Showing papers on "Data acquisition published in 1997"

Method and apparatus for data communication

Abstract: A data acquisition and delivery system for performing data delivery tasks is disclosed. This system uses a computer running software to acquire source data from a selected data source, to process (e.g. filter, format convert) the data, if desired, and to deliver the resulting delivered data to a data target. The system is designed to access remote and/or local data sources and to deliver data to remote and/or local data targets. The data target might be an application program that delivers the data to a file or the data target may simply be a file, for example. To obtain the delivered data, the software performs processing of the source data as appropriate for the particular type of data being retrieved, for the particular data target and as specified by a user, for example. The system can communicate directly with a target application program, telling the target application to place the delivered data in a particular location in a particular file. The system provides an external interface to an external context. If the external context is a human, the external interface may be a graphical user interface, for example. If the external context is another software application, the external interface may be an OLE interface, for example. Using the external interface, the external context is able to vary a variety of parameters to define data delivery tasks as desired. The system uses a unique notation that includes a plurality of predefined parameters to define the data delivery tasks and to communicate them to the software.

Fast three dimensional sodium imaging

Abstract: An efficient scheme for fast three dimensional acquisition of sodium MR images is described. This scheme relies on the use of three dimensional k-space trajectories with constant sample density to achieve significant (60-70%) reductions in total data acquisition time over conventional projection imaging schemes. The performance of this data acquisition scheme is demonstrated with acquisition of sodium data sets on phantoms and normal human volunteers at 1.5 and 3.0 Tesla. The experimental results demonstrate that high quality three dimensional sodium images (0.2 cc voxel size, 10:1 signal-to-noise ratio) can be acquired at clinical field strengths (1.5 Tesla) in under 10 min.

Motion correction of PET images using multiple acquisition frames

Abstract: Positron emission tomography (PET) is a relatively lengthy brain imaging method. Because it is difficult for the subject to stay still during the data acquisition, head motion during scans is a source of image degradation. A simple data acquisition technique to reduce the effect of this problem is described. The technique associates the incoming data with the real-space position of the head. During the PET scan, the head position is constantly monitored with two video cameras and compared to its initial position. Every time the displacement for a region within the field of view (FOV) is larger than a specified threshold displacement, the PET data acquisition system starts to save the PET data in a new frame. The total number of frames required for a complete study depends on the magnitude of the head motion during the study and on the threshold displacement. At the end of the study, all the acquired frames are reconstructed independently and each image is rotated and translated to coincide with the initial position. When these images are summed, they produce a final image with fewer motion artefacts.

Automatic meter reading system

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring use of a commodity and for transmitting the measurement over a global computer information network to a remote location. The apparatus comprises a data acquisition and reporting device and an automatic meter reading device operatively arranged to measure use of a commodity and transmit the measurement over a global information network to the data acquisition and reporting device.

Data acquisition from a remote instrument via the internet

Abstract: Remote access is provided from a remote host system to an instrument Control and data acquisition software is stored within the instrument In response to the remote host system, the control and data acquisition software is forwarded to the remote host system The control and data acquisition software is run on the remote host system In response to control commands from the control and data acquisition software running on the remote host system, data acquisition of the instrument is controlled In response to a request from the control and data acquisition software running on the remote host system, acquired data is forwarded from the instrument to the remote host system

Industrial process surveillance system

Abstract: A system (10) and method for monitoring an industrial process and/or industrial data source (10). The system (10) includes a time correlation module (20), a training module (30), a system state estimation module (40) and a pattern recognition module (50). The system (10) generating time varying data sources, processing the data to obtain time correlation of the data (20), determining the range of data, determining learned states of normal operation (30) and using these states to generate expected values to identify a current state of the process closest to a learned, normal state (40); generating a set of modeled data, and processing the modeled data to identify a data pattern and generating an alarm (50) upon detecting a deviation from normalcy.

Remote data acquisition and processing system

Abstract: A remote data acquisition and processing system is provided. One embodiment of the system of the present invention for use in monitoring utility operation includes at least one optical imaging device for generating computer-readable image data of a visual representation, generated by a utility meter, of utility operation-related data. A host processor, which is remotely located from the optical imaging device and the utility meter, is also provided in this embodiment of the present invention for generating the utility operation-related data from the image data and for storing the image data.

MDSplus data acquisition system

Abstract: MDSplus, a tree based, distributed data acquisition system, was developed in collaboration with the ZTH Group at Los Alamos National Lab and the RFX Group at CNR in Padua, Italy. It is currently in use at MIT, RFX in Padua, TCV at EPFL in Lausanne, and KBSI in South Korea. MDSplus is made up of a set of X/motif based tools for data acquisition and display, as well as diagnostic configuration and management. It is based on a hierarchical experiment description which completely describes the data acquisition and analysis tasks and contains the results from these operations. These tools were designed to operate in a distributed, client/server environment with multiple concurrent readers and writers to the data store. While usually used over a Local Area Network, these tools can be used over the Internet to provide access for remote diagnosticians and even machine operators. An interface to a relational database is provided for storage and management of processed data. IDL is used as the primary data analysis and visualization tool. IDL is a registered trademark of Research Systems Inc.

LabVIEW Graphical Programming: Practical Applications in Instrumentation and Control

Abstract: From the Publisher: The #1 guide to LabVIEW,updated for release 4. 0! This is the only in-depth,engineering-level guide to the popular graphical programming language for virtual instrumentation. Using LabVIEW,engineers and scientists can create software-based instruments that can do the job of real-world hardware—saving thousands of dollars! Providing complete coverage of LabVIEW from a practical,engineering perspective,and including a CD-ROM with an extensive library of ready-to-use virtual instruments,this book will get you up to speed in no time. This is the only in-depth,engineering-level guide to the popular graphical programming language for virtual instrumentation. LabVIEW is ideal for developing software-based versions of real-world instruments,increasing the versatility of available hardware and saving thousands of dollars in equipment costs. Control panels mimic real panels,right down to on-screen lights and switches. Best of all,LavVIEW is easily understood by scientists and engineers—and can thus be used to achieve productive results more quickly. With LabVIEW,programming is done via block diagrams that consist of icons and wires that can be directly compiled into executable code. Full of practical tips and techniques,the completely revised text provides complete coverage of LabVIEW,including instrument drivers,using the DAQ Library,designing a DAQ system,data visualization,image processing,and automated test applications. New material covers networking and sound/video programming issues,along with other features of the latest LavVIEW releases. A companion CD-ROM provides an extensive ibrary of ready-to-use LavVIEW virtual insturments. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Gary W.Johnson is a longtime LabVIEW user. He is currently an Instrumentation Engineer at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

Configuration manager for configuring a data acquisition system

Abstract: A data acquisition system comprising a Configuration Manager for intelligently managing access to DAQ configuration information. The data acquisition system comprises a computer system coupled to a data acquisition device, a data acquisition application (user application) executing on the computer system, and DAQ driver level software executing on the computer system. The memory of the computer system stores a hardware database which includes information on DAQ objects in the DAQ system, and the memory stores configuration files which comprise desired configurations of the DAQ system. The Configuration Manager of the present invention executes in the computer system to control access to the hardware database and configuration files stored in the computer system. The present invention also includes a method for providing access to information on data acquisition (DAQ) objects in the DAQ system. The Configuration Manager accesses the configuration information from the system memory if the configuration information comprises modified parameter values stored in the memory, and the Configuration Manager otherwise accesses the configuration information from the hardware database. The present invention also includes a method for providing access to additional or new information on data acquisition (DAQ) objects in a DAQ system. The user of the DAQ system can receive an updated hardware database, and an existing configuration file can automatically access the additional capabilities of the DAQ object from the installed updated hardware database.

Data acquisition system for photovoltaic systems performance monitoring

Abstract: In order to analyze the performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems, we have developed a real-time expert system based on a central microcomputer used as a microserver and can be easily consulted from different automatic stations. The developed system is able to ensure the monitoring, supervision, and control of PV systems installed over a wide area, on one hand, and to create a general PV systems database, on the other. This paper presents a design of a universal data acquisition system with available components and which is easily accessible through a server. The hardware and software configuration of the expert system are described. Performance of this system are also presented when applied on PV systems.

Data acquisition device for optical detection and storage of visually marked and projected alphanumerical characters, graphics and photographic picture and/or three dimensional topographies

Abstract: The data acquisition device comprises a projecting device for projecting the light emitted by a radiation source onto a section of a marked surface, and an optical unit for recording and reproducing the reflected light on a screen sensor converting the reflected light into a sequence of electronic signals. Furthermore, the data acquisition device has a motion detector for generating synchronizing signals in the presence of a movement parallel with the marked surface, as well as a signal processing unit converting the signals of the screen sensor into information packets containing independently of the character code the alphanumerical, graphic or pictured information of a freely selectable part of the marked surface, and recallably storing such information packets in a memory unit.

Universal host interface for data acquisition systems

Abstract: A universal interface system for use with a data acquisition system including a data acquisition device such as a bar code scanner or scanner integrated terminal for providing digital data signals indicative of acquired data for transmission to a host device such as a computer, and a host device having host-specific input/output data format requirements. The universal interface system comprises universal data exchange means located in the data acquisition device for providing digital data signals in a universal data exchange format independent of the data format requirements of the host device; and a host interface cable coupled to the data acquisition device and to said host device, for transmitting acquired digital data from the data acquisition device to the host device, the interface cable comprising means for translating digital data from the universal data exchange format to the host-specific input/output data format requirements. The interface cable comprises a buffer for storing a host parameter data word used in communications with the host device. The universal data exchange means comprises a memory for storing a plurality of host parameter data words, each of the host parameter data words being associated with one of a plurality of different host interface modules; and means for reading from the memory and transmitting to the host interface module the host parameter data word associated with the particular host interface module operatively connected thereto.

Laser based PCMCIA data collection system with automatic triggering for portable applications and method of use

Abstract: A high speed non-contact beam scanning data acquisition memory card is disclosed. The device possesses the ergonomic benefits of a a card, yet can scan a wide angle moving beam across an information-bearing target in one or two dimensional scan patterns such as lines, rasters or other patterns in order to read information therefrom. The device is well suited for reading one or two dimensional bar-code or other printed matter where great portability as in medical records acquisition is desired. In order to achieve the high density electro-optical packaging necessary for its high performance to size ratio the present device employs a low profile scan module which is turned on by novel methods. Collected information is processed by signal processing electronics and stored in solid state low power memory devices. Novel triggering and scan actuating methods are also disclosed as are novel integrated scanning applications. In one embodiment components are integrated into a thin PCMCIA card or pen type scan device. Communication from the device is achievable by a cable or by wireless means.

Automation of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry using fuzzy logic feedback control.

Abstract: Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry is a sensitive and versatile method for biomolecular analysis which has potential for high-throughput screening in many applications. To obtain mass spectra of optimal quality, however, laser fluence is continuously adjusted during data acquisition to be close to the threshold level of ion production, requiring a skilled operator and several minutes of acquisition time per sample. Using real-time fuzzy logic control of the laser fluence, we here demonstrate that the acquisition of MALDI spectra can be automated without reduction of data quality. The control algorithm evaluates signal intensity and mass resolution of the base peak. It then regulates the laser fluence to keep the ion signal intensity within the dynamic range of the data acquisition hardware while maintaining high mass resolution. This fuzzy logic control system allows unattended data acquisition using either static ion extraction or delayed ion extraction MALDI. Even for difficult samples such as femtomole-level peptide mixtures, no significant reduction in data quality is observed, as compared to manually obtained spectra. Automated analysis of 78 chromatographic fractions with high mass accuracy demonstrates the utility of the method. The control algorithm has been combined with other software modules to completely automate database identification of proteins by their peptide mass maps. The success of fuzzy logic in MALDI automation suggests wider uses of this technique in mass spectrometry.

A Roll-Along Technique For 3D Resistivity Data Acquisition With Multi-Electrode Arrays

Abstract: A roll-along technique for 3D data acquisition using standard multi electrode equipment, designed for engineering and environmental applications, allow measurement of large true 3D resistivity data sets. Results from a field test at a closed sludge disposal site display consistent data, with marked differences between measurement directions. The data was inverted to form a resistivity-depth model of the ground using a 3D quasi- Newton technique. The results achieved with the technique can be highly useful for engineering and environmental applications, but would require the use of multi channel measurement to speed up the data acquisition process for routine application.

Integrated motor and diagnostic apparatus and method of operating same

Abstract: A method and apparatus for real-time electric motor diagnostics and condition monitoring. While the motor is energized, dynamic operating parameters are determined and a notification signed is generated if predetermined criterion are satisfied. The diagnostic apparatus is integrated with the motor and includes a set of sensors, a processing unit, a memory and an output interface for communicating alarms, warnings and calculated operating parameter values or the like to a display device and to an external supervisor having wireless paging capability to alert a remote operator or maintenance personnel. In a normal operating mode, the processing unit calculates a general class of derived motor operating parameters such as over-temperature, over-voltage, over-current, excessive vibration, and phase imbalance. When an abnormal condition is observed, the processing unit modifies certain data acquisition parameters as necessary to effect an alternative data acquisition strategy which would more likely lead to data dispositive of the condition of the motor.

Surface inspection tool

Abstract: A laser based inspection tool (LIT) for inspecting planar surfaces is described. In a preferred embodiment the LIT can simultaneously inspect both planar surfaces of disks for use in disk drives. The LIT uses a mechanical lifter which moves the disk through the laser scan lines (i.e. perpendicular to the scan lines) to allow the entire surface on each side of the disk to be scanned. The light reflected from the surface is routed to a detector which converts the intensity of the reflected beam into an analog signal. The analog signal is sampled and digitized to generate pixel data. A data acquisition system sequentially stores the pixel data in a buffer. The edges of the planar surface in the pixel data are determined for each scan line while data acquisition is in progress. A mask is applied to direct the defect detection only to meaningful areas of the disk while data acquisition is in progress. A median filter and derivative analysis can be applied to the pixel data to detect deviations indicating defects.

Mini driver software architecture for a data acquisition system

Abstract: An improved software architecture for data acquisition (DAQ) driver level software executing in a DAQ system. The DAQ driver level software receives calls from the DAQ user application and is executable to control the DAQ device. The DAQ driver level software includes one or more interpreters which receives calls from the DAQ user application. Each of the interpreters performs functionality which is common for a plurality of DAQ devices, and each of the interpreters is preferably useable for a plurality of different DAQ devices. The DAQ driver level software also includes a plurality of mini-driver primitives which each perform a portion of controlling the DAQ device, i.e., each controls a hardware resource of the DAQ device. In the preferred embodiment, each of the mini-driver primitives present the same application programming interface. The present invention thus comprises an improved architecture for DAQ driver level software. The software architecture of the present invention thus provides much greater code reuse and simplification of individual board drivers.

Imaging Spaceborne and Airborne Sensor Systems in the Beginning of the Next Century.

Abstract: The beginning of the next millennium promises an explosion in the quantity and quality of global data available from imaging remote sensing systems. The scientific and commercial communities become aware of unique hyperspectral imaging data acquisition opportunities. A brief profile of over 80 high resolution spaceborne and airborne earth observation sensor systems (H less than 800 km) planned to be operating in the year 2000 and beyond are presented in this paper. This overview covers multi- and hyperspectral civil, land and ocean nadir viewing observation sensors in the spectral range from the ultraviolet to the thermic infrared. A summary of the performance of each system, from image parameters (spectral and ground resolution) to the image generating procedure (spectral selection mode, image acquisition mode) is presented. At this point some caution is due since not all these concepts and plans will come to pass. The cuts in the government budget and the containment of commercial plans for new sensor systems will affect the realization of the present plans. However, the year 2000 will see at least four large area vegetation and ocean mappers, three landsat-like systems and two commercial high resolution systems in polar orbit simultaneously. A fleet of over 40 airborne sensor systems gives the final polished form of the future data acquisition opportunities.

Acquisition of 3D urban models by analysis of aerial images, digital surface models, and existing 2D building information

Abstract: For a task like 3D building reconstruction, there are three main data sources carrying information which is reburied for a highly automated data acquisition. These data sources are aerial images, digital surface models (DSM), which can either be derived by stereo matching from aerial images or be directly measured by scanning laser systems, and -- at least for highly developed countries -- existing (2D) GIS information on the ground plan or usage of buildings. The way these different data sources should be utilized by a process of 3D building reconstruction depends on the distinctive characteristics of the different, partly complementary type of information they contain. Image data contains much information, but just this complexity causes enormous problems for the automatic interpretation of this data type. The GIS as a secondary data source provides information on the 2D shape, i.e. the ground plan of a building, which is very reliable, although information on the third dimension is missing and therefore has to be provided by other data sources. As the information of a DSM is restricted to surface geometry, the interpretation of this kind of data is easier compared to the interpretation of image data. Nevertheless, due to insufficient spatial resolution or quality of the DSM, optimal results can only be achieved by the combination of all data sources. Within this paper two approaches aiming on the combination of aerial images, digital surface models and existing ground plans for the reconstruction of three- dimensional building reconstructions are demonstrated.

A flexible implementation of scanning probe microscopy utilizing a multifunction system linked to a PC-Pentium controller

Abstract: A flexible electronic setup on a PC platform and the software implementation in Windows Microsoft environment, for a multipurpose head for scanning probe microscopy (SPM), has been developed The integrated, multiapplication data acquisition system is linked to a PC-Pentium controller, through a digital I/O board, and consists of: (i) an asynchronous acquisition for real time removal of following error from SPM images; (ii) a three-axes, computer controlled micropositioning stage; (iii) software for electronic control, data acquisition, and graphics elaboration performed through subroutines of Visual Basic (Visual Basic Programming System Professional edition for Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, USA), and PV-WAVE personal edition (PV-WAVE Personal edition for Windows is a registered trademark of Visual Numerics, USA)

Automated pavement distress data collection and analysis: a 3-D approach

Abstract: This paper describes a 3-D automated pavement distress data collection and analysis system based on NRC's Biris sensor technology. The paper introduces the problem to be solved, the selected design criteria, and the adopted solution to monitor the quality of road surfaces. The system geometry for the acquisition of the three-dimensional coordinates of pavement surface distresses is presented. Multiple feature extraction and system integration concepts are given with emphasis placed on the real-time processing of the raw data by a parallel array of processors. Advantages and disadvantages of this technology are discussed. System performances and experimental results are provided.

Multi-anode time to digital converter

Abstract: An apparatus (82) for extending the dynamic range of a data acquisition. Multiple anode detectors (80) and microchannel plates (83) are used to increase the dynamic range of a time-to-digital converter (82). Multiple anodes (80) determine characteristics of a signal without distortion which normally occurs with large signals, or obscuring by noise which normally occurs with small signals. The data from the multi-anode detectors (80) can be summed during selectable time frames (100, 102) and made multiple bit words.

Natural terrain hazard detection with a laser rangefinder

Abstract: This paper presents a laser-based hazard detection system for rovers traveling over natural terrain. This system, which complements an existing stereo vision system, is based on a line-scanning laser ranger viewing the area just in front of the rover. This configuration of the laser yields a fast response time and very high precision, but due to the short look-ahead only an emergency stop can be commanded. The system consists of a data acquisition module and a hazard detection module. The acquisition module retrieves and validates range data, performing integrity checks of the laser system and correcting minor problems if necessary. The detection module evaluates the elevation profile of the terrain looking for evidence of three different hazards: step, ditch, and belly. The laser system has been tested in lunar-like terrain with excellent performance: zero misses and few false alarms operating at 4 Hz.

Network system, client terminal and relay server

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network system with which data are efficiently transmitted by converting data corresponding to conditions such as a communication state or the throughput of a terminal. SOLUTION: When acquiring data D1 from a server 30, a data-with-index acquisiton request transmitting means 21 generates and transmits a data acquisition request C with index by adding an index concerning data transmission information to the data acquisition request. A data converting means 41 converts the data D1 acquired from the server 30, based on the index. A data storage means 42 stores converted data D2. COPYRIGHT: (C)1999,JPO