Showing papers on "Data acquisition published in 2003"

ScanImage: Flexible software for operating laser scanning microscopes

Abstract: Background: Laser scanning microscopy is a powerful tool for analyzing the structure and function of biological specimens. Although numerous commercial laser scanning microscopes exist, some of the more interesting and challenging applications demand custom design. A major impediment to custom design is the difficulty of building custom data acquisition hardware and writing the complex software required to run the laser scanning microscope. Results: We describe a simple, software-based approach to operating a laser scanning microscope without the need for custom data acquisition hardware. Data acquisition and control of laser scanning are achieved through standard data acquisition boards. The entire burden of signal integration and image processing is placed on the CPU of the computer. We quantitate the effectiveness of our data acquisition and signal conditioning algorithm under a variety of conditions. We implement our approach in an open source software package (ScanImage) and describe its functionality. Conclusions: We present ScanImage, software to run a flexible laser scanning microscope that allows easy custom design.

What does the eye tell the brain?: Development of a system for the large-scale recording of retinal output activity

Abstract: A multielectrode array system has been developed to study how the retina processes and encodes visual images. This system can simultaneously record the extracellular electrical activity from hundreds of retinal output neurons as a dynamic visual image is focused on the input neurons. The retinal output signals detected can be correlated with the visual input to study the neural code used by the eye to send information about the visual world to the brain. The system consists of the following components: (1) a 32 /spl times/ 16 rectangular array of 512 planar microelectrodes with a sensitive area of 1.7 square mm. The electrode spacing is 60 microns and the electrode diameter is 5 microns. (Hexagonal arrays with 519 electrodes are under development); (2) eight 64-channel custom-designed integrated circuits to platinize the electrodes and AC couple the signals; (3) eight 64-channel integrated circuits to amplify, band-pass filter and analog multiplex the signals; (4) a data acquisition system; and (5) data processing software. This paper will describe the design of the system, the experimental and data analysis techniques, and some first results with live retina. The system is based on techniques and expertise acquired in the development of silicon microstrip detectors for high energy physics experiments.

Method and system for agricultural data collection and management

Abstract: A system and method for agricultural data collection and management is described to provide quality assurance source verification data and performance tracking for agricultural items throughout the production cycle. Individual item data is efficiently collected, transferred, and shared in a transactional, event-oriented, row-oriented structure with few columns without need for creating relational structures. The system includes software components for data collection and real-time data lookup components; share, switch, route, and interface components; extract, transform, and load components; and report and analyze data components. Embodiments include data acquisition from multiple RFID reader locations; a web-based information system for a beef marketing alliance; value-based procurement, and supply chain management.

Mathematical analysis of super-resolution methodology

Abstract: The attainment of super resolution (SR) from a sequence of degraded undersampled images could be viewed as reconstruction of the high-resolution (HR) image from a finite set of its projections on a sampling lattice. This can then be formulated as an optimization problem whose solution is obtained by minimizing a cost function. The approaches adopted and their analysis to solve the formulated optimization problem are crucial, The image acquisition scheme is important in the modeling of the degradation process. The need for model accuracy is undeniable in the attainment of SR along with the design of the algorithm whose robust implementation will produce the desired quality in the presence of model parameter uncertainty. To keep the presentation focused and of reasonable size, data acquisition with multisensors instead of, say a video camera is considered.

A system and method for providing content warehouse

Abstract: A method for dynamically constructing a scalable content warehouse for information that includes semi-structured data. The method includes performing data acquisition (11) from a plurality of data repositories (24), some of which store data that is of semi-structured or non-structured form. The acquired data is enriched and stored in a storage (23). The enriching includes utilizing (12) enriching utilities some of which are semi-structured related enriching utilities. There is further provided provision of semi-structured access and query utilities for accessing the stored semi-structured data.

Method and apparatus for determining orientation and position of a moveable object

Abstract: An orientation and position tracking system in three-dimensional space and over a period of time utilizing multiple inertial and other sensors for determining motion parameters to measure orientation and position of a moveable object. The sensors, for example vibrational and angular velocity sensors, generate signals characterizing the motion of the moveable object. The information is received by a data acquisition system and processed by a microcontroller. The data is then transmitted via wireless communication to an external data reception system (locally based or a global network). The information can then be displayed and presented to the user through a variety of means including audio, visual, and tactile.

Approaches to large-scale urban modeling

Abstract: Large-scale urban modeling technologies use a variety of sensors and data acquisition techniques. The authors categorize current approaches and describe their advantages and disadvantages. Their survey examines current research with respect to several performance criteria including data acquisition sources, user interaction level, geometric fidelity, model completeness, and intended applications. Although modeling systems vary with respect to these criteria, data acquisition strongly influences model characteristics and usefulness. We therefore cluster the methods into those based on photogrammetry, active sensors, and hybrid sensor systems.

Wireless subject monitoring system

Abstract: A data acquisition system can include an acquisition device and a receiving device. The acquisition device includes inputs that receive data from sensors connected to a subject, a wireless and/or a wired transmitter that transmits data received by the inputs, and a housing carrying at least some of the components of the acquisition device. The housing may be wearable by a patient. The acquisition device may be switchable between a tethered data transmission mode and an untethered data transmission mode. The receiving device includes a receiver that receives data transmitted by the acquisition device, and may include an output that outputs data to a host. The system may be configured to transmit data from the data acquisition device to the local monitor point-to-point. The system is particularly useful for monitoring high acuity patients that may or may not require ambulation.

Three-dimensional digital library system

Abstract: A computer system (100) and method for the storage, archiving, query and retrieval of information relating to 3D objects is provided. The systeme includes data acquisition (130) means for requiring point coordinate data about a three-dimensional object, a database component (105), a processor (103) and a user interface (110). The processor (103) is operable to generate modeled data (105) from the point coordinate data and to segment the modeled data (124) into feature data (122) representing a plurality of features of the object (118). The data is organized so that features of the 3D objects can be automatically extracted for online query and retrieval. The processor (103) is operable to store the modeled data (124) and the feature data (122) in the database component (105) and retrieve modeled data (124) and feature data (122) from the database component (105) using search criteria representing oobject features of interest. The user interface (110) is operative with the processor (103) to allow a user input search criteria to processor (103) and to display data retrieved by the processor as a representation of an object feature.

Computer aided acquisition of medical images

Abstract: The invention provides a technique for acquiring subsequent image data in a medical diagnostic context based upon analysis of initial image data. The initial image data is processed via a computer aided diagnosis algorithm to determine whether additional image data acquisition is appropriate. Subsequent acquisition processes may be performed on the same imaging system from which the initial image data originated, or a different imaging system. The imaging systems may also be of different modalities. The subsequent acquisition of image data may be performed automatically without operator intervention, or the prescribed subsequent acquisition sequence may be outputted by the system for execution upon command of an operator.

Practical Data Acquisition for Instrumentation and Control Systems

Abstract: Introduction to Data Acquisition & Control Analog and Digital Signals Signal Conditioning The Personal Computer for Real Time Work Plug-in Data Acquisition Boards Serial Data Communications Distributed & Standalone Loggers/Controllers IEEE 488 Standard Ethernet & LAN Systems The Universal Serial Bus (USB) Specific Techniques The PCMCIA Card Appendix A: Glossary Appendix B: IBM PC Bus Specifications Appendix C: Review of the Intel 8255 PPI Chip Appendix D: Review of the Intel 8254 Timer-Counter Chip Appendix E: Thermocouple Tables Appendix F: Numbers Systems Appendix G: GPIB (IEEE-488) Mnemonics & their Definition Appendix H: Practical Laboratories & Demonstrations Appendix I: Command Structure & Programming.

Development of a real-time digital control system with a hardware-in-the-loop magnetic levitation device for reinforcement of controls education

Abstract: This paper discusses the development of a real-time digital control system with hardware in the loop (HIL) for modeling and controls education. This environment requires software tools by MathWorks, Inc. and a C++ compiler. The hardware tools include an off-the-shelf data acquisition card and the desired hardware to be controlled. The use of a single environment for dynamic system analysis, control law development, simulation evaluation, and final implementation on an HIL system has many educational advantages as compared to multienvironment settings. This host-target real-time environment is implemented and demonstrated by controlling a nonlinear, open-loop unstable, and time varying custom-built magnetic levitation device. The values of any parameter (control law, reference trajectory) in the Simulink model can be changed dynamically on the host computer without recompiling the control code, and their effects are observed in real-time on the HIL system. This environment allows for extensive experimentation, development of linear and nonlinear controllers, and performance comparison with HIL as shown in the presented examples. The educational features of this environment are presented throughout the paper and were verified in a class setting.

Development of a remote-access laboratory: a dc motor control experiment

Abstract: This paper presents the development of a remote-access control system which allows users to perform control experiments through Internet. A dc motor control module is used as an example to illustrate our design. The system is composed of an internal distributed system and an application system linked by a data acquisition (DAQ) interface card. Web server, video server and Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench (LabVIEW) controller server are designed based on a client-server structure. The experiment can be accessed from http://www.acae.cuhk.edu.hk/~accl/ibc/.

Applications of digital pulse processing in nuclear spectroscopy

Abstract: Data acquisition systems for nuclear spectroscopy have traditionally been based on hybrid systems with analog shaping amplifiers followed by analog-to-digital converters. Recently, however, new systems based on digital signal processing concepts have been developed. For example, one specific design, the Digital Gamma Finder (DGF-4C), has been used extensively for particle- and gamma-spectroscopy of nuclei far from stability. Using the DGF-4C, a variety of data acquisition systems have been implemented and used for measurements with semiconductor and scintillator detectors at recoil separators like the RMS at ORNL, the FRS at GSI and LISE at GANIL. Some novel features and unique advantages, such as trigger-less operation and pulse shape recording, are discussed in the context of selected studies.

Devices and methods for controlling initial movement of an electrosurgical electrode

Abstract: An electrosurgical electrode assembly having a cutting device including a catheter with a proximal and distal end, and an electrode carried on the distal end of the catheter. A controller is connected to the cutting device. A data acquisition system is connected to the controller and is capable of monitoring voltage and current output. A microprocessor may also be connected to the data acquisition system for processing voltage and current data from the data acquisition system. A generator is also connected to the data acquisition system. The controller initiates movement of the electrode upon arc initiation at the electrode. Methods of using the devices herein are also disclosed.

Image processing camera system and image processing camera control method

Abstract: An image pickup device that acquires images is controlled by an image pickup device controller that accepts image acquisition requests from multiple application programs, and an application scheduler selects application programs to be executed. Information indicative of the image data volumes and image data acquisition rates required for each of the multiple application programs is stored and used to select multiple concurrently executable application programs on the basis of the image data volumes and image data acquisition rates. An image acquisition scheduler determines the timing and intervals at which the multiple executable application programs repeat receiving image data from the image pickup device, without overlapping in terms of time. In addition, an operations section, which explicitly presents concurrently executable application programs to a user and commands the startup of these programs, is displayed on a navigation screen menu.

The flexible and modern open source scanning probe microscopy software package GXSM

Abstract: GXSM is a full featured and modern scanning probe microscopy (SPM) software. It can be used both in stand alone mode for powerful image processing and analysis and connected to an instrument operating many different flavors of SPM, e.g., scanning tunneling microscopy and atomic force microscopy or in general two-dimensional multichannel data acquisition instruments. The GXSM core can handle different data types, e.g., integer and floating point numbers. An easily extendable plug-in architecture provides many image analysis and manipulation functions. A digital signal processor subsystem runs the feedback loop, generates the scanning signals, and acquires the data during SPM measurements. In addition it performs sophisticated spectroscopy tasks such as scanning tunneling spectroscopy. The GXSM software is released under the GNU general public license and can be obtained via the Internet.

Sudbury neutrino observatory neutral current detector acquisition software overview

Abstract: The Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO) begins a new phase of operation in the autumn of 2003 with the installation of the Neutral Current Detector (NCD). This paper focuses mainly on the Object-oriented Real-time Control and Acquisition (ORCA) software that is the framework for the data acquisition system of the NCD array. Particular emphasis is given to the general purpose nature of ORCA and the manner in which it provides generic object-oriented software modules that can be configured and connected together at run-time to build general-purpose data acquisition applications. ORCA is the main graphical user interface for the NCD experiment and is used for hardware initialization, run control, data readout, and data shipping.

Methods and apparatus for use in surveillance systems

Abstract: A control signal is provided to a video data acquisition system that generates video data. In response to receiving the control signal, the video data acquisition system modifies at least a portion of the video data to produce an output signal. Authenticity of the output signal from the video data acquisition system is verified by checking that the video data includes modifications according to the control signal. If the video data does not include such modifications, it is known that the video data acquisition system needs to be checked for tampering or system failures.

Fully automated spectral analysis of periodic signals

Abstract: In this paper, we propose a method that allows to make a fully automated spectral analysis of a periodic signal, including a noise analysis, without any user interaction. The only action required from the user is to provide a data record that contains more than two periods of the signal (no integer number of periods is required). No synchronization between the generator and the data acquisition is needed, and different sampling rates are allowed (no integer number of samples/period is required).

Development of “position–charge–time” tagged spectrometry for ion beam microanalysis

Abstract: During sample analysis in scanning mode, our PC-based data acquisition system (MPA/PCTM) is able to record eight parameter events in a list data file The system can acquire simultaneously collected energies from up to four detectors (X and gamma ray detectors, charged particle detectors) Each event is tagged with beam position, integrated charge and a time-code Beam scanning control is currently upgraded Until now, beam position tagging required a double conversion (digital-analog and analog-digital) generating supplementary dead time The new system allows direct digital transfer with high-resolution maps and large scanning rate capabilities RISMIN, an home made software, is used to extract maps, spectra, profiles, etc from generated list data files This software is developed under LabVIEWTM and IMAQTM Beyond the classical elemental mapping capabilities, the software allows any 1D or 2D multi-filtering parameter representations and filtered events list data file generation Map processing (standard operations and image filtering) is also integrated

Radiation detector, radiation detecting system and X-ray CT apparatus

Abstract: A radiation detector of this invention includes a scintillator for converting an X-ray incident from a surface side into light, at least one photodiode chip having a plurality of photodiodes for converting the converted light into electrical signals, at least one switching chip having a plurality of switching elements for reading out a plurality of signals from the plurality of photodiodes, and at least one data acquisition chip having a plurality of data acquisition systems for amplifying the plurality of readout signals and converting the signals into digital signals. The photodiode chip, the switching chip, and the data acquisition chip are commonly mounted on a rigid multilayer wiring board.

Patient-centric data acquisition protocol selection and identification tags therefor

Abstract: Patient-centric data acquisition protocol selection systems and methods, and identification tags therefor, are described. Embodiments comprise a patient-centric data acquisition protocol selection system comprising: a programmable identification tag capable of allowing predetermined information about a patient to be stored therein and retrieved therefrom; a medical imaging system capable of communicating with the programmable identification tag; and programming associated with the medical imaging system for selecting an optimal data acquisition protocol; wherein the medical imaging system reads information from the programmable identification tag and then the programming selects an optimal data acquisition protocol based, at least in part, on the predetermined information about the patient that is stored in the programmable identification tag.

Data acquisition and display system and method of operating the same

Abstract: A data acquisition recording and display system for mounting in a vehicle having an interior console and an aperture in the console. The system comprising a frame mountable in the aperture. A recording media housed in the frame and operable to store and retrieve audio/video and other data. The content of the recording media being transferable to enable storage and searching on a remote device. Searching being performed with a search engine application.

Synchronization of seismic data acquisition systems

Abstract: A network distributed seismic data acquisition system comprises seismic receivers connected to remote acquisition modules, receiver lines, line tap units, base lines, a central recording system and a seismic source event generation unit synchronized to a master clock. One or more high precision clocks is added to the network to correct for timing uncertainty associated with propagation of commands through the network. Seismic receivers and seismic sources are thereby synchronized with greater accuracy than otherwise possible. Timing errors that interfere with the processing of the seismic recordings are greatly reduced, thus enabling an improvement in subsurface geologic imaging.