Computer simulation of a pilot in V/STOL aircraft control loops

The objective was to develop a computerized adaptive pilot model for the computer model of the research aircraft, the Harrier II AV-8B V/STOL with special emphasis on propulsion control. In fact, two versions of the adaptive pilot are given. The first, simply called the Adaptive Control Model (ACM) of a pilot includes a parameter estimation algorithm for the parameters of the aircraft and an adaption scheme based on the root locus of the poles of the pilot controlled aircraft. The second, called the Optimal Control Model of the pilot (OCM), includes an adaption algorithm and an optimal control algorithm. These computer simulations were developed as a part of the ongoing research program in pilot model simulation supported by NASA Lewis from April 1, 1985 to August 30, 1986 under NASA Grant NAG 3-606 and from September 1, 1986 through November 30, 1988 under NASA Grant NAG 3-729. Once installed, these pilot models permitted the computer simulation of the pilot model to close all of the control loops normally closed by a pilot actually manipulating the control variables. The current version of this has permitted a baseline comparison of various qualitative and quantitative performance indices for propulsion control, the control loops and the work load on the pilot. Actual data for an aircraft flown by a human pilot furnished by NASA was compared to the outputs furnished by the computerized pilot and found to be favorable

Field assessment of behavioural responses of southern stingrays (Hypanus americanus) to acoustic stimuli

The ability of elasmobranchs to detect and use sound cues has been heavily debated in previous research and has only recently received revived attention. To properly understand the importance of sound to elasmobranchs, assessing their responses to acoustic stimuli in a field setting is vital. Here, we establish a behavioural audiogram of free-swimming male and female southern stingrays (Hypanus americanus) exposed to low-frequency tones. We demonstrate that female stingrays exposed to tones (50-500 Hz) exhibit significant changes in swimming behaviours (increased time spent swimming, decreased rest time, increased surface breaches and increased side swimming with pectoral flapping) at 140 dB re 1 µPa (−2.08 to −2.40 dB re 1 m s−2) while males exposed to the same tones did not exhibit a change in these behaviours until 160 dB re 1 µPa (−1.13 to −1.21 dB re 1 m s−2). Our results are the first demonstration of field responses to sound in the Batoidea and show a distinct sensitivity to low-frequency acoustic inputs

Computer simulation of multiple pilots flying a modern high performance helicopter

A computer simulation of a human response pilot mechanism within the flight control loop of a high-performance modern helicopter is presented. A human response mechanism, implemented by a low order, linear transfer function, is used in a decoupled single variable configuration that exploits the dominant vehicle characteristics by associating cockpit controls and instrumentation with specific vehicle dynamics. Low order helicopter models obtained from evaluations of the time and frequency domain responses of a nonlinear simulation model, provided by NASA Lewis Research Center, are presented and considered in the discussion of the pilot development. Pilot responses and reactions to test maneuvers are presented and discussed. Higher level implementation, using the pilot mechanisms, are discussed and considered for their use in a comprehensive control structure

Computer simulation of a single pilot flying a modern high-performance helicopter

Presented is a computer simulation of a human response pilot model able to execute operational flight maneuvers and vehicle stabilization of a modern high-performance helicopter. Low-order, single-variable, human response mechanisms, integrated to form a multivariable pilot structure, provide a comprehensive operational control over the vehicle. Evaluations of the integrated pilot were performed by direct insertion into a nonlinear, total-force simulation environment provided by NASA Lewis. Comparisons between the integrated pilot structure and single-variable pilot mechanisms are presented. Static and dynamically alterable configurations of the pilot structure are introduced to simulate pilot activities during vehicle maneuvers. These configurations, in conjunction with higher level, decision-making processes, are considered for use where guidance and navigational procedures, operational mode transfers, and resource sharing are required

Wireless autonomous device data transmission

A method of communicating information from a wireless autonomous device (WAD) to a base station. The WAD has a data element having a predetermined profile having a total number of sequenced possible data element combinations. The method includes receiving at the WAD an RF profile transmitted by the base station that includes a triggering portion having a number of pulses, wherein the number is at least equal to the total number of possible data element combinations. The method further includes keeping a count of received pulses and wirelessly transmitting a piece of data, preferably one bit, to the base station when the count reaches a value equal to the stored data element's particular number in the sequence. Finally, the method includes receiving the piece of data at the base station and using the receipt thereof to determine which of the possible data element combinations the stored data element is

Navigating noisy waters: A review of field studies examining anthropogenic noise effects on wild fish

Anthropogenic noise is globally increasing in aquatic ecosystems, and there is concern that it may have adverse consequences in many fish species, yet the effects of noise in field settings are not well understood. Concern over the applicability of laboratory-conducted bioacoustic experiments has led to a call for, and a recent increase in, fieldbased studies, but the results have been mixed, perhaps due to the wide variety of techniques used and species studied. Previous reviews have explored the behavioral, physiological, and/or anatomical costs of fish exposed to anthropogenic noise, but few, if any, have focused on the field techniques and sound sources themselves. This review, therefore, aims to summarize, quantify, and interpret field-based literature, highlight novel approaches, and provide recommendations for future research into the effects of noise on fish. VC 2023 Acoustical Society of America

Methods and apparatus for switching a transponder to an active state, and asset management systems employing same

A transponder that may be used as an RFID tag includes a passive circuit to eliminate the need for an "always on" active RF receiving element to anticipate a wake-up signal for the balance of the transponder electronics. This solution allows the entire active transponder to have all circuit elements in a sleep (standby) state, thus drastically extending battery life or other charge storage device life. Also, a wake-up solution that reduces total energy consumption of an active transponder system by allowing all non-addressed transponders to remain in a sleep (standby) state, thereby reducing total system or collection energy. Also, the transponder and wake-up solution are employed in an asset tracking system

Some recent rural radio talks

Current experiments with vegetable crops - By T. WACHTEL, Agricultural Adviser, Horticultural Division Pedigree seed planting - By H. G. CARISS, B.Sc. (Agric), Regional Agricultural Adviser The Ruakura round farrowing house - By P. BECK, Field Assistant, Dairying Division How the random sample laying test could affect the poultry industry - By R. H. MORRIS, Officer-in-Charge, Poultry Branch Feeding the milking goat - By K. NEEDHAM, Dairy Cattle Husbandry Officer Fertilisers for vegetables in summer months - By J. P. FALLON, Senior Adviser (Vegetables), Horticultural Division Pastures and their carrying capacity - By H. G. ELLIOTT, Assistant Superintendent of Dairying Pollination - By J. CRIPPS, Adviser, Horticultural Division Aeroplanes and insect pest control - By P. N. FORTE, Senior Entomologist Kill those flies - By H. MASLIN, Dairy Instructor, Busselton Grazing for pigs - By P. BECK, Field Assistant, Dairying Division Feed flavours in cream - By an officer of the Dairying Division. Those old milk and cream cans - By D. C. MICKLE, Dairy Instructor, Bunbury Overrun in butter making and quality in home-made butter - By A. H. HOBBS, Dairy Produce Inspector Milk flow indicators - By G. W. SCOTT, Dairy Instructor, Head Offic