6 research outputs found
NASA Tech Briefs, December 1989
Topics include: Electronic Components and Circuits. Electronic Systems, Physical Sciences, Materials, Computer Programs, Mechanics, Machinery, Fabrication Technology, Mathematics and Information Sciences, and Life Sciences
An automated targeting mechanism with free space optical communication functionality for optomechatronic applications
This thesis outlines the development of an agile, reliable and precise targeting mechanism
complete with free space optical communication (FSOC) capabilities for employment
in optomechatronic applications. To construct the complex mechanism,
insight into existing technologies was required. These are inclusive to actuator design,
control methodology, programming architecture, object recognition and localization
and optical communication. Focusing on each component individually resulted in a
variety of novel systems, commencing with the creation of a fast (1.3 ms⁻¹), accurate
(micron range) voice coil actuator (VCA). The design, employing a planar, compact
composition, with the inclusion of precision position feedback and smooth guidance
fulfills size, weight and power (SWaP) characteristics required by many optomechatronic
mechanisms. Arranging the VCAs in a parallel nature promoted the use of a
parallel orientation manipulator (POM) as the foundation of the targeting structure.
Motion control was achieved by adopting a cascade PID-PID control methodology in
hardware, resulting in average settling times of 23 ms. In the pursuit of quick and
dependable computation, a custom printed circuit board (PCB) containing a field
programmable gate array (FPGA), microcontroller and image sensing technology were
developed. Subsequently, hardware-based object isolation and parameter identification
algorithms were constructed. Furthermore, by integrating these techniques with the
dynamic performance of the POM, mathematical equations were generated to allow
the targeting of an object in real-time with update rates of 70 ms. Finally, a FSOC architecture utilizing beam splitter technology was constructed and integrated into the
targeting device. Thus, producing a system capable of automatically targeting an infrared
(IR) light source while simultaneously receiving wireless optical communication
achieving ranges beyond 30 feet, at rates of 1 Mbits per second
Large space structures and systems in the space station era: A bibliography with indexes (supplement 04)
Bibliographies and abstracts are listed for 1211 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system between 1 Jul. and 30 Dec. 1991. Its purpose is to provide helpful information to the researcher, manager, and designer in technology development and mission design according to system, interactive analysis and design, structural concepts and control systems, electronics, advanced materials, assembly concepts, propulsion, and solar power satellite systems
Southern Accent September 2004 - April 2005
Southern Adventist University\u27s newspaper, Southern Accent, for the academic year of 2004-2005.https://knowledge.e.southern.edu/southern_accent/1082/thumbnail.jp