined so that it fails to warn in very few cases and issues very few false warnings.

Nighttime dim light exposure alters the responses of the circadian system.

PubMed

Shuboni, D; Yan, L

2010-11-10

The daily light dark cycle is the most salient entraining factor for the circadian system. However, in modern society, darkness at night is vanishing as light pollution steadily increases. The impact of brighter nights on wild life ecology and human physiology is just now being recognized. In the present study, we tested the possible detrimental effects of dim light exposure on the regulation of circadian rhythms, using CD1 mice housed in light/dim light (LdimL, 300 lux:20 lux) or light/dark (LD, 300 lux:1 lux) conditions. We first examined the expression of clock genes in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the locus of the principal brain clock, in the animals of the LD and LdimL groups. Under the entrained condition, there was no difference in PER1 peak expression between the two groups, but at the trough of the PER 1 rhythm, there was an increase in PER1 in the LdimL group, indicating a decrease in the amplitude of the PER1 rhythm. After a brief light exposure (30 min, 300 lux) at night, the light-induced expression of mPer1 and mPer2 genes was attenuated in the SCN of LdimL group. Next, we examined the behavioral rhythms by monitoring wheel-running activity to determine whether the altered responses in the SCN of LdimL group have behavioral consequence. Compared to the LD controls, the LdimL group showed increased daytime activity. After being released into constant darkness, the LdimL group displayed shorter free-running periods. Furthermore, following the light exposure, the phase shifting responses were smaller in the LdimL group. The results indicate that nighttime dim light exposure can cause functional changes of the circadian system, and suggest that altered circadian function could be one of the mechanisms underlying the adverse effects of light pollution on wild life ecology and human physiology. Copyright © 2010 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

NASA Tech Briefs, September 2008

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2008-01-01

Topics covered include: Nanotip Carpets as Antireflection Surfaces; Nano-Engineered Catalysts for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells; Capillography of Mats of Nanofibers; Directed Growth of Carbon Nanotubes Across Gaps; High-Voltage, Asymmetric-Waveform Generator; Magic-T Junction Using Microstrip/Slotline Transitions; On-Wafer Measurement of a Silicon-Based CMOS VCO at 324 GHz; Group-III Nitride Field Emitters; HEMT Amplifiers and Equipment for their On-Wafer Testing; Thermal Spray Formation of Polymer Coatings; Improved Gas Filling and Sealing of an HC-PCF; Making More-Complex Molecules Using Superthermal Atom/Molecule Collisions; Nematic Cells for Digital Light Deflection; Improved Silica Aerogel Composite Materials; Microgravity, Mesh-Crawling Legged Robots; Advanced Active-Magnetic-Bearing Thrust- Measurement System; Thermally Actuated Hydraulic Pumps; A New, Highly Improved Two-Cycle Engine; Flexible Structural-Health-Monitoring Sheets; Alignment Pins for Assembling and Disassembling Structures; Purifying Nucleic Acids from Samples of Extremely Low Biomass; Adjustable-Viewing-Angle Endoscopic Tool for Skull Base and Brain Surgery; UV-Resistant Non-Spore-Forming Bacteria From Spacecraft-Assembly Facilities; Hard-X-Ray/Soft-Gamma-Ray Imaging Sensor Assembly for Astronomy; Simplified Modeling of Oxidation of Hydrocarbons; Near-Field Spectroscopy with Nanoparticles Deposited by AFM; Light Collimator and Monitor for a Spectroradiometer; Hyperspectral Fluorescence and Reflectance Imaging Instrument; Improving the Optical Quality Factor of the WGM Resonator; Ultra-Stable Beacon Source for Laboratory Testing of Optical Tracking; Transmissive Diffractive Optical Element Solar Concentrators; Delaying Trains of Short Light Pulses in WGM Resonators; Toward Better Modeling of Supercritical Turbulent Mixing; JPEG 2000 Encoding with Perceptual Distortion Control; Intelligent Integrated Health Management for a System of Systems; Delay Banking for Managing Air Traffic; and Spline-Based Smoothing of Airfoil Curvatures.

Mini-Mega-TORTORA wide-field monitoring system with sub-second temporal resolution: first year of operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karpov, S.; Beskin, G.; Biryukov, A.; Bondar, S.; Ivanov, E.; Katkova, E.; Perkov, A.; Sasyuk, V.

2016-12-01

Here we present the summary of first years of operation and the first results of a novel 9-channel wide-field optical monitoring system with sub-second temporal resolution, Mini-Mega-TORTORA (MMT-9), which is in operation now at Special Astrophysical Observatory on Russian Caucasus. The system is able to observe the sky simultaneously in either wide (˜900 square degrees) or narrow (˜100 square degrees) fields of view, either in clear light or with any combination of color (Johnson-Cousins B, V or R) and polarimetric filters installed, with exposure times ranging from 0.1 s to hundreds of seconds. The real-time system data analysis pipeline performs automatic detection of rapid transient events, both near-Earth and extragalactic. The objects routinely detected by MMT include faint meteors and artificial satellites. The pipeline for a longer time scales variability analysis is still in development.

Mini-MegaTORTORA wide-field monitoring system with sub-second temporal resolution: observation of transient events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karpov, S.; Beskin, G.; Biryukov, A.; Bondar, S.; Ivanov, E.; Katkova, E.; Perkov, A.; Sasyuk, V.

2016-06-01

Here we present a summary of first years of operation and first results of a novel 9-channel wide-field optical monitoring system with sub-second temporal resolution, Mini-MegaTORTORA (MMT-9), which is in operation now at Special Astrophysical Observatory on Russian Caucasus. The system is able to observe the sky simultaneously in either wide (~900 square degrees) or narrow (~100 square degrees) fields of view, either in clear light or with any combination of color (Johnson-Cousins B, V or R) and polarimetric filters installed, with exposure times ranging from 0.1 s to hundreds of seconds. The real-time system data analysis pipeline performs automatic detection of rapid transient events, both near-Earth and extragalactic. The objects routinely detected by MMT include faint meteors and artificial satellites. The pipeline for a longer time scales variability analysis is still in development.

The Use of a Gain Monitoring System in the G0 Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakos, Melissa T.

2001-11-01

The main goal of the G0 experiment is to find the contributions of the three light quark flavors to the electromagnetic properties of the nucleon by comparing the electromagnetic and neutral weak form factors, measured through the observation of parity-violating asymmetries in elastic electron-nucleon scattering. The experiment will measure the time of flight and the momentum transfer of protons (at forward scattering angles) and electrons (at backward scattering angles). The detectors used in this experiment are plastic scintillators placed in the focal plane of a magnetic spectrometer such that the momentum transfer is directly measured. A gain monitoring system has been designed to track the timing and gain of the photomultiplier tubes at the end of each scintillator. The system is made of a pulsed ultraviolet laser, pure silica fiber optic cables, and a masking system to mimic a real event.

Fiber grating systems used to measure strain in cylindrical structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Udd, Eric; Corona-Bittick, Kelli; Slattery, Kerry T.; Dorr, Donald J.; Crowe, C. Robert; Vandiver, Terry L.; Evans, Robert N.

1997-07-01

Fiber optic grating systems are described that have been used to measure strain in cylindrical structures. The applications of these systems to a composite utility pole and to a composite missile body are described. Composite utility poles have significant advantages with respect to wooden utility poles that include superior strength and uniformity; light weight for ease of deployment; the ability to be recycled, reducing hazardous waste associated with chemically treated wooden poles; and compatibility with embedded fiber optic sensors, allowing structural loads to be monitored. Tests conducted of fiber optic grating sensors in combination with an overcoupled coupler demodulation system to support structural testing of a 22-ft composite pole are reported. Monitoring strain in composite missile bodies has the potential to improve the quality of manufactured parts, support performance testing, and enhance safety during long periods of storage. Strain measurements made with fiber optic grating and electrical strain gauges are described.

Second campaign of microclimate monitoring in the carcer tullianum: temporal and spatial correlation and gradients evidenced by multivariate analysis

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background This paper discusses results obtained in the second monitoring campaign of the Carcer Tullianum, a particular hypogeum environment located in the historical centre of Rome (Italy). In the first paper we stressed the need to apply chemometric tools to this kind of studies in order to obtain full and significant information; really information on sampling design, sensors (type, number, position) and instrument validation seems to be not easy to find in literature for researches dealing with monitoring of indoor environments. Also in this case three main parameters (temperature, humidity, illuminance) were monitored in the complex construction by an inexpensive self-assembled system along some horizontal and vertical vectors together with some measurements of oxygen, carbon dioxide and barometric pressure. With respect to the first campaign, we used a higher number of sensors to cover a new excavated zone; for the same reason, as well as to take into account the presence of visitors, a different experimental design was adopted. Results Different data treatments were applied to data coming from all the used sensors. A good view of the microclimate was obtained that also resulted coherent with the different position of the three rooms constituting the monitored site (Carcer, Tullianum, Convent). Classical time plots resulted useful to evidence the correlation of the main monitored parameters (T, RH% and illuminance) with macroclimate, as well as their delay in following macroclimate. Box-Whisker and Gain-Loss graphs evidenced at the best the microclimate differences between the three rooms; an almost hypogean microclimate was evidenced for the lower room (Tullianum) where humidity values range between 90 and 100% while lower values, but anyway higher than the external, and spread more widely were measured passing to Convent and Carcer with minimum values around 50% for the last. A scarce or very scarce correlation with macroclimate was evidenced for all the three main measured parameters. Lighting results mainly dependent on artificial light and only in few cases, but unfortunately in the most precious zone, illuminance exceeds values suggested by Normative. Conclusions Box-Whisker and Gain-Loss graphs allowed us to have the best view of the microclimate for all the monitored rooms. The influence of lighting by lamps on the other monitored parameters resulted overlapped and clearly topped the solar one. The worst situation was found in the Carcer, where the presence of the main chandelier worsens the state of the frescoed walls, already subjected to wide changes in temperature and humidity. Also the lighthouse located above the Convent provokes lighting exceeding values suggested by Normative while, as expected, LEDs resulted as suitable source of light from a conservation point of view. Susanne Heidi Plattner, Patrizia Fortini and Maria Pia Sammartino contributed equally to this work PMID:22989166

Structural health monitoring of wind turbine blade using fiber Bragg grating sensors and fiber optic rotary joint

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Y.; Ni, Y. Q.; Ye, X. W.; Yang, H. X.; Zhu, S.

2012-04-01

Wind energy utilization as a reliable energy source has become a large industry in the last 20 years. Nowadays, wind turbines can generate megawatts of power and have rotor diameters that are on the order of 100 meters in diameter. One of the key components in a wind turbine is the blade which could be damaged by moisture absorption, fatigue, wind gusts or lighting strikes. The wind turbine blades should be routinely monitored to improve safety, minimize downtime, lower the risk of sudden breakdowns and associated huge maintenance and logistics costs, and provide reliable power generation. In this paper, a real-time wind turbine blade monitoring system using fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors with the fiber optic rotary joint (FORJ) is proposed, and applied to monitor the structural responses of a 600 W small scale wind turbine. The feasibility and effectiveness of the FORJ is validated by continuously transmitting the optical signals between the FBG interrogator at the stationary side and the FBG sensors on the rotating part. A comparison study between the measured data from the proposed system and those from an IMote2-based wireless strain measurement system is conducted.

Body-monitoring and health supervision by means of optical fiber-based sensing systems in medical textiles.

PubMed

Quandt, Brit M; Scherer, Lukas J; Boesel, Luciano F; Wolf, Martin; Bona, Gian-Luca; Rossi, René M

2015-02-18

Long-term monitoring with optical fibers has moved into the focus of attention due to the applicability for medical measurements. Within this Review, setups of flexible, unobtrusive body-monitoring systems based on optical fibers and the respective measured vital parameters are in focus. Optical principles are discussed as well as the interaction of light with tissue. Optical fiber-based sensors that are already used in first trials are primarily selected for the section on possible applications. These medical textiles include the supervision of respiration, cardiac output, blood pressure, blood flow and its saturation with hemoglobin as well as oxygen, pressure, shear stress, mobility, gait, temperature, and electrolyte balance. The implementation of these sensor concepts prompts the development of wearable smart textiles. Thus, current sensing techniques and possibilities within photonic textiles are reviewed leading to multiparameter designs. Evaluation of these designs should show the great potential of optical fibers for the introduction into textiles especially due to the benefit of immunity to electromagnetic radiation. Still, further improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio is often necessary to develop a commercial monitoring system. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

All-oxide Raman-active traps for light and matter: probing redox homeostasis model reactions in aqueous environment.

PubMed

Alessandri, Ivano; Depero, L E

2014-04-09

Core-shell colloidal crystals can act as very efficient traps for light and analytes. Here it is shown that Raman-active probes can be achieved using SiO2-TiO2 core-shell beads. These systems are successfully tested in monitoring of glutathione redox cycle at physiological concentration in aqueous environment, without need of any interfering enhancers. These materials represent a promising alternative to conventional, metal-based SERS probes for investigating chemical and biochemical reactions under real working conditions. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Sticker-type ECG/PPG concurrent monitoring system hybrid integration of CMOS SoC and organic sensor device.

PubMed

Yongsu Lee; Hyeonwoo Lee; Seunghyup Yoo; Hoi-Jun Yoo

2016-08-01

The sticker-type sensor system is proposed targeting ECG/PPG concurrent monitoring for cardiovascular diseases. The stickers are composed of two types: Hub and Sensor-node (SN) sticker. Low-power CMOS SoC for measuring ECG and PPG signal is hybrid integrated with organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) and organic photo detector (OPD). The sticker has only 2g weight and only consumes 141μW. The optical calibration loop is adopted for maintaining SNR of PPG signal higher than 30dB. The pulse arrival time (PAT) and SpO2 value can be extracted from various body parts and verified comparing with the reference device from 20 people in-vivo experiments.

The Evryscopes: monitoring the entire sky for exciting events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Law, Nicholas; Corbett, Hank; Howard, Ward S.; Fors, Octavi; Ratzloff, Jeff; Barlow, Brad; Hermes, JJ

2018-01-01

The Evryscope is a new type of array telescope which monitors the entire accessible sky in each exposure. The system, with 700 MPix covering an 8000-square-degree field of view, is building many-year-length, high-cadence light curves for every accessible object brighter than ∼16th magnitude. Every night, we add 600 million object detections to our databases, including exoplanet transits, microlensing events, nearby extragalactic transients, and a wide range of other short timescale events. I will present our science plans, the status of our current Evryscope systems (operational in Chile and soon California), the big-data analysis required to explore the petabyte-scale dataset we are collecting over the next few years, and the first results from the telescopes.

An indicator device for monitoring of room illuminance level in the radiological image viewing environment.

PubMed

Azlan, C A; Ng, K H; Anandan, S; Nizam, M S

2006-09-01

Illuminance level in the softcopy image viewing room is a very important factor to optimize productivity in radiological diagnosis. In today's radiological environment, the illuminance measurements are normally done during the quality control procedure and performed annually. Although the room is equipped with dimmer switches, radiologists are not able to decide the level of illuminance according to the standards. The aim of this study is to develop a simple real-time illuminance detector system to assist the radiologists in deciding an adequate illuminance level during radiological image viewing. The system indicates illuminance in a very simple visual form by using light emitting diodes. By employing the device in the viewing room, illuminance level can be monitored and adjusted effectively.

Daylight characterization through vision-based sensing of lighting conditions in buildings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

di Dio, Joseph, III

A new method for describing daylight under unknown weather conditions, as captured in images of a room, is proposed. This method considers pixel brightness information to be a linear combination of diffuse and directional light components, as received by a web cam from the walls and ceiling of an occupied office. The nature of these components in each image is determined by building orientation, room geometry, neighboring structures and the position of the sun. Considering daylight in this manner also allows for an estimation of the sky conditions at a given instant to be made, and presents a means to uncover seasonal trends in the behavior of light simply by monitoring the brightness variations of points on the walls and ceiling. Significantly, this daylight characterization method also allows for an estimation of the illumination level on a target surface to be made from image data. Currently, illumination at a target surface is estimated through the use of a ceiling-mounted photosensor, as part of a lighting control system, in the hopes of achieving a suitable balance between daylight and electrical lighting in a space. Improving the ability of a sensor to estimate the illumination is of great importance to those who wish to minimize unnecessary energy consumption, as a significant percentage of all U.S. electricity is currently consumed by light fixtures. A photosensor detects light that falls on its location, which does not necessarily correspond in a fixed manner to the light level on the target areas that the photosensor is meant to monitor. Additionally, a photosensor cannot discern variations in light distribution across a room, which often occur with daylight. By considering pixel brightness information to be a linear combination of diffuse and directional light components at selected pixels in an image, information about the light reaching these pixels can be extracted from observed patterns of brightness, under different light conditions. In this manner, each pixel provides information about the light field at its corresponding point in the room, and thus each pixel can be considered to behave as if it were a remote photosensor. By using multiple pixel readings in lieu of a single photosensor reading of a given light condition, an improved assessment of the illumination level on a target surface can been achieved. It is shown that on average, the camera-based method was approximately 25% more accurate in estimating illuminance in the test room than was a simulated ceiling-mounted photosensor. It is hoped that the methodology detailed here will aid in the eventual development of a camera-based daylight characterization sensor for use in lighting control systems, so that the potential for enhanced energy savings can be realized.

Bedside imaging of intracranial hemorrhage in the neonate using light: comparison with ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Hintz, S R; Cheong, W F; van Houten, J P; Stevenson, D K; Benaron, D A

1999-01-01

Medical optical imaging (MOI) uses light emitted into opaque tissues to determine the interior structure. Previous reports detailed a portable time-of-flight and absorbance system emitting pulses of near infrared light into tissues and measuring the emerging light. Using this system, optical images of phantoms, whole rats, and pathologic neonatal brain specimens have been tomographically reconstructed. We have now modified the existing instrumentation into a clinically relevant headband-based system to be used for optical imaging of structure in the neonatal brain at the bedside. Eight medical optical imaging studies in the neonatal intensive care unit were performed in a blinded clinical comparison of optical images with ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Optical images were interpreted as correct in six of eight cases, with one error attributed to the age of the clot, and one small clot not seen. In addition, one disagreement with ultrasound, not reported as an error, was found to be the result of a mislabeled ultrasound report rather than because of an inaccurate optical scan. Optical scan correlated well with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings in one patient. We conclude that light-based imaging using a portable time-of-flight system is feasible and represents an important new noninvasive diagnostic technique, with potential for continuous monitoring of critically ill neonates at risk for intraventricular hemorrhage or stroke. Further studies are now underway to further investigate the functional imaging capabilities of this new diagnostic tool.

Inertial energy storage for advanced space station applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Van Tassel, K. E.; Simon, W. E.

1985-01-01

Because the NASA Space Station will spend approximately one-third of its orbital time in the earth's shadow, depriving it of solar energy and requiring an energy storage system to meet system demands, attention has been given to flywheel energy storage systems. These systems promise high mechanical efficiency, long life, light weight, flexible design, and easily monitored depth of discharge. An assessment is presently made of three critical technology areas: rotor materials, magnetic suspension bearings, and motor-generators for energy conversion. Conclusions are presented regarding the viability of inertial energy storage systems and of problem areas requiring further technology development efforts.

A historical justification for and retrospective analysis of the systematic application of light therapy in Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Willis, Gregory L; Moore, Cleo; Armstrong, Stuart M

2012-03-01

For the past 40 years the primary purpose of therapeutics for Parkinson's disease (PD) has been to replace deficient dopamine (DA) in the nigrostriatal dopamine (NSD) system. Even in the presence of limited efficacy, abundant side effects and impoverished quality of life, the involvement of other systems in the aetiology and treatment of this disorder has been sorely neglected and the excessive use of DA replacement therapy (DART) continues on a global basis. Recent scientific work suggests that the retina plays a major role in NSD function and intimates light therapy in the management of PD. After a thorough review of historical evidence supporting this contention, a retrospective, open-label study on 129 PD patients, whereby they were monitored for a period extending for a few months to eight years, was carried out. Primary motor and non-motor symptoms were monitored using an objectified global rating scale and timed motor tests that were assessed at regular intervals for the duration of the study. Thirty-one patients with other neurological disorders (OND) served as controls to determine whether any therapeutic effects seen with light were generalizable across other conditions. Patients were classified as compliant (COM), semi-compliant (SCOM), or early quit (EQUIT; prematurely discontinued treatment). EQUIT patients showed deterioration, while the COM group improved on most parameters. The SCOM patients were not as good as the COM group. The OND group showed significant improvement in depression and insomnia, but exposure to light did not improve motor function. The total drug burden of PD patients maintained on light was less with fewer side effects than SCOM or EQUIT groups. These results confirm the value of the strategic application of light therapy with controlled doses of DART in PD and warrants further controlled investigation. That the symptomatic improvement continued as long patients remained in the program suggests that exposure to light, under a strict daily regimen, combined with controlled DART, actively slows or arrests the progressive degenerative process underlying PD.

Optical fibre sensors for the monitoring of a microwave plasma UV lamp and ozone generation system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Keeffe, S.; Ortoneda, M.; Cullen, J. D.; Shaw, A.; Fitzpatrick, C.; Lewis, E.; Phipps, D. A.; Al-Shamma'a, A. I.

2008-09-01

The food industry is keen to have new techniques that improve the safety and shelf life of food products without the use of preservatives. The use of UV light and ozone (O3) gas are becoming increasingly popular as methods to decontaminate food and thus extending its shelf life. A microwave radiation device that is a novel source of both germicidal UV and O3 suitable for the food industry has been developed, which offers speed, cost and energy benefits over existing sources. With this system comes the need to monitor a number of conditions, primarily UV intensity and ozone gas concentrations. An optical fibre sensor system is being developed to analyse these properties, in order to control and optimise the outputs of the microwave plasma UV lamp.

Pulsed-laser excitation of acoustic modes in open high-Q photoacoustic resonators for trace gas monitoring: results for C2H4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brand, Christian; Winkler, Andreas; Hess, Peter; Miklós, András; Bozóki, Zoltán; Sneider, János

1995-06-01

The pulsed excitation of acoustic resonances was studied with a continuously monitoring photoacoustic detector system. Acoustic waves were generated in C2H4/N 2 gas mixtures by light absorption of the pulses from a transversely excited atmospheric CO2 laser. The photoacoustic part consisted of high-Q cylindrical resonators (Q factor 820 for the first radial mode in N2) and two adjoining variable acoustic filter systems. The time-resolved signal was Fourier transformed to a frequency spectrum of high resolution. For the first radial mode a Lorentzian profile was fitted to the measured data. The outside noise suppression and the signal-to-noise ratio were investigated in a normal laboratory environment in the flow-through mode. The acoustic and electric filter system combined with the

Navy Supplement to the DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-04-01

light harpoon landing restraint system LI interference level LI/ LO lock-in/lock-out LIA laser illuminator assembly LIC low-intensity conflict lidar...monitoring system LMSR large, medium-speed roll-on/roll-off (ship) LN legalman (USN rating) LND land LNO liaison officer LO locked open; low...observable; lubricating oil fill, transfer and purification LO /LI lock-out/lock-in LO / LO lift-on/lift-off LOA letter of approval; letter of authorization

The analysis of behavior in orbit GSS two series of US early-warning system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sukhov, P. P.; Epishev, V. P.; Sukhov, K. P.; Motrunych, I. I.

2016-09-01

Satellites Early Warning System Series class SBIRS US Air Force must replace on GEO early series DSP Series. During 2014-2016 the authors received more than 30 light curves "DSP-18 and "Sbirs-Geo 2". The analysis of the behavior of these satellites in orbit by a coordinate and photometric data. It is shown that for the monitoring of the Earth's surface is enough to place GEO 4 unit SBIRS across 90 deg.

Fibre Optic Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring of Aircraft Composite Structures: Recent Advances and Applications

PubMed Central

Di Sante, Raffaella

2015-01-01

In-service structural health monitoring of composite aircraft structures plays a key role in the assessment of their performance and integrity. In recent years, Fibre Optic Sensors (FOS) have proved to be a potentially excellent technique for real-time in-situ monitoring of these structures due to their numerous advantages, such as immunity to electromagnetic interference, small size, light weight, durability, and high bandwidth, which allows a great number of sensors to operate in the same system, and the possibility to be integrated within the material. However, more effort is still needed to bring the technology to a fully mature readiness level. In this paper, recent research and applications in structural health monitoring of composite aircraft structures using FOS have been critically reviewed, considering both the multi-point and distributed sensing techniques. PMID:26263987

Fibre Optic Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring of Aircraft Composite Structures: Recent Advances and Applications.

PubMed

Di Sante, Raffaella

2015-07-30

In-service structural health monitoring of composite aircraft structures plays a key role in the assessment of their performance and integrity. In recent years, Fibre Optic Sensors (FOS) have proved to be a potentially excellent technique for real-time in-situ monitoring of these structures due to their numerous advantages, such as immunity to electromagnetic interference, small size, light weight, durability, and high bandwidth, which allows a great number of sensors to operate in the same system, and the possibility to be integrated within the material. However, more effort is still needed to bring the technology to a fully mature readiness level. In this paper, recent research and applications in structural health monitoring of composite aircraft structures using FOS have been critically reviewed, considering both the multi-point and distributed sensing techniques.

A system to investigate the remediation of organic vapors using microwave-induced plasma with fluidized carbon granules

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

Dawson, Elizabeth A.; Parkes, Gareth M. B.; Bond, Gary

This article describes a system to investigate the parameters for the remediation of organic vapors using microwave-induced plasma on fluidized carbon granules. The system is based on a single mode microwave apparatus with a variable power (2.45 GHz) generator. Carbon granules are fluidized in a silica tube situated in the sample section of a waveguide incorporating two additional ports to allow plasma intensity monitoring using a light sensor and imaging with a digital camera. A fluoroptic probe is used for in situ measurement of the carbon granule temperature, while the effluent gas temperature is measured with a thermocouple situated inmore » the silica tube outside the cavity. Data acquisition and control software allow experiments using a variety of microwave power regimes while simultaneously recording the light intensity of any plasma generated within the carbon bed, together with its temperature. Evaluation using two different granular activated carbons and ethyl acetate, introduced as a vapor into the fluidizing air stream at a concentration of 1 ppm, yielded results which indicated that significant destruction of ethyl acetate, as monitored using a mass spectrometer, was achieved only with the carbon granules showing high plasma activity under pulsed microwave conditions. The system is therefore suitable for comparison of the relative microwave activities of various activated carbon granules and their performance in microwave remediation and regeneration.« less

A Procedural Electroencephalogram Simulator for Evaluation of Anesthesia Monitors.

PubMed

Petersen, Christian Leth; Görges, Matthias; Massey, Roslyn; Dumont, Guy Albert; Ansermino, J Mark

2016-11-01

Recent research and advances in the automation of anesthesia are driving the need to better understand electroencephalogram (EEG)-based anesthesia end points and to test the performance of anesthesia monitors. This effort is currently limited by the need to collect raw EEG data directly from patients. A procedural method to synthesize EEG signals was implemented in a mobile software application. The application is capable of sending the simulated signal to an anesthesia depth of hypnosis monitor. Systematic sweeps of the simulator generate functional monitor response profiles reminiscent of how network analyzers are used to test electronic components. Three commercial anesthesia monitors (Entropy, NeuroSENSE, and BIS) were compared with this new technology, and significant response and feature variations between the monitor models were observed; this includes reproducible, nonmonotonic apparent multistate behavior and significant hysteresis at light levels of anesthesia. Anesthesia monitor response to a procedural simulator can reveal significant differences in internal signal processing algorithms. The ability to synthesize EEG signals at different anesthetic depths potentially provides a new method for systematically testing EEG-based monitors and automated anesthesia systems with all sensor hardware fully operational before human trials.

Reduction of lighting energy consumption in office buildings through improved daylight design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papadouri, Maria Violeta Prado

This study aims to investigate the lighting energy consumption in office buildings and the options for its reduction. One way to reduce lighting energy consumption is by improving the daylight design. A better use of daylight in buildings might be an outcome from the effort made in different directions. Like the improvement of a building's fabric and layout, the materials, even the furniture in a space influences the daylight quality considerably. Also very important role in lighting energy consumption has the development of more efficient lighting technology like the electric lighting control systems, such as photo sensors and occupancy sensors. Both systems are responsible so that the electric light is not used without reason. As the focusing area of this study, is to find ways to improve the daylight use in buildings, a consequent question is which are the methods provided in order to achieve this The accuracy of the methodology used is also an important issue in order to achieve reliable results. The methodology applied in this study includes the analysis of a case study by taking field measurements and computer simulations. The first stage included gathering information about the lighting design of the building and monitoring the light levels, both from natural and from the electric lighting. The second stage involved testing with computer simulations, different parameters that were expected to improve the daylight exploitation of the specific area. The results of the field measurements showed that the main problems of the space were the low natural light levels and the poor daylight distribution. The annual electric lighting energy consumption, as it was calculated with the use of computer simulations, represented the annual energy consumption of a typical air-conditioned prestige office building (energy consumption guide 19, for energy use in offices, 2000). After several computer simulations, the results showed that initial design parameters of the building can affect the lighting energy consumption of the space significantly. On the other hand, relatively small changes, like changing the reflectance of the surfaces and the lighting control systems can make even more difference to the light quality of the space and the reduction of lighting energy consumption.

Dynamic measurement of fluorescent proteins spectral distribution on virus infected cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Ja-Yun; Wu, Ming-Xiu; Kao, Chia-Yun; Wu, Tzong-Yuan; Hsu, I.-Jen

2006-09-01

We constructed a dynamic spectroscopy system that can simultaneously measure the intensity and spectral distributions of samples with multi-fluorophores in a single scan. The system was used to monitor the fluorescence distribution of cells infected by the virus, which is constructed by a recombinant baculoviruses, vAcD-Rhir-E, containing the red and green fluorescent protein gene that can simultaneously produce dual fluorescence in recombinant virus-infected Spodoptera frugiperda 21 cells (Sf21) under the control of a polyhedrin promoter. The system was composed of an excitation light source, a scanning system and a spectrometer. We also developed an algorithm and fitting process to analyze the pattern of fluorescence distribution of the dual fluorescence produced in the recombinant virus-infected cells. All the algorithm and calculation are automatically processed in a visualized scanning program and can monitor the specific region of sample by calculating its intensity distribution. The spectral measurement of each pixel was performed at millisecond range and the two dimensional distribution of full spectrum was recorded within several seconds. We have constructed a dynamic spectroscopy system to monitor the process of virus-infection of cells. The distributions of the dual fluorescence were simultaneously measured at micrometer resolution.

Construction of a photometer to detect stellar occultations by outer solar system bodies for the Whipple mission concept

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kraft, Ralph P.; Kenter, Almus T.; Alcock, Charles; Murray, Stephen S.; Loose, Markus; Gauron, Thomas; Germain, Gregg; Peregrim, Lawrence

2014-08-01

The Whipple mission was a proposal submitted to the NASA Discovery AO in 2010 to study the solid bodies of the Kuiper Belt and Oort Cloud via a blind occultation survey. Though not accepted for flight, the proposal was awarded funding for technology development. Detecting a significant number of Trans Neptunian Objects (TNOs) via a blind occultation survey requires a low noise, wide field of view, multi object differential photometer. The light curve decrement is typically a few percent over timescales of tenths of seconds or seconds for Kuiper Belt and Oort cloud objects, respectively. To obtain a statistically interesting number of detections, this photometer needs to observe many thousands of stars over several years since the rate of occultation for a single star given the space density of the TNOs is low. The light curves from these stars must be monitored with a sensor with a temporal resolution of rv 25-50 ms and with a read noise of< 20 e- rms. Since these requirements are outside the capability of CCDs, the Whipple mission intends to use Teledyne H2RG HyViSI Silicon Hybrid CMOS detectors operating in "window" read mode. The full Whipple focal plane consists of a 3x3 array of these sensors, with each sensor comprised of 1024x 1024 36/μm pixels. Combined with the telescope optic, the Whipple focal plane provides a FOV of rv36 deg2 . In operation, each HyViSI detector, coupled to a Teledyne SIDECAR ASIC, monitors the flux from 650 stars at 40 Hz. The ASIC digitizes the data at the required cadence and an FPGA provides preliminary occultation event selection. The proposed 2010 Whipple mission utilized a spacecraft in a a "drift-away" orbit which signifi­ cantly limited the available telemetry data rate. Most of the light curve processing is required to be on-board the satellite so only candidate occultation events are telemetered to the ground. Occul­ tation light curves must be processed in real time on the satellite by an Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). A simple, real time band pass filter, called the Equivalent Width (EW) algorithm, has been instantiated in the FPGA. This EW filter selects for telemetry only those occultation event light curves that differed significantly from noise. As part of our technology development program, a key facet of the proposed Whipple focal plane was constructed and operated in our laboratory consisting of a single HyViSI H2RG sensor, a Teledyne SIDECAR ASIC, and a flight-like Virtex-5 FPGA. In order to fully demonstrate the capabilities of this photometer, we also made a occultation light-curve simulator. The entire system can generate simulated occultation light curves, project them onto an H2RG sensor, read out the sensor in windowing mode at 40 Hz, pass the data to an FPGA that continuously monitors the light curves and dumps candidate occultation events to our simulated Ground Support Equipment (GSE). In this paper, we summarize the technical capabilities of our system, present sample data, and discuss how this system will be used to support our proposal effort for the next Discovery round.

Night vision imaging system design, integration and verification in spacecraft vacuum thermal test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shang, Yonghong; Wang, Jing; Gong, Zhe; Li, Xiyuan; Pei, Yifei; Bai, Tingzhu; Zhen, Haijing

2015-08-01

The purposes of spacecraft vacuum thermal test are to characterize the thermal control systems of the spacecraft and its component in its cruise configuration and to allow for early retirement of risks associated with mission-specific and novel thermal designs. The orbit heat flux is simulating by infrared lamp, infrared cage or electric heater. As infrared cage and electric heater do not emit visible light, or infrared lamp just emits limited visible light test, ordinary camera could not operate due to low luminous density in test. Moreover, some special instruments such as satellite-borne infrared sensors are sensitive to visible light and it couldn't compensate light during test. For improving the ability of fine monitoring on spacecraft and exhibition of test progress in condition of ultra-low luminous density, night vision imaging system is designed and integrated by BISEE. System is consist of high-gain image intensifier ICCD camera, assistant luminance system, glare protect system, thermal control system and computer control system. The multi-frame accumulation target detect technology is adopted for high quality image recognition in captive test. Optical system, mechanical system and electrical system are designed and integrated highly adaptable to vacuum environment. Molybdenum/Polyimide thin film electrical heater controls the temperature of ICCD camera. The results of performance validation test shown that system could operate under vacuum thermal environment of 1.33×10-3Pa vacuum degree and 100K shroud temperature in the space environment simulator, and its working temperature is maintains at 5° during two-day test. The night vision imaging system could obtain video quality of 60lp/mm resolving power.

Comparison between red, green and blue light reflection photoplethysmography for heart rate monitoring during motion.

PubMed

Lee, Jihyoung; Matsumura, Kenta; Yamakoshi, Ken-ichi; Rolfe, Peter; Tanaka, Shinobu; Yamakoshi, Takehiro

2013-01-01

Reflection photoplethysmography (PPG) using 530 nm (green) wavelength light has the potential to be a superior method for monitoring heart rate (HR) during normal daily life due to its relative freedom from artifacts. However, little is known about the accuracy of pulse rate (PR) measured by 530 nm light PPG during motion. Therefore, we compared the HR measured by electrocadiography (ECG) as a reference with PR measured by 530, 645 (red), and 470 nm (blue) wavelength light PPG during baseline and while performing hand waving in 12 participants. In addition, we examined the change of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by motion for each of the three wavelengths used for the PPG. The results showed that the limit of agreement in Bland-Altman plots between the HR measured by ECG and PR measured by 530 nm light PPG (±0.61 bpm) was smaller than that achieved when using 645 and 470 nm light PPG (±3.20 bpm and ±2.23 bpm, respectively). The ΔSNR (the difference between baseline and task values) of 530 and 470nm light PPG was significantly smaller than ΔSNR for red light PPG. In conclusion, 530 nm light PPG could be a more suitable method than 645 and 470nm light PPG for monitoring HR in normal daily life.

Development of a High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) Based on a Confocal Optical Filter for Aerosol Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Repasky, K. S.; Hoffman, D. S.; Reagan, J. A.; Carlsten, J.

2010-12-01

Aerosols are an important constituent in atmospheric composition affecting climate, weather, and air quality. Active remote sensing instruments provide tools for in-situ studies of atmospheric aerosols that can help understand the role of aerosols on the radiative forcing of the climate system. In this paper, the design and initial performance of a high spectral resolution lidar (HSRL) based on a unique confocal cavity for optically filtering the aerosol and molecular returns is presented. An injection seeded pulsed Nd:YAG laser with a fundamental and frequency doubled output is used as the laser transmitter for the HSRL. A small portion of fiber coupled injection seeded signal at 1064 nm is split before the laser oscillator and, after modulation using an acousto-optic modulator, is used to produce a discriminating signal for locking a confocal cavity that is resonant at the 1064 and 532 nm wavelengths to the injection seeded source. Light scattered in the atmosphere is collected using a commercial telescope. After the telescope, the 1064 nm light is split from the 532 nm light using a dielectric mirror with the 1064 nm light monitored using a PMT. The 532 nm light is launched into a multimode fiber. The output from the fiber is next incident on a beamsplitter with part of the light sent to a PMT to monitor the total return for the 532 nm channel. The light that passes through the beamsplitter is mode matched into a confocal optical cavity that allows the light scattered by the atmospheric aerosols to be transmitted while the light scattered from the atmospheric molecules is reflected. The transmitted light from the aerosol scattering is incident on a PMT while the reflected molecular signal is incident on a PMT. The transmission of the confocal cavity is monitored before and after the data collection using a continuous wave frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser that is fiber coupled. Data is collected and processed in the following manner. Each of the four voltage signals from the PMT’s are monitored using a high speed A/D card. The inversion of the 1064 nm return signal is completed using the Fernald inversion technique with the additional constraint of the aerosol optical depth. The HSRL 532 nm signal is inverted using a Rayleigh backscatter model along with the inversion techniques described by Shipley et al. (Applied Optics, V22, N23, 3716-3724, 1983) and Sroga et al. (Applied Optics, V22, N23, 3725-3732, 1983). This presentation will focus on the design of the confocal optical filter, the locking of the confocal optical filter to the laser transmitter, and the performance of the high spectral resolution channel at 532 nm. Data will be presented showing the molecular returns, the aerosol returns and the range resolved lidar ratio.

Implementation of Non-Destructive Evaluation and Process Monitoring in DLP-based Additive Manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovalenko, Iaroslav; Verron, Sylvain; Garan, Maryna; Šafka, Jiří; Moučka, Michal

2017-04-01

This article describes a method of in-situ process monitoring in the digital light processing (DLP) 3D printer. It is based on the continuous measurement of the adhesion force between printing surface and bottom of a liquid resin bath. This method is suitable only for the bottom-up DPL printers. Control system compares the force at the moment of unsticking of printed layer from the bottom of the tank, when it has the largest value in printing cycle, with theoretical value. Implementation of suggested algorithm can make detection of faults during the printing process possible.

A low-power and miniaturized electrocardiograph data collection system with smart textile electrodes for monitoring of cardiac function.

PubMed

Dai, Ming; Xiao, Xueliang; Chen, Xin; Lin, Haoming; Wu, Wanqing; Chen, Siping

2016-12-01

With the increasing aging population as well as health concerns, chronic heart disease has become the focus of public attention. A comfortable, low-powered, and wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) system for continuously monitoring the elderly's ECG signals over several hours is important for preventing cardiovascular diseases. Traditional ECG monitoring apparatus is often inconvenient to carry, has many electrodes to attach to the chest, and has a high-power consumption. There is also a challenge to design an electrocardiograph that satisfies requirements such as comfort, confinement, and compactness. Based on these considerations, this study presents a biosensor acquisition system for wearable, ubiquitous healthcare applications using three textile electrodes and a recording circuit specialized for ECG monitoring. In addition, several methods were adopted to reduce the power consumption of the device. The proposed system is composed of three parts: (1) an ECG analog front end (AFE), (2) digital signal processing and micro-control circuits, and (3) system software. Digital filter methods were used to eliminate the baseline wander, skin contact noise, and other interfering signals. A comparative study was conducted using this system to observe its performance with two commercial Holter monitors. The experimental results demonstrated that the total power consumption of this proposed system in a full round of ECG acquisition was only 29.74 mW. In addition, this low-power system performed well and stably measured the heart rate with an accuracy of 98.55 %. It can also contain a real-time dynamic display with organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) and wirelessly transmit information via a Bluetooth 4.0 module.

Imaging System With Confocally Self-Detecting Laser.

DOEpatents

Webb, Robert H.; Rogomentich, Fran J.

1996-10-08

The invention relates to a confocal laser imaging system and method. The system includes a laser source, a beam splitter, focusing elements, and a photosensitive detector. The laser source projects a laser beam along a first optical path at an object to be imaged, and modulates the intensity of the projected laser beam in response to light reflected from the object. A beam splitter directs a portion of the projected laser beam onto a photodetector. The photodetector monitors the intensity of laser output. The laser source can be an electrically scannable array, with a lens or objective assembly for focusing light generated by the array onto the object of interest. As the array is energized, its laser beams scan over the object, and light reflected at each point is returned by the lens to the element of the array from which it originated. A single photosensitive detector element can generate an intensity-representative signal for all lasers of the array. The intensity-representative signal from the photosensitive detector can be processed to provide an image of the object of interest.

Electronic method for autofluorography of macromolecules on two-D matrices. [Patent application

DOEpatents

Davidson, J.B.; Case, A.L.

1981-12-30

A method for detecting, localizing, and quantifying macromolecules contained in a two-dimensional matrix is provided which employs a television-based position sensitive detection system. A molecule-containing matrix may be produced by conventional means to produce spots of light at the molecule locations which are detected by the television system. The matrix, such as a gel matrix, is exposed to an electronic camera system including an image-intensifier and secondary electron conduction camera capable of light integrating times of many minutes. A light image stored in the form of a charge image on the camera tube target is scanned by conventional television techniques, digitized, and stored in a digital memory. Intensity of any point on the image may be determined from the number at the memory address of the point. The entire image may be displayed on a television monitor for inspection and photographing or individual spots may be analyzed through selected readout of the memory locations. Compared to conventional film exposure methods, the exposure time may be reduced 100 to 1000 times.

Phase response of the Arabidopsis thaliana circadian clock to light pulses of different wavelengths.

PubMed

Ohara, Takayuki; Fukuda, Hirokazu; Tokuda, Isao T

2015-04-01

Light is known as one of the most powerful environmental time cues for the circadian system. The quality of light is characterized by its intensity and wavelength. We examined how the phase response of Arabidopsis thaliana depends on the wavelength of the stimulus light and the type of light perturbation. Using transgenic A. thaliana expressing a luciferase gene, we monitored the rhythm of the bioluminescence signal. We stimulated the plants under constant red light using 3 light perturbation treatments: (1) increasing the red light intensity, (2) turning on a blue light while turning off the red light, and (3) turning on a blue light while keeping the red light on. To examine the phase response properties, we generated a phase transition curve (PTC), which plots the phase after the perturbation as a function of the phase before the perturbation. To evaluate the effect of the 3 light perturbation treatments, we simulated PTCs using a mathematical model of the plant circadian clock and fitted the simulated PTCs to the experimentally measured PTCs. Among the 3 treatments, perturbation (3) provided the strongest stimulus. The results indicate that the color of the stimulus light and the type of pulse administration affect the phase response in a complex manner. Moreover, the results suggest the involvement of interaction between red and blue light signaling pathways in resetting of the plant circadian clock. © 2015 The Author(s).

Microprocessor-based cardiopulmonary monitoring system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

The system uses a dedicated microprocessor for transducer control and data acquisition and analysis. No data will be stored in this system, but the data will be transmitted to the onboard data system. The data system will require approximately 12 inches of rack space and will consume only 100 watts of power. An experiment specific control panel, through a series of lighted buttons, will guide the operator through the test series providing a smaller margin of error. The experimental validity of the system was verified, and the reproducibility of data and reliability of the system checked. In addition, ease of training, ease of operator interaction, and crew acceptance were evaluated in actual flight conditions.

Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) response to pyramid traps baited with attractive light and pheromonal stimuli

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Halyomorpha halys is an invasive insect that causes severe economic damage to multiple agricultural commodities. Several monitoring techniques have been developed to monitor H. halys including pheromone and light-baited black pyramid traps. Here, we evaluated the attractiveness of these traps bait...

Application of Wireless Intelligent Control System for HPS Lamps and LEDs Combined Illumination in Road Tunnel

PubMed Central

Lai, Jinxing; Qiu, Junling; Chen, Jianxun; Wang, Yaqiong; Fan, Haobo

2014-01-01

Because of the particularity of the environment in the tunnel, the rational tunnel illumination system should be developed, so as to optimize the tunnel environment. Considering the high cost of traditional tunnel illumination system with high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps as well as the effect of a single light source on tunnel entrance, the energy-saving illumination system with HPS lamps and LEDs combined illumination in road tunnel, which could make full use of these two kinds of lamps, was proposed. The wireless intelligent control system based on HPS lamps and LEDs combined illumination and microcontrol unit (MCU) Si1000 wireless communication technology was designed. And the remote monitoring, wireless communication, and PWM dimming module of this system were designed emphatically. Intensity detector and vehicle flow detector can be configured in wireless intelligent control system, which gather the information to the master control unit, and then the information is sent to the monitoring center through the Ethernet. The control strategies are got by the monitoring center according to the calculated results, and the control unit wirelessly sends parameters to lamps, which adjust the luminance of each segment of the tunnel and realize the wireless intelligent control of combined illumination in road tunnel. PMID:25587266

POOL WATER TREATMENT AND COOLING SYSTEM DESCRIPTION DOCUMENT

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

V. King

2000-06-19

The Pool Water Treatment and Cooling System is located in the Waste Handling Building (WHB), and is comprised of various process subsystems designed to support waste handling operations. This system maintains the pool water temperature within an acceptable range, maintains water quality standards that support remote underwater operations and prevent corrosion, detects leakage from the pool liner, provides the capability to remove debris from the pool, controls the pool water level, and helps limit radiological exposure to personnel. The pool structure and liner, pool lighting, and the fuel staging racks in the pool are not within the scope of themore » Pool Water Treatment and Cooling System. Pool water temperature control is accomplished by circulating the pool water through heat exchangers. Adequate circulation and mixing of the pool water is provided to prevent localized thermal hotspots in the pool. Treatment of the pool water is accomplished by a water treatment system that circulates the pool water through filters, and ion exchange units. These water treatment units remove radioactive and non-radioactive particulate and dissolved solids from the water, thereby providing the water clarity needed to conduct waste handling operations. The system also controls pool water chemistry to prevent advanced corrosion of the pool liner, pool components, and fuel assemblies. Removal of radioactivity from the pool water contributes to the project ALARA (as low as is reasonably achievable) goals. A leak detection system is provided to detect and alarm leaks through the pool liner. The pool level control system monitors the water level to ensure that the minimum water level required for adequate radiological shielding is maintained. Through interface with a demineralized water system, adequate makeup is provided to compensate for loss of water inventory through evaporation and waste handling operations. Interface with the Site Radiological Monitoring System provides continuous radiological monitoring of the pool water. The Pool Water Treatment and Cooling System interfaces with the Waste Handling Building System, Site-Generated Radiological Waste Handling System, Site Radiological Monitoring System, Waste Handling Building Electrical System, Site Water System, and the Monitored Geologic Repository Operations Monitoring and Control System.« less