Showing papers on "Data acquisition published in 2000"

System and method for electronic data delivery

Abstract: The present invention comprises a data delivery system for delivering oilfield data from an acquisition site (11) to a remote delivery site (12) comprising a central data hub computer (56) that processes a workflow order (230) for controlling delivery of the oilfield data, a data acquisition site computer (51) that transmits oilfield data over a first communications network to the central data hub (56) in near real-time in response to the workflow order (230) and a data server (58) that receives data from the central data hub (56) over a second communications network. The data server (58) communicates with multiple remote delivery site computers (52) for the simultaneous display of oilfield data in near real-time at the multiple delivery site computers (52) in response to the workflow order (230).

Uncertainty constrained subsurface modeling

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture are provided that use measurement data to create a model of a subsurface area. The method includes creating an initial parameterized model having an initial estimate of model parameter uncertainties; considering measurement data from the subsurface area; updating the model and its associated uncertainty estimate; and repeating the considering and updating steps with additional measurement data. A computer-based apparatus and article of manufacture for implementing the method are also disclosed. The method, apparatus, and article of manufacture are particularly useful in assisting oil companies in making hydrocarbon reservoir data acquisition, drilling and field development decisions.

Systems and methods for failure prediction, diagnosis and remediation using data acquisition and feedback for a distributed electronic system

Abstract: By using monitoring data, feedback data, and pooling of failure data from a plurality of electronic devices, real-time failure prediction and diagnoses of electronic systems operating in a network environment can be achieved. First, the diagnostic system requests data on the state of a machine and/or its components and collections thereof as part of the machine's normal operation. Secondly, real-time processing of the data either at the machine site or elsewhere in the distributed network allows for predicting or diagnosing system failures. Having determined and/or predicted a system failure, a communication to one or more remote observers in the network allows the remote observers to view the diagnostic information and/or required action to repair the failure. Furthermore, interrogation of either the particular electronic system, or a database containing data on similar electronic systems by the diagnostic server allows the diagnostic server to refine original diagnoses based on this population data to achieve a comprehensive failure predication/diagnosing system.

WIMDA: a muon data analysis program for the Windows PC

Abstract: A package for analysing μSR data has been developed for the PC running Microsoft Windows operating systems (Windows 95, 98 and NT4). Some of the key points considered in the design of the program were that it should run on a typical Windows PC, that it should directly read the binary files produced by muon data acquisition systems, that it should be equally easy to analyse data on-line and off-line and that appropriate features should be included for both pulsed and continuous muon sources.

An example of 3D conductivity mapping using the TEMPEST airborne electromagnetic system

Abstract: The TEMPEST airborne electromagnetic system is designed to measure the information that is required to derive accurate, highresolution three-dimensional conductivity estimates of the subsurface.TEM...

Method and system for automatic generation of shape and curvature data for a geographic database

Abstract: A process and system for collecting data about roads located in a geographic area and using the collected data to develop representations of the locations and geometry of the roads for a geographic database. A vehicle in which data acquisition equipment is installed is driven on the roads. Using the data acquisition equipment, data are collected representing positions of the vehicle as it is being driven along the roads and data indicating the path of the vehicle as it is being driven along the roads. The data acquired while traveling may be smoothed and fused. The data acquired while traveling are processed by a program that automatically selects which of the data are necessary to provide a specified level of accuracy in a geographic database that includes data that represent the roads including data that represent positions and geometry of the roads. The data selected by the program are stored in the geographic database.

The n-PI-method for helical cone-beam CT

Abstract: A new class of acquisition schemes for helical cone-beam computed tomography (CB-CT) scanning is introduced, and their effect on the reconstruction methods is analyzed. These acquisition schemes are based on a new detector shape that is bounded by the helix. It will be shown that the data acquired with these schemes are compatible with exact reconstruction methods, and the adaptation of exact reconstruction algorithms to the new acquisition geometry is described. At the same time, the so-called PI-sufficiency condition is fulfilled. Moreover, a good fit to the acquisition requirements of the various medical applications of cone-beam CT is achieved. In contrast to other helical cone-beam acquisition and reconstruction methods, the n-PI-method introduced in this publication allows for variable pitches of the acquisition helix. This additional feature will introduce a higher flexibility into the acquisition protocols of future medical cone-beam scanners. An approximative n-PI-filtered backprojection (n-PI-FBP) reconstruction method is presented and verified. It yields convincing image quality.

Wafer fabrication data acquisition and management systems

Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor processing device ( 800 ) including a tool ( 802 ) having one or more sensors, a primary data communication port ( 804 ) and a secondary data communication port ( 806 ). A sensor data acquisition subsystem ( 808 ) acquires sensor data from the tool via the secondary port ( 806 ). The data acquisition subsystem ( 808 ) acquires MES operation messages via the primary port ( 804 ). Sensor data are communicated to a sensor processing unit ( 828 ) of a sensor data processing subsystem ( 810 ). The sensor processing unit ( 828 ) processes and analyzes the sensor data. Additionally, the processing unit ( 828 ) can be adapted for making product or processing related decisions, for example activating an alarm if the process is not operating within control limits. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for processing data from a wafer fab facility ( 1000 ) including a plurality of tools ( 1004–1010 ) each having a primary data communication port ( 1012–1018 ) and a secondary data communication port ( 1042–1048 ).

The Fundamentals of FFT-Based Signal Analysis and Measurement

Abstract: The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and the power spectrum are powerful tools for analyzing and measuring signals from plug-in data acquisition (DAQ) devices. For example, you can effectively acquire time-domain signals, measure the frequency content, and convert the results to real-world units and displays as shown on traditional benchtop spectrum and network analyzers. By using plug-in DAQ devices, you can build a lower cost measurement system and avoid the communication overhead of working with a stand-alone instrument. Plus, you have the flexibility of configuring your measurement processing to meet your needs.

Data fusion neural network for tool condition monitoring in CNC milling machining

Abstract: Several data fusion methods are addressed in this research to integrate the detected data for the neural network applications of on-line monitoring of the tool condition in CNC milling machining. One dynamometer and one accelerometer were used in the experiments. The collected signals were pre-processed to extract the feature elements for the purpose of effectively monitoring the tool wear condition. Different data fusion methods were adopted to integrate the obtained feature elements before they were applied into the learning procedure of the neural networks. The training-efficiency and test-performance of the data fusion methods were then analyzed. The convergence speed and the test error were recorded and used to represent the training efficiency and test performance of the different data fusion methods. From an analysis of the results of the calculations based on the experimental data, it was found that the performance of the monitoring system could be significantly improved with suitable selection of the data fusion method.

System for and method of golf performance recordation and analysis

Abstract: A system for and method of golf performance recordation and analysis are provided. In accordance with the present invention, a user records hole-level and shot-level performance data for rounds of golf played by one or more players in a data acquisition component and uploads the performance data to a centralized database. The stored information can later be retrieved from the database by the user for visualization and analysis.

Hand-held computer device and method for interactive data acquisition, analysis, annotation, and calibration

Abstract: A handheld computer device for data acquisition is described. The device includes a hardware interface to be connected to a processing device and to an attachable sensor. The device also includes a data module to interact with the sensor and with the processing device and a display module to display data collection results on a display of the processing device.

The use of anisotropic height texture measures for the segmentation of airborne laser scanner data

Abstract: Airborne laser scanning data has proven to be a very suitable technique for the determination of digital surface models and is more and more being used for mapping and GIS data acquisition purposes, including the detection and modeling of man-made objects or vegetation. The aim of the work presented here is to segment raw laser scanner data in an unsupervised classification using anisotropic height texture measures. Anisotropic operations have the potential to discriminate between orientated and non-orientated objects. The techniques have been applied to data sets from different laser scanning systems and from different regions, mainly focussing on high-density laser scanner data. The results achieved in these pilot studies show the large potential of airborne laser scanning in the field of 3-D GIS data acquisition.

New real-time strain imaging concepts using diagnostic ultrasound.

Abstract: Two real-time strain imaging concepts and systems are presented. Both systems are based on a conventional ultrasound scanner that is connected to a PC with an A/D converter card for real-time data acquisition of rf data. Differential strain between successively acquired rf frames are estimated using phase root seeking. The first concept uses a special real-time implementation of manual elastography. In the second concept, denoted 'vibrography', the static compression is replaced by low-frequency axial vibration of the probe, still operating in quasistatic acquisition mode. The properties of both concepts are discussed with regard to noise and motion artefacts, and it is shown, using simulations and phantom experiments, that both imaging concepts yield the same kind of strain images. Vibrography has the advantage that no manual compression has to be applied, total compression can be very low and some motion artefacts are better suppressed.

Power meter having an auto-calibration feature and data acquisition capabilities

Abstract: A power meter is provided having an auto-calibration feature and a data acquisition node for measuring the power usage and power quality of electrical power in an electrical power distribution network. The auto-calibration feature calibrates the power meter at predetermined time increments and as a function of temperature changes.

Portable data collector and analyzer: apparatus and method

Abstract: A portable data collector and analyzer apparatus and method provides predictive and preventative maintenance of a multiplicity of assets through the use of a unique architecture that allows a variety of different application programs to be downloaded to the apparatus for providing a single multi-purpose portable data collector and analyzer apparatus that can employ the variety of different application programs for configuring, inter alia, different measurements types, different transducers types and different signal processing types for collecting and analyzing sensed physical data from a variety of different assets found in industrial plants. A unique frequency shifting and decimation method is employed for spectrum calculation that, inter alia, retains DSP addressing efficiency and increases signal processing speed. Additionally, a unique synchronous sampling method is employed that generates synchronous sample waveforms from asynchronous sample waveforms. Furthermore, a unique clear touch screen overlying a quarter VGA display, an ergonomically designed keypad, and an intuitive user interface allow quick and easy setup and operation for in-field data acquisition, analysis and display.

Method and apparatus for controlling and optimizing seismic data acquisition

Abstract: A system and method for coordinating the operation of multiple manned, remotely operated or autonomous marine vessels engaged in marine seismic data acquisition to direct cooperating vessels from one point to the next while minimizing deviations in the desired spatial configuration of assets, risk to vessels and seismic assets, and personnel and to obtain optimal midpoint coverage by evaluating inputs from subsystems providing positioning information for cooperating vessels, prospect coverage, vessel capabilities, environmental information, and navigation hazards.

System, apparatus, and method for telemetry and monitoring of desired targets

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for monitoring and/or displaying characteristics of a target such as an athlete (15a-15d) . A remote unit (12a-12d) is provided which is worn on a remote target's body or embedded in moving or standing objects. Each remote unit includes a data acquisition circuit (56) and one or more internal sensors integrally formed on a self-contained application specific integrated circuit, or integrated circuit chipset. The system provides enhanced viewing capabilities by combining video images with collected data regarding the target.

Integrated monitoring, diagnostics, shut-down and control system

Abstract: An integrated monitoring, control and shut-down (IMCS) system for monitoring and controlling the operation of a machinery is provided. The IMCS system includes: input ports for receiving sensor signals indicative of conditions of the machinery, output ports for outputting control signals to actuators of the machinery, signal conversion means coupled to the input and output ports, for converting the input sensor signals into data samples and for converting control data into control signals. The IMCS system also includes a data processor for controlling the signal conversion means, for processing the data samples into calculated values, for sending selected calculated values to be stored into a memory and for calculating control data. A communication bus couples the hardware elements of the IMCS system. The invention can be used for monitoring, controlling, diagnosing and determining the performance of machines used to develop mechanical energy such as reciprocating engines, machines driven by a rotating shaft such as electrical generators, rotating and reciprocating compressors, rotating and reciprocating pumps, propellers (air and water), water and gas turbines, and the like. A data acquisition process for use in the monitoring and control of a rotating equipment comprising a shaft is also provided. The method comprising the steps of sampling a condition sensor output indicating a condition of the rotating equipment that requires monitoring, sampling a marker sensor indicating the rotational position of said shaft and combining the condition signal and the rotation marker signal.

Data acquisition device

Abstract: A data acquisition device is provided The component parts of the device are configured according to certain specified angles which increase data acquisition throughput and reduce physical stress on the user

XAS-Collect: a computer program for X-ray absorption spectroscopic data acquisition

Abstract: A computer program for X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) data acquisition, called XAS-Collect, is described. The software employs the X Windows system to provide a pull-down menu, dialog-box style of graphical user interface. The software provides state-of-the-art features while still being sufficiently simple for novice users.

A virtual instrumentation system for integrated bearing condition monitoring

Abstract: This paper presents the design, optimization, and implementation of a virtual instrument (VI), which is an essential part of an integrated bearing condition monitoring system. The VI is designed using the graphical programming language LabVIEW and is capable of performing on-line measurement functions, including data acquisition, display, and analyses in the time and frequency domains, as well as data archiving. The issues of data length selection and VI real-time capability have been investigated to optimize the VI operation and improve data-processing efficiency. The VI system presents an effective and user-friendly human-machine interface for on-line bearing condition monitoring, which is of critical importance to real-time fault diagnosis and intelligent manufacturing.

Data acquisition card for fluctuation correlation spectroscopy allowing full access to the detected photon sequence

Abstract: Typically, fluctuation correlation spectroscopy (FCS) data acquisition cards measure the number of photon events per time interval (i.e., bin)—time mode. Commercial FCS cards combine the bins through hardware in order to calculate the autocorrelation function. Such a design therefore does not yield the time resolved photon sequence, but only the autocorrelation of that sequence. A different acquisition method which measures the number of time intervals between photon events has been implemented—photon mode. This method takes advantage of the fact that in FCS the rate of photon counts is much less than the frequency of the clock that is used to determine the temporal location of the photons. By using this new mode of data acquisition, the current card design allows for 25 ns time resolution. The data acquisition card can operate in both time and photon mode and yields the time resolved sequence of photon arrivals in both cases. Therefore, the data is available for analysis by any method(s), such as but not...

Pulse recording by free-running sampling

Abstract: Pulses from a position-sensitive photomultiplier (PS-PMT) are recorded by free running ADCs at a sampling rate of 40 MHz. A four-channel acquisition-board has been developed which is equipped with four 12 bit-ADCs connected to one FPGA (field programmable gate array). The FPGA manages data acquisition and the transfer to the host computer. It can also work as a digital trigger, so a separate hardware-trigger can be omitted. The method of free running sampling provides a maximum of information, besides the pulse charge and amplitude also pulse shape and starting time are contained in the sampled data. These informations are crucial for many tasks such as distinguishing between different scintillator materials, determination of radiation type, pile-up recovery, coincidence detection or time-of-flight applications. The absence of an analog integrator allows coping with very high count rates. Since this method is going to be employed in positron emission tomography (PET), the position of an event is another important information. The simultaneous readout of four channels allows localization by means of center-of-gravity weighting. First results from a test setup with LSO-scintillators coupled to the PS-PMT are presented.

Real-time data acquisition and telemetry based irrigation control system

Abstract: A data acquisition and telemetry based control system for use in facilitating substantially real time management of an agricultural irrigation system. The soil moisture sensor includes a reader and a plurality of probes. The probes each include an electronic circuit having a moisture sensing capacitor in operative communication with the soil whose moisture is to be measured. Each probe also includes a receive/transmit antenna and the reader includes a transmit/receive antenna, so that as the reader passes near the probe, the reader transmits a digital excitation signal to the electronic circuit of the biodegradable probe via an inductive couple formed between the transmit/receive antenna of the reader and the receive/transmit coil of the probe. The electronic circuit uses an energy component of the excitation signal to generate a digital data signal which indicates the moisture content of the soil adjacent to the moisture sensing capacitor. The probe sends the data signal to the reader which then uses the data signal to develop a corresponding set of watering instructions which are then transmitted to a control module in communication with the irrigation system. The control module sends corresponding control signals to nozzles of the irrigation system causing the irrigation system to disperse water in a manner consistent with the moisture content data transmitted by the probes to the reader. Because the irrigation system moves continuously through the field to be irrigated, the moisture content data acquisition and resultant water dispersal by the irrigation system occur substantially in real time.

Scientific and Technical Report

Abstract: : Advanced Materials Corporation has designed and constructed a spectro-polarimetric imaging system under contract with the Department of the Army (DAAL01-98-C-0080). The unit, which we will hereafter refer to as Spectroimager II, is a versatile spectro-polarimetric video imaging system that operates in the short wave infrared region between 900 nm and 1700 nm. It is an integrated imaging system with complete electronic control and interfaced with a standard PC. The software is user-friendly and allows easy access to the basic control parameters (filter wavelength, acoustic power level, sensitivity, retardance, etc.). In addition, it provides various data acquisition modes such as spectral data, spectrally filtered images, and real time image processing. In this Final Report, we will review the design and performance of the system and give an outline of steps for further improvement. The basic configuration of Spectroimager II is shown schematically in Fig. 1.1. At the heart of the system is the acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) that provides efficient, polarization-specific light filtering. The range and resolution of the AOTF depend on the crystal and transducer design. In Spectroimager II, it is optimized for 800 ^ 1800 nm to cover the range of the InGaAs imaging array (900 ^ 1700 nm). The FWHM spectral resolution is 61 /cm.