Remote object configuration/orientation determination

This invention relates to object detection and location systems and, more particularly, to a method for determining the configuration and location of an object with respect to an X, Y, X coordinate frame. In space applications in particular, there is a need to be able to passively determine the orientation of an object at a distance, for example, in the control of large, flexible space structures. At present, there is no available method or apparatus which will allow the operator to make such a determination. A similar problem and need exists in robotic application. It is the primary object of this invention to provide a system for remotely defining an object's configuration in a manner compatible with a computer's analytical capability

Image analysis and empirical modeling of gene and protein expression

Protein gradients and gene expression patterns are major determinants in the differentiation and fate map of the developing embryo. Here we discuss computational methods to quantitatively measure the positions of gene expression domains and the gradients of protein expression along the dorsal–ventral axis in the Drosophila embryo. Our methodology involves three layers of data. The first layer, or the primary data, consists of z-stack confocal images of embryos processed by in situ hybridization and/or antibody stainings. The secondary data are relationships between location, usually an x-axis coordinate, and fluorescent intensity of gene or protein detection. Tertiary data comprise the optimal parameters that arise from fits of the secondary data to empirical models. The tertiary data are useful to distill large datasets of imaged embryos down to a tractable number of conceptually useful parameters. This analysis allows us to detect subtle phenotypes and is adaptable to any set of genes or proteins with a canonical pattern. For example, we show how insights into the Dorsal transcription factor protein gradient and its target gene ventral-neuroblasts defective (vnd) were obtained using such quantitative approaches

Harmonized Cellular and Distributed Massive MIMO: Load Balancing and Scheduling

Multi-tier networks with large-array base stations (BSs) that are able to operate in the "massive MIMO" regime are envisioned to play a key role in meeting the exploding wireless traffic demands. Operated over small cells with reciprocity-based training, massive MIMO promises large spectral efficiencies per unit area with low overheads. Also, near-optimal user-BS association and resource allocation are possible in cellular massive MIMO HetNets using simple admission control mechanisms and rudimentary BS schedulers, since scheduled user rates can be predicted a priori with massive MIMO. Reciprocity-based training naturally enables coordinated multi-point transmission (CoMP), as each uplink pilot inherently trains antenna arrays at all nearby BSs. In this paper we consider a distributed-MIMO form of CoMP, which improves cell-edge performance without requiring channel state information exchanges among cooperating BSs. We present methods for harmonized operation of distributed and cellular massive MIMO in the downlink that optimize resource allocation at a coarser time scale across the network. We also present scheduling policies at the resource block level which target approaching the optimal allocations. Simulations reveal that the proposed methods can significantly outperform the network-optimized cellular-only massive MIMO operation (i.e., operation without CoMP), especially at the cell edge

A neutron diode for subcritical multistage multipliers with special reference in tritium breeding

This is a copy of the author 's final draft version of an article published in the Journal of fusion energy. The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10894-015-0049-7In this paper the interaction between a magnetic field and the neutron spin magnetic moment is explored for use in the design of a neutron diode or valve that allows a neutron flux to pass in one direction, while preventing a neutron flux in the opposite direction. A neutron diode that ensures the unidirectional movement of neutrons could be used in the design of a subcritical multistage neutron multiplier, a device that has thus far not been realised. With a subcritical multistage neutron multiplier, an initial source of neutrons could be multiplied substantially in a very small area. Such a device could have potential applications in tritium breeding in a fusion reactor, in medicine, in space exploration, etc. Utilizing a simplified geometrical model, a first preliminary study is performed to assess the feasibility of this concept.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

LabVIEW interface with Tango control system for a multi-technique X-ray spectrometry IAEA beamline end-station at Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste

A new synchrotron beamline end-station for multipurpose X-ray spectrometry applications has been recently commissioned and it is currently accessible by end-users at the XRF beamline of Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste. The end-station consists of an ultra-high vacuum chamber that includes as main instrument a seven-axis motorized manipulator for sample and detectors positioning, different kinds of X-ray detectors and optical cameras. The beamline end-station allows performing measurements in different X-ray spectrometry techniques such as Microscopic X-Ray Fluorescence analysis (µXRF), Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence analysis (TXRF), Grazing Incidence/Exit X-Ray Fluorescence analysis (GI-XRF/GE-XRF), X-Ray Reflectometry (XRR), and X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS). A LabVIEW Graphical User Interface (GUI) bound with Tango control system consisted of many custom made software modules is utilized as a user-friendly tool for control of the entire end-station hardware components. The present work describes this advanced Tango and LabVIEW software platform that utilizes in an optimal synergistic manner the merits and functionality of these well-established programming and equipment control tools

Pose Detection and control of multiple unmanned underwater vehicles using optical feedback

This paper proposes pose detection and control algorithms in order to control the relative pose between two Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) using optical feedback. The leader UUV is configured to have a light source at its crest which acts as a guiding beacon for the follower UUV which has a detector array at its bow. Pose detection algorithms are developed based on a classifier, such as the Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM), and chosen image parameters. An archive look-up table is constructed for varying combinations of 5-degree-of-freedom (DOF) motion (i.e., translation along all three coordinate axes as well as pitch and yaw rotations). Leader and follower vehicles are simulated for a case in which the leader is directed to specific waypoints in horizontal plane and the follower is required to maintain a fixed distance from the leader UUV. Proportional-Derivative (PD) control (without loss of generality) is applied to maintain stability of the UUVs to show proof of concept. Preliminary results indicate that the follower UUV is able to maintain its fixed distance relative to the leader UUV to within a reasonable accuracy