Abstract: A high-energy photon imaging system including an imaging head, a signal processor, a data acquisition system and an image processing computer. The imaging head includes a detector comprising a plurality of closely-packed detection modules. Each detection module comprises a plurality of detection elements mounted to a circuit carrier. The detection elements produce electrical pulses having amplitudes indicative of the magnitude of radiation absorbed by the detection elements. The circuit carrier includes channels for conditioning and processing the signals generated by corresponding detection elements and for preparing the processed signals for further processing by a signal processor. Each conditioning and processing channel stores the amplitudes of the detection element electrical pulses exceeding a predetermined threshold. The detection modules employ a fall-through circuit which automatically finds only those detection elements that have a stored pulse amplitude exceeding the threshold. The fall-through circuit searches for the next detection element and associated channel having a valid event. The signal processor performs diagnostics, gain normalization, and response efficiency normalization functions. The data acquisition system controls the acquisition and processing of data received from the conditioning and processing channels, produces image data based upon the data in a format that is compatible with existing imaging cameras, and transmits the data to the image processing computer. The image processing computer formulates images based upon the processed signals and displays the formulated images on a display device.

Abstract: Using echo-planar imaging, we developed an automated image-based procedure to shim the static (B0) field. Our method uses the rapid acquisition capability of echo-planar imaging to collect the required frequency data rapidly, rendering the shim data acquisition time negligible in comparison with the total study time. We address image distortion issues involved in echo-planar imaging acquisition of the data and formulate analytic methods for arriving at an optimal shim for the NMR imaging experiment in a single iteration. We investigated the use of cost functions other than least-squares (Chebychev, high-order numeric) and found that choice between the cost functions we tested was irrelevant to resultant image quality, at least when used in conjunction with low-order shims. With appropriate integration, the method has become routine practice for investigators at our laboratory.

Abstract: This paper identifies the data requirements for real-time monitoring and control of distribution systems. It points out that in addition to having supervisory control and data acquisition on switches and control equipment, methods are needed to obtain an accurate estimation of data needed for feeder automation functions. A meter placement method is proposed for this purpose. It is shown that the measurements from such a metering scheme can be used with a state estimator to provide the real-time data needed for real-time monitoring of a distribution system.

Abstract: A method and system for providing interferometric measurements having reduced sensitivity to vibrations. An interference pattern from an interferometer (35) is amplitude split into first and second interferograms and imaged onto first and second detectors (10,11), respectively, such as CCD cameras (10,11). The two cameras (10,11) have different data acquisition rates, such as a fast:slow camera ratio of at least 2:1, and are so disposed such that the image fields substantially overlap and are synchronized with each other so that the frame integration periods are identical and overlap in time. During data acquisition a phase shifter (45) changes the phase difference between the beams in the interferometer (35) while data from both cameras (10,11) is taken by a frame grabber (15) and saved in a computer (25). During data analysis, the phase at each image point on each frame of the fast data set is calculated by the computer (25), with the phase difference between interferograms in the slow data set being determined from the phases derived from the fast data set and with the slow data set then being analyzed for phase at each image point using the measured phase increments.

Abstract: A video-based data acquisition and interactive multimedia data extraction system are described for measuring and synchronizing large quantities of biomechanical analog data with arbitrary events and activities. Analog signals from up to 32 channels are digitized, frequency-shift key (FSK) coded, and recorded directly onto the audio tracks of a video tape in synchronization with the video information. The data acquisition system includes an A/D converter that digitizes up to 16 multiplexed channels of 8-b data at a fixed sample rate between 60 and 960 Hz, and an FSK modem that transfers the data onto one of two VHS high fidelity (20 Hz-20 kHz bandwidth) audio tracks. Twenty megabytes of digitized data and time codes, along with associated video and normal audio are contained on a conventional 120-min video tape. An analyst interactively reviews the video tape off-line using a computer-controlled VCR and identifies specific events that divide arbitrary activities into time segments. The computer automatically extracts the biomechanical data corresponding to each time segment for further processing or analysis. This system is useful for ergonomics, gait analysis, sports medicine, sleep laboratory, biomechanics, or any application where complex visual events are synchronized with low-frequency analog data. >

Abstract: A spectrally-filtered, miniature, imaging spectrometer system for airborne remote sensing data acquisition with a two dimensional field of view. Synchronized CCD-imager sensor modules or cameras are aligned to a common field of view. One sensor module has a visible range variable interference filter on its surface and a second module has a near-infrared range variable interference filter on its surface. Video data from the three sensor modules is combined and recorded on a single analog or digital recorder. Futher, such video data is monitored by a computer and used to control the shutter speed of each of the three sensor modules. Wavelength spectral image data and directional spectral image data are acquired by a single pass over a target area. Post-processing of such data produces reconstructed track-recovery-images extracted from a sequence of video frames for the spectral regions of interest at a fixed column position to produce multiple bands of monochrome images.

Abstract: Transthoracic dynamic 3-dimensional reconstruction of the heart with tissue depiction has been proved to be feasible when using various methods of data acquisition. The same method can theoretically be applied to color Doppler flows to generate dynamic 3-dimensional images of intracardiac blood flow jets. To explore the feasibility of this approach, we studied 41 patients with various valvular disorders or intracardiac shunts. We acquired sequential 2-dimensional images along with color Doppler information using rotational scanning from a transthoracic or a subcostal window. Images were digitized and processed for 3-dimensional reconstruction using dedicated software. After adequate segmentation, the flow jets were displayed in 3 dimensions in a gray scale format. With use of this approach, 3-dimensional reconstruction of color Doppler flows was possible in all but 1 patient. Still frames allowed immediate appreciation of the shape of the jets, their location in the cardiac chambers, and their size related to that cavity. Dynamic display was even more striking by showing the flow in real time. Dynamic 3-dimensional images enabled visualization of flow jets in projections not available in conventional color flow Doppler, looking directly at the views of shunt and regurgitant flows, and also permitted 3-dimensional delineation of flow convergence zones. We conclude that dynamic visualization of various intracardiac flows in 3 dimensions using transthoracic echocardiography is possible. It provides a better understanding of the shape and size of the jets, and can potentially aid in flow quantification by displaying the actual shape of flow convergence regions.

Abstract: This chapter should provide a first guide to the acquisition and analysis of patch-clamp data Except for the sections on single-channel analysis, the procedures and considerations also hold for data obtained using other voltage-clamp methods. It is assumed that the reader is familiar with the standard methods and terminology of patch-clamp electrophysiology. Because many of the problems that arise during data analysis can be avoided by a proper design of the experiment, including data acquisition, we start by deriving some criteria that should be considered before actually starting to record data.

Abstract: An Electric Vehicle Monitoring System (EVMS) for measuring the performancef an electric vehicle. The preferred embodiment of the system comprises: (1) a variety of sensors for obtaining data on vehicle performance and operating parameters; (2) a digital dashboard display providing the vehicle operator with information on vehicle operating parameters; (3) a data acquisition system for collecting the data from the sensors and converting the data to digital format; and (4) a processing unit in the form of a removable, portable or notebook computer used for storing, evaluating and providing reports of the digital format data. The EVMS is adapted for use in a vehicle specifically designed for electric propulsion or for use in an internal combustion engine vehicle converted to electrical power use. The sensors include voltmeters, ammeters, thermocouples, optical shaft encoders and an inclinometer and provide data to both the operator display and the data acquisition system. The operator display includes bargraphs for current draw, motor and battery temperature, accessory battery voltage, main battery voltage or "fuel level" and alphanumeric displays for vehicle speed, distance traveled, trip meter and transmission gear indicator.

Abstract: Data samples are obtained from a control device while in use to control a material process. Selected ones of these samples are stored which represent results of operating the device over portions of its characteristics, and they are selectively combined to provide an indication of the complete device characteristics. Selected such data samples are used provide information concerning selected control device parameters based on the device characteristics.

Abstract: Using regression analysis, n-dimensional spectral and imaging data from sources including Nuclear Magnetic Resonance or Electron Spin Resonance spectrometers, can be automatically analyzed and the data acquisition equipment or the data itself can be corrected for various determined types of distortion. The method allows correction of, for example, signal drift, sample saturation, removal of phase, baseline and shim distortions and allows removal of unwanted signals from the data. From ratios of determined parameter and error values signals can be distinguished from noise-related responses and using Monte Carlo simulations the corresponding signal detection probabilities can be derived. With the model of an n-dimensional signal, a parametric description of the dataset can be obtained with parameter and error values which truly reflect signal overlap and mutual parameter correlations. From this parametric description higher-level interpretations of the data, such as spin systems and related signal patterns, can be derived efficiently.

Abstract: Data acquisition and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems have evolved from mainframe-based systems to multilevel tiered systems to flat client-server architecture. This paper examines the necessity for this evolution and the technology that spurred it on. A rod mill is discussed as a case study.

Abstract: A data acquisition device includes a receiver operable to receive a stream of data, a first input device operable to supply an identifier to identify data from the stream of data received by the receiver, a second input device operable to produce a signal indicative that data from the stream of data received by the receiver is valid, and storage operable to store the identifier supplied by the first input device in combination with data from the stream of data received by the receiver. The data acquisition device also includes a controller operable to operate the device in a monitor mode in which data from the stream of data received by the receiver is monitored and an actual measurement mode in which data from the stream of data received by the receiver is stored in the storage along with the identifier supplied by the first input device. The controller switches operation of the device from the monitor mode to the actual measurement mode when the signal from the second input device indicates that the data is valid.

Abstract: The next generation Wedge Imaging Spectrometer (WIS) instruments currently in integration at Hughes SBRD incorporate advanced features to increase operation flexibility for remotely sensed hyperspectral imagery collection and use. These features include: a) multiple linear wedge filters to tailor the spectral bands to the scene phenomenology; b) simple, replaceable fore-optics to allow different spatial resolutions and coverages; c) data acquisition system (DAS) that collects the full data stream simultaneously from both WIS instruments (VNIR and SWIR/MWIR), stores the data in a RAID storage, and provides for down-loading of the data to MO disks; the WIS DAS also allows selection of the spectral band sets to be stored; d) high-performance VNIR camera subsystem based upon a 512 X 512 CCD area array and associated electronics.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Abstract: This paper presents novel data acquisition schemes for improving the quality of magnetic resonance images (MRI) These approaches determine the number of times that k-space (frequency domain) samples have to be acquired and averaged to form an MRI image, by taking into account the characteristics of the human visual system and the location in k-space of the data samples They lead to dramatic reductions in imaging time (by a factor of 8 to 10) with no reduction in image quality Alternatively, they produce higher quality imagery using the same amount of imaging time as conventional approaches

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously training multiple trainees in the use of simulated weapons, which method defines a set of image shapes and assigns each image shape to a different simulated weapon capable of generating a light beam, at a selected wavelength, having the assigned image shape. By collecting data under control conditions and evaluating a set of parameters that uniquely identifies each image shape and by comparing the resulting "control parameters" to the same set of parameters evaluated under training conditions (thereby, producing "on-line parameters") each image shape produced during a training session is identified and associated with a simulated weapon. The method enables an expanded number of trainees to be simultaneously trained, by employing the same set of image shapes produced and detected at different wavelengths. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a plurality of simulated weapon having a light source, a reflective surface, a light data acquisition assembly, and a controller to analyze and compare collected data. The light data acquisition assembly comprises a rasterizing sensor (i.e., a CCD camera), wavelength filter, and a data acquisition interface has a plurality of counters which convert pixel intensity and location data into a category of data, including position, length and intensity, for each segment of an image shape for subseqent receipt by the controller.

Abstract: We describe the design and use of a digital partial discharge (PD) data recording system capable of continuous real-time recording of PD pulse trains. The recording system consists of a custom two-channel PD digitizer coupled to a personal computer via a 10-bit parallel interface. The digitizer is under software control with the resulting data being stored in binary files on the computer's hard disk. The stored data subsequently are subjected to stochastic analysis using appropriate computer software. Because all data are retained and the computer provides the desired stochastic analysis of data files, the new system is well suited to investigate non-stationary PD behavior such as encountered in aging studies. By way of illustration, the new system was used to determine the time-varying stochastic behavior of ac-generated PD from point-to-dielectric gaps in air where the insulation material was cast epoxy with aluminum oxide filler. The results confirm and extend previous measurements made with an analog stochastic analyser. With these sample results, we demonstrate how the system allows detailed stochastic analyses not possible with data obtained from existing conventional PD measurement systems. >

Abstract: The present application concerns an apparatus for data acquisition and control to be used in connection with a scanning probe system. This apparatus comprises positioning means (3), used to provide for a relative, lateral scan movement of a sample to be scanned and a probe of said scanning probe system, and interface means (1) for processing analog signals (z1, z2) generated by the probe, and for conversion of these analog signals into digital data signals (d1, d2). The apparatus further comprises a converter (4) for conversion of said digital data signals (d1, d2) into composite video signals, and a process controller (2) connected to the positioning means (3), interface means (1) and converter (4) for the control and management of the operation of the scanning probe system.

Abstract: A system intended for use in time-of-flight mass spectroscopy for detecting at least one ion species in an ion spectra including a signal acquisition circuit for detecting the ions in the spectra and generating output signals indicative thereof, a sequence and storage control circuit for tagging certain ones of the signals to be stored, a memory circuit for storing the output signals tagged by the sequence and storage control circuit, and a digital signal processor circuit receiving the tagged signals from the memory for summing the tagged data and generating an output signal indicative of a value of the ion species detected. A method for collecting the data is also disclosed.

Abstract: The use of pulsed-field gradients has emerged as a promising approach for the selection of coherence transfer pathways in NMR spectroscopy. Applying field gradient pulses instead of phase cycling can reduce data acquisition time, minimize artifacts, and provide new ways to suppress solvent signals. This paper provides a practical introduction to the technique. The selection of coherence transfer pathways by field gradient pulses is based on the characteristic sensitivities of coherence to field gradients and on the formation of coherence transfer echoes. A general formulation for selection of coherence transfer pathways by field gradient pulses is provided. Examples are used to illustrate the design of field gradient pulse sequences for the selection of specific coherence transfer pathways in multiple-pulse experiments.

Abstract: A programmable data acquisition system including a plurality of input signal channels for receiving a respective input signal during a normal mode of operation is provided. Individual test circuits are used for selecting respective ones of the plurality of channels to receive predetermined reference signals during a test mode of operation while uninterruptedly providing the normal mode of operation in any remaining unselected channels in the data acquisition system. An analog-to-digital (A/D) converter system allows for supplying quantized electrical signals at a predetermined rate. The A/D converter is responsive to any signals carried in the plurality of signal channels as selected by the individual test circuits. A control unit allows for supplying respective control signals to the test circuits and to the converter system. The data acquisition system is coupled to an external microprocessor having a magnitude and a phase corrector through a microprocessor interface that transfers a microprocessor-derived control word from the microprocessor to the control unit. The microprocessor interface further transfers the stream of quantized electrical signals supplied by the converter system to the microprocessor. The phase corrector provides a predetermined phase angle correction over a predetermined passband to the quantized signals transferred to the microprocessor from the converter system while the magnitude corrector provides a predetermined magnitude correction over the predetermined passband.

Abstract: Describes an embedded controller board for a data acquisition system used in biomedical research. The board is essentially a 32 Mbyte memory buffer, accessible from four ports in round-robin fashion. Special FPGA-based sequencers managed by a local microcontroller provide a throughput of 2.5 Mbyte/s per port and automatically perform all low-level acquisition tasks: initiating A/D conversions, transferring A/D data to a buffer (queue) in memory and then transmitting the data to a host computer. The controller is presently used in a cardiac potential mapping system where it enables simultaneous acquisition of 256 channels at 4000 Hz per channel at a resolution of 12 bits per sample.

Abstract: : Rapid prototyping and tool reusability have pushed knowledge acquisition research to investigate method-specific knowledge acquisition tools appropriate for predetermined problem-solving methods. We believe that method- dependent knowledge acquisition is not the only approach. The aim of our research is to develop powerful yet versatile machine learning mechanisms that can be incorporated into general-purpose but practical knowledge acquisition tools. This paper shows through examples the practical advantages of this approach. In particular, we illustrate how existing knowledge can be used to facilitate knowledge acquisition through analogy mechanisms within a domain and across domains. Our sample knowledge acquisition dialogues with a domain expert illustrate which parts of the process are addressed by the human and which parts are automated by the tool, in a synergistic cooperation for knowledge-base extension and refinement. The paper also describes briefly the EXPECT problem- solving architecture that facilitates this approach to knowledge acquisition. Knowledge acquisition, Knowledge-base refinement, Learning by analogy, Explanation

Abstract: Long discharges have been demonstrated by lower hybrid current-drive experiments on some tokamak devices. Discharges of longer than 1000 s are also planned for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) and Tokamak Physics Experiment (TPX) projects. In the case of long-time or steady-state operation, it is important to monitor the plasma parameters continuously and change the operational conditions during the discharge to maintain the plasma current. However, a conventional data acquisition and analysis system cannot follow these operations because it must show the results after each pulse. A new system that can continuously monitor and support steady-state operation is necessary. A new system is developed in which the signal flow is divided into branches, and one series of processing is made to switch alternately among the groups in every regular desired interval. An application of this system has been demonstrated on a 1-h discharge by TRIAM-1M. 9 refs., 6 figs.