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February 28, 2005
Pittsburgh Robotics Company, re2, Inc., Awarded Research Grant
re2, Inc. (Robotics Engineering Excellence), a Carnegie Mellon spin-off company specializing in mobile defense robotics, announced today that The Technology Collaborative, formerly the Pittsburgh Digital Greenhouse, recently awarded the company a $200,000 research grant to develop a Sensor Stabilization and Geo-Positioning Platform for unmanned systems.
Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) February 28, 2005 -- re2, Inc. (Robotics Engineering Excellence), a Carnegie Mellon spin-off company specializing in mobile defense robotics, announced today that The Technology Collaborative, formerly the Pittsburgh Digital Greenhouse, recently awarded the company a $200,000 research grant to develop a Sensor Stabilization and Geo-Positioning Platform for unmanned systems. Twenty-seven Technology Collaborative member companies and universities submitted proposals that were reviewed by the organization’s Technology Commercialization Advisory Board. Nine proposals were selected to receive funding.
“I am extremely proud that re2 was chosen as one of the nine companies to receive funding from the newly formed Technology Collaborative,” said Jorgen Pedersen, president and CEO of re2, Inc. “The fact that our peers in the robotics and digital community ultimately made the decision to select our sensor stabilization platform proposal is a testament to our team’s technical prowess and the future of the robotics industry in the Pittsburgh region.”
The Technology Collaborative is an economic development organization, which is the direct result of the merger between the Pittsburgh Digital Greenhouse and the Robotics Foundry. The Technology Collaborative’s mission is to help create Pennsylvania's new economy by developing collaborating clusters that leverage the region's world-class assets in Robotics, Advanced Electronics, and Cyber Security.
“The response to our most recent research solicitation was overwhelming, and the expanding digital and robotics industry involvement was a tribute to the vitality in the region,” said Dr. Charles D. Brandt, Chief Technology Officer for The Technology Collaborative. “We look forward to working with re2 as we continue our efforts to establish a thriving robotics industry in Pennsylvania.”
About re2, Inc.
re2, Inc. (Robotics Engineering Excellence), located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a Carnegie Mellon spin-off company specializing in mobile defense robotics with an emphasis on unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and unmanned air vehicles (UAVs). re2, Inc. has partnered with universities and industry leaders, such as Carnegie Mellon and Exponent, Inc., to develop and support robotic technologies. As a defense subcontractor, re2, Inc. has contributed to the development of mobile robotic technologies for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Army’s Rapid Equipping Force (REF), The Office of Naval Research (ONR), and The Marine Corps. For more information, visit www.resquared.com or call (412)681-6382
About The Technology Collaborative
The Technology Collaborative is a non-profit economic development organization whose mission is to help create Pennsylvania’s new economy by developing synergistic clusters that leverage the region’s world-class assets in Robotics, Advanced Electronics, Cyber Security and other digital technologies. For more information, visit www.techcollaborative.org
re2, Inc. Media Contact
Jessica Jordan Pedersen
(412) 681-6382
Posted by Industrial at 01:25 AM | Comments (0)
February 26, 2005
Robotic Work Cell Manufacturer Finds Encompix ETO ERP Solution
Systematix Inc. (www.systematix-inc.com) is located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, the "Technology Triangle" of Ontario, with excellent Universities and a multitude of high tech supporting industries within minutes of the corporate manufacturing facility.
(PRWEB) February 26, 2005 -- Systematix Inc. (www.systematix-inc.com) is located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, the "Technology Triangle" of Ontario, with excellent Universities and a multitude of high tech supporting industries within minutes of the corporate manufacturing facility. Systematix has manufactured, installed, and serviced complex factory automation systems for customers in many areas of North America, and around the world.
Recently, the world class designer and manufacturer of factory automation machinery, including specialty robotic assembly and test systems for the plastic, electronic, window/door and automotive industries since 1988 selected new ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) technology to maintain their position as an industry leader.
The robotics division of Systematix utilizes six axis, SCARA and Cartesian robots in a wide variety of applications from automotive to medical. Typical uses include part handling between multiple machining centers and reducing the tooling needs by adding flexibility in robotic mounting.
Systematix provides turnkey solutions to satisfy our customers' most difficult challenges since innovative designs are uniquely utilized. This ETO (Engineer-to-Order) environment created a technology selection challenge for the company, since many ERP vendors claiming to address the ETO market have not managed to do so.
According to TR Cutler, spokesperson for the ETO Institute (www.etoinstitute.org), “The challenges that Systematix face as an engineer-to-order manufacturers are not unique. Finding technology solutions that claim ETO functionality is not always validated. Only a few vendors actually understand and provide appropriate answers for the ETO sector. Their eventual selection makes great sense.”
After careful consideration the Canadian Robotic firm selected Encompix ETO ERP. Encompix (www.encompix.com) has filled the manufacturing software requirements of Engineer-to-Order companies since 1992. The company name reflects our commitment to developing business application solutions that encompass the complex areas of project-based and job-based manufacturing.
Encompix provides ETO manufacturers with a competitive advantage by improving bottom line results.
Posted by Industrial at 07:24 PM | Comments (0)
February 24, 2005
Mechanical Force Amplifier Leverages Pounds Into Tons
LatchTool Group announced today the release of its PowerCylinder™ the first commercial product that mechanically amplifies a linear force multiple times using encapsulated hydraulic circuitry.
Colorado Springs, CO (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) February 23, 2005 – The LatchTool Group announced today the release of its PowerCylinder™ the first commercial product that mechanically amplifies a linear force multiple times using encapsulated hydraulic circuitry. Intended for original equipment manufacturers, the small PowerCylinder™ can now add a hydraulic boost to hand and power tools, robots or virtually any piece of industrial equipment without the expense and bulk of hydraulic systems. Driven by hand or by motor, the PowerCylinder™ offers the speed and heft of hydraulics in small spaces.
Featuring an automatic resistance regulated transmission, the 16-ounce PowerCylinder™ raises the bar for portable power density. A 50 pound squeeze of the handle delivers 1½ tons at the business end.
LatchTool has pioneered the development of the PowerCylinder™; establishing a new product category with its first introduction of a mechanical force amplifier. The LatchTool Group has been formed around the discoveries made by Bill Gallentine and Myron Tupper of a new check valve that permits large unrestricted volumetric flows and of compact hydraulic circuitries. Multiple patents have issued. A team of new business, licensing and new product specialists have combined to launch the technology. Contact LatchTool Group at 719-488-8800.
Media Contact
Bob McPherson
LatchTool Group
14760 Cherry Hills Place
Colorado Springs, CO 80921
USA
719-488-8800
719-488-0939
www.latchtool.com
Posted by Industrial at 01:10 AM | Comments (0)
February 18, 2005
AValonRF Presents and demonstrates it’s Rugged PDA
Integrated Wireless Link and GPS at the AUVSI meeting in San Diego
AValonRF, Inc., Will present and demonstrate it’s “no moving part it’s Rugged PDA with Integrated Wireless Link and GPS, at the AUVSI chapter meeting in San Diego on February 24, 2005
San Diego, CA (PRWEB) February 18, 2005 -- AValonRF, Inc., Will present and demonstrate it’s Rugged PDA with Integrated Wireless Link and GPS, at the AUVSI chapter meeting in San Diego on February 24, 2005.
The coming AUVSI meeting in San Diego offers the opportunity for AvalonRF to demonstrate file transfer between two V38R Rugged PDAs, transmission of images and realtime messaging using the TR430 RF link.
This Ruggedized PDA unit can be used as a low cost handheld device for short range UAV, UGV, USV, and for various other Military, Industrial and Security applications.
Other applications - Public Safety PDA with biometrics, DUI, Speeding and parking ticket generation capability, face recognition; Patrol Vehicle Component
The AUVSI Lindenberg chapter meeting and luncheon will take place on Thursday, February 24, 2005, 11.30a.m. – 1.00p.m. , PS Business Park Conference room,
3954 Murphy Canyon road, suite D200, San Diego, CA
Hoa Nghuen of the SSC Robotics Lab, San Diego, will present Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGVs) work in progress at the Robotics System Works SSC SD, Code 2731, Robotics Systems Branch, www.spawar.navy.mil/robots
RSVP to Ed Henning Phone 858-496-0600
The V38R Rugged PDA with the TR430-2G integrated Wireless link is running Windows CE.
The TR430 Driver provides an operating system interface by which applications running on the V38R can use the TR430 wireless transceiver. Included onboard the TR430 is a GPS receiver which permits the PDA user to determine their location, and with a suitable mapping application, the position of other V38R users.
The Ruggedized PDA Includes a daylight readable 3.5” display, biometrics, bar code reader, camera/flash with a 2GB SD card storage, microphone and speaker, USB, RS232, IRDT, 802.11g, Bluetooth and GPS. Has a Replaceable battery that lasts for 8 hours.
AvalonRF will also present and demonstrate its Wireless Digital Links for Unmanned Ground Vehicles – UGV, UAV, Micro UAV, USV and Robotics. The digital links are based on a unique modular concept where each link is composed from a combination of micro modules, connected together via a 100Mbaud full duplex daisy chained serial bus.
Approximate size and weight of each module: 60mm x 33mm x 9mm, 14 grams.
AValon RF digital module lineup includes:
· RF UHF Encrypted Transceivers
TR423-1 76Kbaud/0.25W UHF transceiver
TR430-2G - 200Kbaud/1W UHF transceiver with GPS
TR430-2+G - 325Kbaud/1W UHF transceiver with GPS
TR430-3G - 1.53Mbaud/1W UHF/S band transceiver with GPS
TR430-3+G - 3.06Mbaud/1W UHF/S band transceiver with GPS
·Interfaces
Module A - NTSC/PAL to MJPEG/MPEG1/MPEG2/MPEG4 Encoder based on the WISchip GO7007SB Encoder and Includes a smart video pre-processor DSP, RTC and VITC
Module B - Same as Module A with camera on board
Module C - Power PC with TCP/IP + USB 2.0 + IDE/ATA interface
Module D - MPEG4 to NTSC/PAL decoder (software dependent)
MPEG4 low latency CODEC or MPEG4 video conferencing controller.
Module E- - Various interfaces: MIL-STD-1553, Arinc 429, CAN and
OBDII, extender cards, mother boards (2,3,4,5 and 10 slots)
Module F - CPU, running Windows XP at 1.5GHz, 512MB DRAM, AGP - display controller with resolution of 800x600 to 1280x1024, 4GB HDD, 802.11g, 802.15 and GSM/GPRS for Wearable Computers
· Modules: General & Mechanical
Power - 5V-10V unregulated
Size - 60mm x 33mm x 9mm
Weight - approximately 14 grams
The digital links are divided into a payload systems and various ground systems;
· Payload systems
- Includes a command & control receiver, GPS, MPEG4 video and a telemetry transmitter (Module A + TR430-3G or TR430-2G)
Size: 60mm x 33 mm x 20mm.
Approximate weight of the payload system: 28 grams
· Ground Systems (various options)
- V38R Rugged PDA with TR430-2G, running Windows CE.
Includes a daylight readable 3.5” display, biometrics, bar code reader, camera/flash with a 2GB SD card storage, microphone and speaker, USB, RS232, IRDT, 802.11g, Bluetooth & TR430-2G/GPS. Replaceable battery lasts for 8 hours.
Low cost handheld device for short range UAV, UGV and USVs
- HMPC-1.6 Wireless helmet mounted wearable computer, running Windows XP Embedded (or Linux) (includes Module F, Module D and TR430-3G x 2 (for diversity). Optional Module C for TCP/IP + USB + on board DVR)
Hands free, light weight (under 1Lbs) ground station operating with Rockwell/Collins KEO HMD display. Allows operations of a UAV while in motion.
- TA-8D, TA12D, or TA-16D tracking antenna system. A combination of 8, 12 or 16 RF transceiver modules (see below), RF power amplifiers and diversity electronics.
Allows very long-range communications with a UAV, UGV or USV from an airplane, vehicle or boat in fast motion and undetectable, unhackable and unjamable data/video/audio links among moving planes/vehicle/boats.
About AValon RF Inc.
AValonRF designs and produces state-of-the-art wireless links that include receivers, transmitters, Wearable computers, In Car Video Systems, remote display units, DVRs, rugged wireless PDAs, Rugged PCs, No moving parts tracking Antennas, Wireless Microphones, Miniature MPEG 4 Encoders, Miniature MPEG4 Decoders and a variety of specialized antennas. AvalonRF also designs and produces wireless terrestrial "last mile" mobile UHF, narrow band, high data rate, 802.22 based solutions. AvalonRF intelligent true diversity technology provides broadcast quality interference-free video links over the frequency spectrum of 56MHz to 2.5GHz. A wireless link from Avalon RF is an affordable easy to install video solution with superior image quality.
AValonRF is a privately held company headquartered in El Cajon (San Diego). More information about AValonRF is available online at www.avalonrf.com
AValonRF Contact:
Tommy Orpaz
Vice President, Business Development
AValonRF, Inc
San Diego, CA
(619) 401-1969
Posted by Industrial at 05:01 AM | Comments (0)
February 17, 2005
AValonRF Presents and Demonstrates it’s "No Moving Part" Tracking Antenna Receivers at the AUVSI meeting in San Diego
AValonRF, Inc., Will present and demonstrate it’s “no moving part”, Tracking Antenna receivers, Tuning Range - 460MHz-2.5GHz, C Band, KU Band, at the AUVSI chapter meeting in San Diego on February 24, 2005
San Diego, CA (PRWEB) February 17, 2005 -- AValonRF, Inc., Will present and demonstrate it’s “no moving part”, Tracking Antenna receivers, Tuning Range - 460MHz-2.5GHz, C Band, KU Band, at the AUVSI chapter meeting in San Diego on February 24, 2005.
The TA04, TA08 and TA16 are a family of passive tracking antenna systems designed for video links to/from moving platforms that are tuned to any frequency band in the spectrum from 300MHz to 2.5GHz. Higher frequencies are available using external up/down converters. Tuning is via a RS232 port or via a remote control.
The AUVSI Lindenberg chapter meeting and luncheon will take place on Thursday, February 24, 2005, 11.30a.m. – 1.00p.m. , PS Business Park Conference room,
3954 Murphy Canyon road, suite D200, San Diego, CA.
Hoa Nghuen of the SSC Robotics Lab, San Diego, will present Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGVs) work in progress at the Robotics System Works SSC SD, Code 2731, Robotics Systems Branch, www.spawar.navy.mil/robots/
RSVP to Ed Henning, e-mail protected from spam bots, Phone 858-496-0600
The TA system selects the antenna that has the best reception automatically and provides direction indication.
They include an array of 4,8 or16 (CP or LP) high gain antennas, cables, one, two or four DX04 series receivers and a DX002 or DX004 baseband diversity selector
Advantages of the Tracking Antennas:
· Extends the range of UAV/UGV/USV links 6:1 to 128:1 with (versus OMNI directional antennas) no moving parts and without increasing transmitter power.
· Works on vehicles and small boats in motion. No need to stop.
· Eliminates the need for direction finding.
· Small and low weight
. Tuning range - 460MHz-2.5GHz, C Band, KU Band
AvalonRF will also present and demonstrate its Wireless Digital Links for Unmanned Ground Vehicles – UGV, UAV, Micro UAV, USV and Robotics. The digital links are based on a unique modular concept where each link is composed from a combination of micro modules, connected together via a 100Mbaud full duplex daisy chained serial bus.
Approximate size and weight of each module: 60mm x 33mm x 9mm, 14 grams.
AValon RF digital module lineup includes:
· RF UHF Encrypted Transceivers
TR423-1 76Kbaud/0.25W UHF transceiver
TR430-2G - 200Kbaud/1W UHF transceiver with GPS
TR430-2+G - 325Kbaud/1W UHF transceiver with GPS
TR430-3G - 1.53Mbaud/1W UHF/S band transceiver with GPS
TR430-3+G - 3.06Mbaud/1W UHF/S band transceiver with GPS
·Interfaces
Module A - NTSC/PAL to MJPEG/MPEG1/MPEG2/MPEG4 Encoder based on the WISchip GO7007SB Encoder and Includes a smart video pre-processor DSP, RTC and VITC
Module B - Same as Module A with camera on board
Module C - Power PC with TCP/IP + USB 2.0 + IDE/ATA interface
Module D - MPEG4 to NTSC/PAL decoder (software dependent)
MPEG4 low latency CODEC or MPEG4 video conferencing controller.
Module E- - Various interfaces: MIL-STD-1553, Arinc 429, CAN and
OBDII, extender cards, mother boards (2,3,4,5 and 10 slots)
Module F - CPU, running Windows XP at 1.5GHz, 512MB DRAM, AGP - display controller with resolution of 800x600 to 1280x1024, 4GB HDD, 802.11g, 802.15 and GSM/GPRS for Wearable Computers
· Modules: General & Mechanical
Power - 5V-10V unregulated
Size - 60mm x 33mm x 9mm
Weight - approximately 14 grams
The digital links are divided into a payload systems and various ground systems;
· Payload systems
- Includes a command & control receiver, GPS, MPEG4 video and a telemetry transmitter (Module A + TR430-3G or TR430-2G)
Size: 60mm x 33 mm x 20mm.
Approximate weight of the payload system: 28 grams
· Ground Systems (various options)
- V38R Rugged PDA with TR430-2G, running Windows CE.
Includes a daylight readable 3.5” display, biometrics, bar code reader, camera/flash with a 2GB SD card storage, microphone and speaker, USB, RS232, IRDT, 802.11g, Bluetooth & TR430-2G/GPS. Replaceable battery lasts for 8 hours.
Low cost handheld device for short range UAV, UGV and USVs
- HMPC-1.6 Wireless helmet mounted wearable computer, running Windows XP Embedded (or Linux) (includes Module F, Module D and TR430-3G x 2 (for diversity). Optional Module C for TCP/IP + USB + on board DVR)
Hands free, light weight (under 1Lbs) ground station operating with Rockwell/Collins KEO HMD display. Allows operations of a UAV while in motion.
- TA-8D, TA12D, or TA-16D tracking antenna system. A combination of 8, 12 or 16 RF transceiver modules (see below), RF power amplifiers and diversity electronics.
Allows very long-range communications with a UAV, UGV or USV from an airplane, vehicle or boat in fast motion and undetectable, unhackable and unjamable data/video/audio links among moving planes/vehicle/boats.
- Any other customer desired topology or configuration
About AValon RF Inc.:
AValonRF designs and produces state-of-the-art wireless links that include receivers, transmitters, Wearable computers, In Car Video Systems, remote display units, DVRs, rugged wireless PDAs, Rugged PCs, No moving parts tracking Antennas, Wireless Microphones, Miniature MPEG 4 Encoders, Miniature MPEG4 Decoders and a variety of specialized antennas. AvalonRF also designs and produces wireless terrestrial "last mile" mobile UHF, narrow band, high data rate, 802.22 based solutions. AvalonRF intelligent true diversity technology provides broadcast quality interference-free video links over the frequency spectrum of 56MHz to 2.5GHz. A wireless link from Avalon RF is an affordable easy to install video solution with superior image quality.
AValonRF is a privately held company headquartered in El Cajon (San Diego). More information about AValonRF is available online at www.avalonrf.com
AValonRF Contact:
Tommy Orpaz
Vice President, Business Development
AValonRF, Inc
San Diego, CA
(619) 401-1969
Posted by Industrial at 11:46 AM | Comments (0)
BI-LO Selects ECRS’s QUICKcheck™ Self-Checkout Software
Southeast regional grocery chain to implement the first-of-kind software centric-self-checkout solution that enhances the consumer experience, reduces cost of ownership, eliminates vendor reliance, provides OS neutrality, and allows plug-in customization.
Washington DC (PRWEB) February 17, 2005 -- As an early adopter of self-checkout, BI-LO continues a tradition of industry leadership by becoming the first major retailer to move from a hardware-centric to a software-centric self-checkout platform. ECR Software Corporation (ECRS) today announced that BI-LO Holdings has agreed to license QUICKcheck, ECRS's Java-based open self-checkout software platform.
As part of BI-LO's strategic transformation to an efficient, flexible, and responsive regional supermarket operator, the QUICKcheck platform allows BI-LO to recapture and extend their current hardware investment while reducing cost through the elimination of hardware manufacturer reliance. Asset Enterprises, a POS solution provider based in Greenville, SC, and an ECRS Business Partner, designed and implemented the BI-LO solution based on ECRS’ QUICKcheck product line.
BI-LO and Asset Enterprises plan to retrofit BI-LO’s entire fleet of Optimal Robotics hardware with the new open software platform. This migration to a next generation self-checkout solution makes BI-LO the first major retailer to install a third party application into a pre-existing, traditional self-checkout environment. QUICKcheck's unique plug-in software customization capability will allow BI-LO to differentiate and enhance their customers' experience, and to move quickly in response to changes as market conditions dictate. The QUICKcheck solution will also be installed at Bruno's, another BI-LO LLC subsidiary.
ECRS markets QUICKcheck in two forms – as a complete plug-and-play solution, and as a software-only model. ECRS's complete plug-and-play solution is offered in two configurations, a Single-Bag kiosk, and a 4-Bag Express unit. The software-only solution allows retailers to select from best-of-breed ATM and POS components and/or self-checkout cabinet providers, which in turn lets retailers standardize with one software application regardless of the hardware configuration installed throughout their store locations. This flexible, open software approach streamlines training and processes chain-wide while simultaneously eliminating vendor hardware reliance, which in turn reduces acquisition and long term servicing costs.
"ECRS is proud to partner with BI-LO and Asset Enterprises on this trendsetting and innovative project,” said Pete Catoe, ECRS President & CEO. “In an age of intensifying retail competition, QUICKcheck strategically empowers retailers by maximizing their hardware investments and options, which allows them to adapt to changing business needs without changing their basic infrastructure.”
“ECRS and Asset Enterprises are providing a valuable solution that allows BI-LO to better serve our customers and to provide maximum ROI to our shareholders,” said Steve Methvin, BI-LO's Director of Store Systems. “ECRS's QUICKcheck has proven to be a highly adaptable self-checkout solution which continues to surpass our expectations.”
About BI-LO and Bruno's
BI-LO and Bruno’s, headquartered in Mauldin, SC, operate 450 stores in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida and Mississippi. They employ approximately 34,500 Associates. For more information, visit www.BI-LO.com
About Asset Enterprises
Specializing in customized POS Solutions, Asset Optimization, and specialty Depot Repair, Asset Enterprises (AEI) provides Point-of-Sale services and cost-effective equipment repair and upgrades for the Point-of-Sale Industry. More information about AEI is available on the web at www.assetenterprises.com
About ECRS
Since its inception in 1989, a unified vision - to provide commonsense, value-based solutions that allow retailers to compete and expand - has propelled ECRS to its position as a leading provider of an integrated retail software, hardware, and services offering. Distributed through a nationwide dealer network and direct sales specialists, ECRS products can be found in more than 10,000 store locations throughout North America. More information about ECRS is available on the web at www.ecrsoft.com. For more information contact ECRS Marketing Director, Burt Aycock, e-mail protected from spam bots at 828-265-2907 ext. 5023
Posted by Industrial at 11:44 AM | Comments (0)
February 16, 2005
AValonRF Presents and Demonstrates its Wireless Digital Links for Unmanned Ground Vehicles
UGV, UAV, Micro UAV, USV and Robotics at AUVSI Meeting in San Diego
AValonRF presents and demonstrates its wireless, long range, Digital Links for Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV), Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV), Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) and Robotics at the AUVSI chapter meeting in San Diego on February 24, 2005. The digital links are based on a unique modular concept where each link is composed from a combination of micro modules, connected together via a 100Mbaud full duplex daisy chained serial bus. Approximate size and weight of each module: 60mm x 33mm x 9mm, 14 grams.
San Diego, CA (PRWEB) February 16, 2005 -- AValonRF presents and demonstrates its wireless, long range, Digital Links for Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV), Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV), Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) and Robotics at the AUVSI chapter meeting in San Diego on February 24, 2005
The AUVSI Lindenberg chapter meeting and luncheon will take place on Thursday, February 24, 2005, 11.30a.m. – 1.00p.m.
PS Business Park Conference room 3954 Murphy Canyon road, suite D200
Hoa Nghuen of the SSC Robotics Lab, San Diego, will present Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGVs) work in progress at the Robotics System Works SSC SD, Code 2731, Robotics Systems Branch, www.spawar.navy.mil/robots/
RSVP to Ed Henning, e-mail protected from spam bots, Phone 858-496-0600
The digital links are based on a unique modular concept where each link is composed from a combination of micro modules, connected together via a 100Mbaud full duplex daisy chained serial bus.
Approximate size and weight of each module: 60mm x 33mm x 9mm, 14 grams.
AValon RF digital module lineup includes:
· RF UHF Encrypted Transceivers
TR423-1 - 76Kbaud/0.25W UHF transceiver
TR430-2G - 200Kbaud/1W UHF transceiver with GPS
TR430-2+G - 325Kbaud/1W UHF transceiver with GPS
TR430-3G - 1.53Mbaud/1W UHF/S band transceiver with GPS
TR430-3+G - 3.06Mbaud/1W UHF/S band transceiver with GPS
·Interfaces
Module A - NTSC/PAL to MJPEG/MPEG1/MPEG2/MPEG4 Encoder based on the WISchip GO7007SB Encoder and Includes a smart video pre-processor DSP, RTC and VITC
Module B - Same as Module A with camera on board
Module C - Power PC with TCP/IP + USB 2.0 + IDE/ATA interface
Module D - MPEG4 to NTSC/PAL decoder (software dependent)
MPEG4 low latency CODEC or MPEG4 video conferencing controller.
Module E- - Various interfaces: MIL-STD-1553, Arinc 429, CAN and
OBDII, extender cards, mother boards (2,3,4,5 and 10 slots)
Module F - CPU, running Windows XP at 1.5GHz, 512MB DRAM, AGP - display controller with resolution of 800x600 to 1280x1024, 4GB HDD, 802.11g, 802.15 and GSM/GPRS for Wearable Computers
· Modules: General & Mechanical
Power - 5V-10V unregulated
Size - 60mm x 33mm x 9mm
Weight - approximately 14 grams
The digital links are divided into a payload systems and various ground systems;
· Payload systems
- Includes a command & control receiver, GPS, MPEG4 video and a telemetry transmitter (Module A + TR430-3G or TR430-2G)
Size: 60mm x 33 mm x 20mm.
Approximate weight of the payload system: 28 grams
· Ground Systems (various options)
- V38R Rugged PDA with TR430-2G, running Windows CE.
Includes a daylight readable 3.5” display, biometrics, bar code reader, camera/flash with a 2GB SD card storage, microphone and speaker, USB, RS232, IRDT, 802.11g, Bluetooth & TR430-2G/GPS. Replaceable battery lasts for 8 hours.
Low cost handheld device for short range UAV, UGV and USVs
- HMPC-1.6 Wireless helmet mounted wearable computer, running Windows XP Embedded (or Linux) (includes Module F, Module D and TR430-3G x 2 (for diversity). Optional Module C for TCP/IP + USB + on board DVR) Hands free, light weight (under 1Lbs) ground station operating with Rockwell/Collins KEO HMD display. Allows operations of a UAV while in motion.
- TA-8D, TA12D, or TA-16D tracking antenna system. A combination of 8, 12 or 16 RF transceiver modules (see below), RF power amplifiers and diversity electronics.
Allows very long-range communications with a UAV, UGV or USV from an airplane, vehicle or boat in fast motion and undetectable, unhackable and unjamable data/video/audio links among moving planes/vehicle/boats.
- Any other customer desired topology or configuration
About AValon RF Inc.:
AValonRF designs and produces state-of-the-art wireless links that include receivers, transmitters, Wearable computers, In Car Video Systems, remote display units, DVRs, rugged wireless PDAs, Rugged PCs, No moving parts tracking Antennas, Wireless Microphones, Miniature MPEG 4 Encoders, Miniature MPEG4 Decoders and a variety of specialized antennas. AvalonRF also designs and produces wireless terrestrial "last mile" mobile UHF, narrow band, high data rate, 802.22 based solutions. AvalonRF intelligent true diversity technology provides broadcast quality interference-free video links over the frequency spectrum of 56MHz to 2.5GHz. A wireless link from Avalon RF is an affordable easy to install video solution with superior image quality.
AValonRF is a privately held company headquartered in El Cajon (San Diego). More information about AValonRF is available online at www.avalonrf.com
AValonRF Contact:
Tommy Orpaz
Vice President, Business Development
AValonRF, Inc
San Diego, CA
(619) 401-1969
Posted by Industrial at 06:54 AM | Comments (0)
February 15, 2005
Under Ice Search Uses Multiple Micro-ROVs - VideoRays Used in Unique Shallow-water Search
VideoRay announced today at Underwater Intervention the details of an unprecedented search using multiple VideoRay micro-ROVs in extreme conditions.
New Orleans, LA (PRWEB) February 15, 2005 -- VideoRay announced today at Underwater Intervention the details of an unprecedented search using multiple VideoRay micro-ROVs in extreme conditions. The 3-day search took place from January 9th through the 11th on the frozen St. Lois River in Duluth, Minnesota.
Jim King the owner of Spirit Lake Marina off the St. Louis River fell out of his rear-tiller motorboat while marking the location of buoys on October 25, 2004. Since the accident there has been an ongoing search with no successful results largely because of large area and lack of witnesses who could identify a ‘point last seen’. Since the accident the St. Louis County Sheriffs office has logged more than 3000 hours of search time.
The latest effort to recover Mr. King’s body came in January when the St. Louis County Sheriffs office organized a massive rather unique search. The search occurred on the St. Louis River which was frozen over more than 15 inches. Eight VideoRay micro-ROVs were used for the search. The Sheriffs office developed a search grid covering a square half mile area.
We began the mission with meticulous planning and equipment testing stated Robin McCauley 1st Lieutenant St. Louis County Volunteer Rescue Squad. VideoRays, generators, tents, heaters, and other equipment required were pulled out onto the ice by snowmobiles and all terrain vehicles. Holes in the ice were cut with an “ice saw” – a standard Stihl chain saw with environmentally friendly lubricant..
Six identical micro-ROVs were operated simultaneously from portable ice houses on the frozen river. Each VideoRay was equipped with a Desert Star Pilot positioning system to track the ROVs and transmit the data wirelessly to the command center about a half mile from the tracking station.
“As far as we know, this is the first time in the world anyone has had this many ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) together to search for a body,” commented Tom Crossmon of the St. Louis County Rescue Squad. Crossmon also said the worldwide ROV community is small; when they e-mailed members looking for advice, no one said they had encountered such a large recovery operation.
In addition to the rescue squad, Mark Gleason of Michigan Technical University participated with his VideoRay Pro III unit, the local US Coast Guard Duluth Station, and Douglas County, and Lake County sent several people to assist. VideoRay sent Scott Bentley, President, and Marcus Kolb, Director of Research and Development. VideoRay donated the use of six VideoRay Pro units, and used the operation to conduct research into the use of micro-ROVs for a large scale, shallow water, under ice search.
“The result of the search was better than expected – we were able to search a large section of the river. We did not find the body – but we know far better where it is not located. We also learned that sonar was a critical tool in this kind of search due to the severely restricted visibility of the water. We recommend that VideoRay owners use the new “performance tether” when operating in this kind of high current environment, since it has much less drag, and with multiple holes and shallow water we did not need to use very long sections of tether. Finally, the positioning system was key to making sure that the areas searched were the areas we expected” stated McCauley.
For comments, contact:
David Phillips
Undersheriff St. Louis County Sheriff's Office
Duluth, MN
PH: 218-726-2339
For pictures and videos online, visit http://www.videoray.com/Press_Room/press_release.htm
Contact VideoRay Public Relations:
Chris Gibson
ph: 610-458-3000
Contact VideoRay LLC
400 Eagleview Blvd.
Exton, PA 19341 USA
Phone: (610) 458-3000
FAX: (610) 458-3010
www.videoray.com
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