Using Ada to implement the operations management system in a community of experts

An architecture is described for the Space Station Operations Management System (OMS), consisting of a distributed expert system framework implemented in Ada. The motivation for such a scheme is based on the desire to integrate the very diverse elements of the OMS while taking maximum advantage of knowledge based systems technology. Part of the foundation of an Ada based distributed expert system was accomplished in the form of a proof of concept prototype for the KNOMES project (Knowledge-based Maintenance Expert System). This prototype successfully used concurrently active experts to accomplish monitoring and diagnosis for the Remote Manipulator System. The basic concept of this software architecture is named ACTORS for Ada Cognitive Task ORganization Scheme. It is when one considers the overall problem of integrating all of the OMS elements into a cooperative system that the AI solution stands out. By utilizing a distributed knowledge based system as the framework for OMS, it is possible to integrate those components which need to share information in an intelligent manner

A transputer Based Laser Scanning System

This paper presents a transputer-based laser scanner. This is to be integrated into an existing transputer-based mariufacturing environment to allow rapid construction of' 3-0 models. The approach allows Z-gradient informaticm to be obtained from a 2-D image by illuminating areas of interest with a form of structured light. An active scanning system is described. Simple algorithms are applied to the raw image data to extract concise information. This foveal analysis greatly reduces the data to be processed, allowing a simple and fast method for analysis. The system primarily consists of a video camera wlhich obliquely views a scene being scanned by a laser. The principle, the procedure, and methods of scanning are described. An overview of the principles of foveal analysis, the prototype experimental system and initial results are presented

An improved single-stage PFC AC-DC power supply

peer-reviewedThis letter describes an enhancement to a previously reported single-stage transformer-leakage-inductance-based power-factor-corrected isolated power supply. An improved switch timing calculation algorithm is developed to achieve zero current switch on of the active rectifier switches. The algorithm is based on an analytical model of the system relating the gate timing to the input and output voltages and control inputs. Remarkably, a closed-form expression for the switch timing can be derived and used to calculate and apply the timings in real time without the need for high-speed measurements or resonant structures. A prototype 1.25 kW prototype power supply is implemented using the proposed technique and performance measurements presented.ACCEPTEDpeer-reviewe

Active X-ray optics for the next generation of X-ray space telescopes

Described within is the design, manufacture, metrology and X-ray testing of an active X-ray prototype intended for the next generation of X-ray telescopes. One of the challenges faced by the X-ray telescope community is how to combine high resolution and high sensitivity into one system, as weight limitations place constraints on the optics that can be launched. Therefore the mandate of the active X-ray prototype is to provide high sensitivity through the ability of the optics to be nested and to deliver high angular resolution through the active control of the optic’s form. Piezoelectric unimorph actuators provide the active component: it is intended that they will correct for figure errors within the optic and therefore increase the angular resolution capability. The prototype’s design is based upon an ellipsoidal segment which provides point-to-point focussing of an X-ray source. The prototype itself is composed of an electroformed nickel optic where the non-reflective surface is populated with 30 piezoelectric actuators and it is the production of the prototype that is the core of the presented research. Metrology of the actuators’ influence functions is presented and highlight the prototype’s ability to deform its optic surface by microns. In addition, the measured influence functions are compared against finite element models and a distinct similarity between the functions is observed. The prototype was tested at an X-ray beamline facility in November 2008 and the results showed the prototype’s ability to correct the optic to achieve an improved angular resolution: from 0.786 arc-minutes to 0.686 arc-minutes in terms of full width half maximum. Finally, difficulties in the manufacture of the prototype and X-ray testing shall be presented alongside future work in conclusion to this thesis

Integration and testing of a digital transceiver for a dual frequency, pulse-doppler radar

This dissertation focuses on the development of a digital transceiver system for a dual-band, polarimetric radar, which is to form part of the NeXtRAD multistatic radar. NeXtRAD is being developed as an instrument for research into the behaviour of clutter and targets as observed by multistatic radars. The Pentek Cobalt model 71621 software defined radio interface was procured for use as the digital transceiver in the system. The goal was to develop the software needed to use this product as the digital transceiver in a prototype version of the NeXtRAD active node, and to ensure that it could be readily integrated with other subsystems in the final system. The active node is essentially a monostatic pulse-doppler radar. Laboratory tests of the transceiver showed that it was possible to generate and digitize pulsed waveforms at a 125 MHz intermediate frequency which is used by the existing receiver exciter in the system. After extensive laboratory testing and development, phase coherent waveform generation and multichannel digitization was achieved. A low transmit power version of the active node was constructed and tested at both operating frequencies. Equipment used in the testing and development of the digital transceiver included laboratory signal generators, spectrum analyzers and oscilloscopes. The digital transceiver was able to function at pulse repetition rates exceeding 2 kHz, with a single transmit channel and three receive channels active. The lowpowered monostatic prototype system was constructed to test the digital transceiver using a receiver exciter subsystem, RF amplifiers and antennas. This prototype radar was used to take measurements of targets at ranges below 300 m and successfully detected reflections from large structures. Cars and pedestrian traffic were detected by their doppler shifts at both L- and X-band frequencies. The detection of moving and stationary targets confirmed the suitability of the digital transceiver for use in the envisioned multistatic radar system

Electrical Wing Prototype Anti Icing pada Pesawat Komersil

The accumulation of ice on the aircraft's wings can cause a decrease in the aerodynamic properties of the aircraft, increase in weight, and it is difficult to control the aircraft so that it affects aircraft safety. Icing handling on aircraft is growing. One of the newest systems being developed is electrical anti-icing. Therefore, the researcher designed a prototype of an anti-icing electrical wing on a commercial aircraft with advantages in terms of maintenance and lighter components. The purpose of making this prototype is to design an anti-icing electrical wing in the form of a prototype and can be used as an anti-icing. The prototype consists of three parts, namely input, control unit, and heating element. The heating element working system is by attaching the heating element to the surface of the wing, so when the tool is active through the controls, the heating element will work with an indication of the LED on. After testing the Prototype electrical anti-icing function that has been made, it can be used as a de-icing that removes icing that has already frozen on the leading edge

Supporting Maintenance Management System (SMMS) for MARA College Kuala Nerang

The system technologies are rapidly increasing uses in routine daily work specifically for the administration department applications in organizations. The aim of the study is to design and develop the Supporting Maintenance Management System for MARA College Kuala Nerang (SMMS), Kedah. SMMS is an online report application system which provides a convenient graphics user interface (GUI) for staff, technician and administration staff. This system allows users to do any report regarding to the equipments break down or malfunctioning equipment. The methodology for developing the prototype is derived from the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) framework and contained only these four phases (i) Requirement analysis, (ii) Design, (iii) Develop and (iv) Evaluate the prototype. The UML model is used to model the system requirement, Active Server Pages (ASP) language and HTML coding is used to develop the prototype. Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is used to evaluate the prototype which thirty two (32) staffs of MARA College Kuala Nerang are involved in this process. The significant of the study are the maintenance report will be done via online without using any application form, reduce application processing time and save time, cost and energy of the staff especially to those who are busy in daily work

Active database behaviour: the REFLEX approach

Modern day and new generation applications have more demanding requirements than traditional database management systems (DBMS) are able to support. Two of these requirements, timely responses to the change of database state and application domain knowledge stored within the database, are embodied within active database technology. Currently, there are a number of research prototype active database systems throughout the world. In order for an organisation to use any such prototype system, it may have to forsake existing products and resources and embark on substantial reinvestment in the new database products and associated resources and retraining costs. This approach would clearly be unfavourable as it is expensive both in terms of time and money. A more suitable approach would be to allow active behaviour to be added onto their existing systems. This scenario is addressed within this research. It investigates how best active behaviour can be augmented to existing DBMSs, so as to preserve the investments in an organisation's resources, by examining the following issues, (i.) what form the knowledge model should take, (ii.) should rules and events be modelled as first class objects, (iii.) how will the triggering events be specified, (iv.) how the user will interact with the system. Various design decisions were taken, which were investigated by implementation of a series of working prototypes, on the ONTOS DBMS platform. The resultant REFLEX model was successfully ported and adapted onto a second POET platform. The porting process uncovered some interesting issues regarding preconceived ideas about the portability of open systems