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Briefs: Information Technology
Change_Detection.m
The Change_Detection.m MATLAB tool detects changes in an image by comparing the image to a background estimation. The change detection software is a MATLAB function designed to work on either a single image or a sequence of images, and computes changes with respect to a background image by one of four techniques:
Briefs: Information Technology
Ionospheric Simulation System for Satellite Observations and Global Assimilative Modeling Experiments (ISOGAME)
ISOGAME is designed and developed to assess quantitatively the impact of new observation systems on the capability of imaging and modeling the ionosphere. With ISOGAME, one can perform observation system simulation experiments (OSSEs). A...
Briefs: Software
An Extensible, User- Modifiable Framework for Planning Activities
This software provides a development framework that allows planning activities for the Mars Science Laboratory rover to be altered at any time, based on changes of the Activity Dictionary. The Activity Dictionary contains the definition of all activities that can be carried out by a...
Briefs: Software
Mission Operations Center (MOC) - Precipitation Processing System (PPS) Interface Software System (MPISS)
MPISS is an automatic file transfer system that implements a combination of standard and mission-unique transfer protocols required by the Global Precipitation Measurement Mission (GPM) Precipitation Processing System (PPS) to control the flow...
Briefs: Software
AGATE: Adversarial Game Analysis for Tactical Evaluation
AGATE generates a set of ranked strategies that enables an autonomous vehicle to track/trail another vehicle that is trying to break the contact using evasive tactics. The software is efficient (can be run on a laptop), scales well with environmental complexity, and is suitable for use...
Briefs: Information Technology
Mixed Linear/Square-Root Encoded Single-Slope Ramp Provides Low-Noise ADC With High Linearity for Focal Plane Arrays
Single-slope analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) are particularly useful for on-chip digitization in focal plane arrays (FPAs) because of their inherent monotonicity, relative simplicity, and efficiency for column-parallel...
Briefs: Information Technology
X-Ray Detection and Processing Models for Spacecraft Navigation and Timing
The current primary method of deepspace navigation is the NASA Deep Space Network (DSN). High-performance navigation is achieved using Delta Differential One-Way Range techniques that utilize simultaneous observations from multiple DSN sites, and incorporate observations of...
Briefs: Information Technology
RUSHMAPS: Real-time Uploadable Spherical Harmonic Moment Analysis for Particle Spectrometers
RUSHMAPS is a new onboard data reduction scheme that gives real-time access to key science parameters (e.g. moments) of a class of heliophysics science and/or solar system exploration investigation that includes plasma particle spectrometers (PPS), but...
Briefs: Information Technology
Automated 3D Damaged Cavity Model Builder for Lower Surface Acreage Tile on Orbiter
The 3D Automated Thermal Tool for Damaged Acreage Tile Math Model builder was developed to perform quickly and accurately 3D thermal analyses on damaged lower surface acreage tiles and structures beneath the damaged locations on a Space Shuttle Orbiter. The 3D model...
Briefs: Information Technology
Powered Descent Guidance With General Thrust-Pointing Constraints
The Powered Descent Guidance (PDG) algorithm and software for generating Mars pinpoint or precision landing guidance profiles has been enhanced to incorporate thrust-pointing constraints. Pointing constraints would typically be needed for onboard sensor and navigation systems that...
News: Government
Screening System Detects Wafer Defects
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have developed an instrument that puts pressure on wafers to find which ones are too fragile to make it through the manufacturing process. The device then kicks out weak wafers before they go through their costly...
News
Novel Material Dislodges Bacteria from Ship's Surface
Duke University engineers have developed a material that can be applied like paint to the hull of a ship and will literally be able to dislodge bacteria, keeping it from accumulating on the ship’s surface. This buildup on ships increases drag, reduces the energy efficiency of the vessel, as...
Articles: Robotics, Automation & Control
Designers of medical pumps often have to deal with the challenge of implementing precise, yet low-cost motion control. For most medical pumps, there are three basic technology...
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Application Briefs: Motion Control
Motion analysis often is based on stereophotogrammetry, which estimates the three-dimensional coordinates of points on an object by measurements made in two or more photographic images taken...
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Products: Robotics, Automation & Control
Intelligent Actuator – IAI America (Torrance, CA) offers the RCD Mini Cylinder that is designed to replace compact air cylinders used for short-stroke travel, pressing, and hoisting. It features a crosssection of 12 mm, with a...
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Products: Motion Control
K90 linear actuators from Exlar (Chanhassen, MN) are compact, 90-mm frame size actuators available in three performance levels, and allow the use of third-party motors. Featuring dimensions and form-factor consistent with ISO...
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Products: Robotics, Automation & Control
NITRA™ E-Series pneumatic dual-rod guided air cylinders from Automation - Direct (Cumming, GA) are designed for applications that require precise alignment or have large side loads. The devices are interchangeable with...
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Products: Robotics, Automation & Control
ASM Sensors (Elmhurst, IL) offers the PMIS4/PMIR5 non-contact measuring system developed for rotary applications. The system provides high EMC protection, large guiding distance tolerance, and signal performance up to 327,680...
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Products: Robotics, Automation & Control
ADLINK Technology (San Jose, CA) has released the PCI- 8254/PCI-8258 motion controllers that provide servo updates up to 20 KHz through hardware-based PID-FF control loop and secondorder filters, time-deterministic trajectory...
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Products: Motion Control
Newport Corp. (Irvine, CA), has introduced the FMSxxHA high-accuracy FMS stages for surface metrology applications. The stages are available in 100-, 200-, and 300-mm models. With all-steel construction, the stages combine high...
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Products: Motion Control
Model LF series linear scales from HEIDENHAIN Corp. (Schaumburg, IL) are used on highaccuracy machine tools, jig bore and grinding machines, and linear motors. The LF 485 and 185 incremental models feature very high repeatability...
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Products: Motion Control
Kistler North America (Novi, MI) has introduced the Kistler Type 9269A RoaDyn® S6HT System 2000, a six-component wheel force transducer (WFT) with specialty electronics platform. It is designed to measure three forces...
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Products: Motion Control
The SHX and SPX brushless servomotors for CNC machinery applications are available from NUM Corp. (Naperville, IL). They eliminate the need for a separate encoder cable; machine builders can use a single drive-to-motor...
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Products: Motion Control
Lin Engineering (Morgan Hill, CA) offers the R525 stepper motor driver that reduces overall design time and system cost for an array of step motor applications needing high torque, power, and smooth motion. Measuring 3.3 ×...
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Products: Motion Control
Revvo Caster Company (West Seneca, NY) offers ET Series casters designed to move moderate loads via manual propulsion. Four-inchdiameter swivel models are available with an optional fixed-position brake that mounts to the top plate so...
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Products: Motion Control
Pepperl+Fuchs (Twinsburg, OH) has introduced Series 61 photoelectric sensors. The UL and cUL listed sensors are available in DC models with 4-in-1™ output, and AC/DC models with SPDT relay output. Accessible controls simplify...
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Products: Robotics, Automation & Control
Metallized Carbon Corp. (Ossining, NY), offers custom vanes, rotors, and end plates for use in rotary vane pumps pumping both liquids and gases. The carbon-graphite components provide lubrication in most environments, and are...
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Products: Motion Control
Plug & Drive PD2-N integrated closed-loop stepping motors from Nanotec Electronic, U.S. (Medford, MA), provide closed-loop sine commutation. They feature 71 oz-in of torque, and speed up to 3000 RPM with near-servo performance....
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Products: Motion Control
The Thomas 230 Series, a brushless DC WOB-L® air compressor designed for applications requiring a compact, lightweight pump with variable output, is available from Thomas Division (Sheboygan, WI). The pump measures 3.8 ×...
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