Pipeline Architecture and Parallel Computation-Based Real-Time Stereovision Tracking System for Surgical Navigation

This paper studies the development of a real-time stereovision system to track multiple infrared markers attached to a surgical instrument. Multiple stages of pipeline in field-programmable gate array (FPGA) are developed to recognize the targets in both left and right image planes and to give each target a unique label. The pipeline architecture includes a smoothing filter, an adaptive threshold module, a connected component labeling operation, and a centroid extraction process. A parallel distortion correction method is proposed and implemented in a dual-core DSP. A suitable kinematic model is established for the moving targets, and a novel set of parallel and interactive computation mechanisms is proposed to position and track the targets, which are carried out by a cross-computation method in a dual-core DSP. The proposed tracking system can track the 3-D coordinate, velocity, and acceleration of four infrared markers with a delay of 9.18 ms. Furthermore, it is capable of tracking a maximum of 110 infrared markers without frame dropping at a frame rate of 60 f/s. The accuracy of the proposed system can reach the scale of 0.37 mm RMS along the x- and y-directions and 0.45 mm RMS along the depth direction (the depth is from 0.8 to 0.45 m). The performance of the proposed system can meet the requirements of applications such as surgical navigation, which needs high real time and accuracy capability.

Pipeline Architecture and Parallel Computation-Based Real-Time Stereovision Tracking System for Surgical Navigation

This paper studies the development of a real-time stereovision system to track multiple infrared markers attached to a surgical instrument. Multiple stages of pipeline in field-programmable gate array (FPGA) are developed to recognize the targets in both left and right image planes and to give each target a unique label. The pipeline architecture includes a smoothing filter, an adaptive threshold module, a connected component labeling operation, and a centroid extraction process. A parallel distortion correction method is proposed and implemented in a dual-core DSP. A suitable kinematic model is established for the moving targets, and a novel set of parallel and interactive computation mechanisms is proposed to position and track the targets, which are carried out by a cross-computation method in a dual-core DSP. The proposed tracking system can track the 3-D coordinate, velocity, and acceleration of four infrared markers with a delay of 9.18 ms. Furthermore, it is capable of tracking a maximum of 110 infrared markers without frame dropping at a frame rate of 60 f/s. The accuracy of the proposed system can reach the scale of 0.37 mm RMS along the x- and y-directions and 0.45 mm RMS along the depth direction (the depth is from 0.8 to 0.45 m). The performance of the proposed system can meet the requirements of applications such as surgical navigation, which needs high real time and accuracy capability.

Alpha OSEK:一个基于OSEK/VDX标准实现的嵌入式实时操作系统

文章介绍了基于OSEK标准实现的嵌入式实时操作系统-AlphaOSEK。该操作系统适于深嵌入、小内存、有强实时需求的环境。介绍了操作系统的各组成模块及相关特征,还分析了AlphaOSEK对OSEK标准的优化。

单调速率及其扩展算法的可调度性判定

任务可调度性判定是实时系统调度理论研究的核心问题.单调速率(RM)算法是实时调度的重要算法,自其提出以来已被广泛研究.然而到目前为止,尚缺乏专题性的文章来系统而深入地探讨RM及其扩展算法的可调度性判定,以及各种现实条件和实现方式(包括任务调度的时间开销和任务同步问题等)对可调度性的影响.围绕RM算法下的可调度性判定问题,由浅入深,系统性地讨论各种不同假设和实现方式对可调度性的影响,具体分为下述3大类问题:(1)理想的RM算法下的可调度性判定的CPU利用率最小上界及可调度的充分必要条件;(2)考虑调度时间开销情况下的可调度性判定条件;(3)优先级反转协议及其对可调度性的影响.给出了具体实例来阐述上述问题,并从算法复杂度和可检测率两方面来比较各种算法的优劣.

基于PC的一种新型现场总线控制系统

PC性能的不断提高及实时操作系统内核的出现,促使了一种基于PC和现场总线的新型控制系统的诞生。由于该系统成本低,占用空间少,在联网、监控等方面有突出优点,并且PC机性能已经非常可靠,所以它可以取代传统的PLC来完成实时控制任务。为了验证系统的可行性,文章系统地介绍了这类新型控制系统的优点和整体软硬件结构,并对其中一个重要的性能指标——响应时间,进行了详细分析,然后通过一个实际系统——自动传输线系统,验证了这一控制系统的可行性。

基于QNX实时系统的行为辅助机器人控制系统

论文设计研制了行为辅助机器人验证平台,以此平台为基础可以针对行为辅助机器人进行力控制研究。针对机器人力控制的实际要求,设计了行为辅助机器人柔性关节结构,辨识了系统参数。基于QNX实时操作系统设计了控制系统软件。机器人控制系统软件主要包括传感器数据采集和控制算法两部分,可以满足柔性关节控制需求。

开源RTOS T-Kernel在Blackfin处理器上的移植

随着嵌入式计算技术的飞速发展,多种功能强大的微处理器和相应嵌入式操作系统也相继问世。选择合适的嵌入式操作系统和处理器平台进行移植成为嵌入式开发的重要技术环节。本文介绍了开源嵌入式实时操作系统RTOS(Real Time Operating System)T-Kernel和Blackfin(BF)533处理器及其开发环境VisualDSP++4.5Environment,给出了中断管理、任务切换和系统调用入口三个模块的移植方法,并讨论了相应的系统稳定性和实时性测试方法。日本T-Engine组织推出的T-Kernel RTOS拥有高实时性、小体积的内核,并强调对底层处理器全面封装;ADI Blackfin系列微处理器同时具有DSP和MCU的特点,非常适合于移植RTOS。因此T-Kernel在BF533上的移植是一个典型的开发应用实例,其移植分析方法对于其他嵌入式RTOS移植也具有参考价值。

Real-time counting of single electron tunneling through a T-shaped double quantum dot system

Real-time detection of single electron tunneling through a T-shaped double quantum dot is simulated, based on a Monte Carlo scheme. The double dot is embedded in a dissipative environment and the presence of electrons on the double dot is detected with a nearby quantum point contact. We demonstrate directly the bunching behavior in electron transport, which leads eventually to a super-Poissonian noise. Particularly, in the context of full counting statistics, we investigate the essential difference between the dephasing mechanisms induced by the quantum point contact detection and the coupling to the external phonon bath. A number of intriguing noise features associated with various transport mechanisms are revealed.

Real-time far distance micro-vibration measurement using an external cavity semiconductor laser interferometer with a feedback control system

An external cavity semiconductor laser interferometer used to measure far distance micro-vibration in real time is proposed. In the interferometer, a single longitudinal mode and excellent coherent characteristic grating external cavity semiconductor laser is constructed and acted as a light source and a phase compensator. Its coherent length exceeds 200 meters. The angle between normal and incidence beam of the far object is allowed to change in definite range during the measurement with this interferometer, and this makes the far distance interference measurement easier and more convenient. Also, it is not required to keep the amplitudes of the first and second harmonic components equal, and then the dynamic range is increased. A feedback control system is used to compensate the phase disturbance between the two interference beams introduced by environmental vibration.

Real-Time Measurement on Deformation Fields of Hole-Excavated Samples under Impact Tension

In this paper, the real-time deformation fields are observed in two different kinds of hole-excavated dog-bone samples loaded by an SHTB, including single hole sample and dual holes sample with the aperture size of 0.8mm. The testing system consists of a high-speed camera, a He-Ne laser, a frame grabber and a synchronization device with the controlling accuracy of I microsecond. Both the single hole expanding process and the interaction of the two holes are recorded with the time interval of 10 mu s. The observed images on the sample surface are analyzed by newly developed software based on digital correlation theory and a modified image processing method. The 2-D displacement fields in plane are obtained with a resolution of 50 mu m and an accuracy of 0.5 mu m. Experimental results obtained in this paper are proofed, by compared with FEM numerical simulations.

Real-Time Measurement on Deformation Fields of Notched Samples Under Impact Tension

In this paper, a real-time and in situ optical measuring system is reported to observe high-velocity deformations of samples subjected to impact loading. The system consists of a high-speed camera, a He-Ne laser, a frame grabber, a synchronization device and analysis software based on digital correlation theory. The optical system has been adapted to investigate the dynamic deformation field and its evolution in notched samples loaded by an split Hopkinson tension bar, with a resolution of 50 pin and an accuracy of 0.5 mum. Results obtained in experiments are discussed and compared with numerical simulations. It is shown that the measuring system is effective and valid.

The Real-Time Mach-Zehnder Interferometer Used In Space Experiment

The optical interference method is a promising technique for measuring temperature, density, and concentration in fluids. The non-intrusive and non-invasive nature of its optical techniques to the measured section are its most outstanding features. However, the adverse experiment environment, especially regarding shaking and vibrating, greatly restricts the application of the interferometer. In the present work, an optical diagnostic system consisting of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (named after physicists Ludwig Mach) and an image processor has been developed that increases the measuring sensitivity compared to conventional experimental methods in fluid mechanics. An image processor has also been developed for obtaining quantitative results by using Fourier transformation. The present facility has been used in observing and measuring the mass transfer process of a water droplet in EAFP protein solution under microgravity condition provided by the satellite Shi Jian No. 8.

Real-Time Measurement on Deformation Fields of Hole-Excavated Samples under Impact Tension

In this paper, the real-time deformation fields are observed in two different kinds of hole-excavated dog-bone samples loaded by an SHTB, including single hole sample and dual holes sample with the aperture size of 0.8mm. The testing system consists of a high-speed camera, a He-Ne laser, a frame grabber and a synchronization device with the controlling accuracy of I microsecond. Both the single hole expanding process and the interaction of the two holes are recorded with the time interval of 10 mu s. The observed images on the sample surface are analyzed by newly developed software based on digital correlation theory and a modified image processing method. The 2-D displacement fields in plane are obtained with a resolution of 50 mu m and an accuracy of 0.5 mu m. Experimental results obtained in this paper are proofed, by compared with FEM numerical simulations.

Difterentially expressed genes of Tetrahymena thermophila in response to tributyltin (TBT) identified by suppression subtractive hybridization and real time quantitative PCR

Tributyltin (TBT) is widely used as antifouling paints, agriculture biocides, and plastic stabilizers around the world, resulting in great pollution problem in aquatic environments. However, it has been short of the biomonitor to detect TBT in freshwater. We constructed the suppression subtractive hybridization library of Tetrahymena thermophila exposed to TBT, and screened out 101 Expressed Sequence Tags whose expressions were significantly up- or down-regulated with TBT treatment. From this, a series of genes related to the TBT toxicity were discovered, such as glutathione-S-transferase gene (down-regulated), plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase isoforms 3 gene (up-regulated) and NgoA (up-regulated). Furthermore, their expressions under different concentrations of TBT treatment (0.5-40 ppb) were detected by real time fluorescent quantitative PCR. The differentially expressed genes of T thermophila in response to TBT were identified, which provide the basic to make Tetrahymena as a sensitive, rapid and convenient TBT biomonitor in freshwater based on rDNA inducible expression system. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Real-time studies on microalgae under microgravity

Using remote sensing technique, we investigated real-time Nostoc sphaeroides Kiltz (Cyanobacterium) in Closed System under microgravity by SHENZHOU-2 spacecraft in January 2001. The experiments had 1g centrifuges in space for control and ground control group experiments were also carried out in the same equipments and under the same controlled condition. The data about the population growth of Nostoc sp. of experiments and temperature changes of system were got from spacecraft every minute. From the data, we can find that population growth of Nostoc sp. in microgravity group was higher than that of other groups in space or on ground, even though both the control I g group in space and I g group on ground indicated same increasing characteristics in experiments. The growth rate of 1.4g group (centrifuged group on ground) was also promoted during experiment. The temperature changes of systems are also affected by gravity and light. Some aspects about those differences were discussed. From the discussion of these results during experiment, it can be found that gravity is the major factor to lead to these changes. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.