GPS Basic Information System

GPS or Global Positioning System is a fully functional Global Navigation Satellite System. This system uses an artificial constellation of 24 medium Earth orbit satellites. These satellites transmit microwave signals, thus enabling a GPS receiver to determine its location, speed, direction and time. This system was developed by United States Department of Defense and was named as NAVSTAR GPS which was given by Mr. John Walsh. NAVSTAR is not an acronym, as is widely believed.

This satellite constellation is managed by United States Air Force 50th Space Wing. The cost is approximately 750 US dollars every year, including the maintenance cost, replacement, research and development. After shoot down of Korean Air Lines Flight 007 in the year 1983, a directive was issued which made the GPS available for civilian use and has been used extensively since then. It has become a very useful tool for making maps, surveying landscapes, commerce and many scientific uses. It also provides time reference which can be used in many applications which include study of earthquake and telecommunication network synchronization.

A GPS receiver simply calculates the distance between itself and three more GPS satellite. Each satellite has an atomic clock in it continually transmits certain data containing its exact time, location of the transmitting satellite and the almanac. The receiver then measures the reception time of the signal. Thus the distance to each satellite is known. Knowing three such distances, a trilateration is formed. By using a fourth satellite, need for a clock at receiver is avoided.

The Global Positioning System is used in a variety of Military and Civilian Applications. It allows soldiers find their objectives in a dark or completely unfamiliar territory and coordinate troop movement and supplies. GPS receivers which military personnel use are called Commanders and Soldier Digital Assistants. A combination of GPS and communication through radio enables real time vehicle tracking.

It is also used in marking targets as hostile and enables the precision guided munitions to allow them engage these targets with high accuracy. Air to Ground roles of military aircrafts use GPS to find targets. GPS also allows targeting for military weapons like ICBMs, Cruise missiles, precision guided missile. Artillery based projectiles are embedded with GPS receivers and can withstand forces up to 12,000G. These are used for 155 mm Howitzers. Any Downed pilot can be easily located if he has GPS receiver. It is widely used by military for reconnaissance and mapping. Some GPS satellites also have nuclear detonation detectors.

GPS helps civilians a lot in surveying and navigation. Its ability to calculate local speed and orientation is extremely useful. Time transfer is possible because of its capability to synchronize clock. A widely used example of use of GPS is CDMA digital cell phone. Each base uses a GPS timing receiver to synchronize the codes with different base stations and thus making it easy inter-cellular hand off and thus support emergency phone calls and other many applications. GPS equipment has also revolutionized tectonics by measuring the fault motion during earthquakes.

The two GPS developers, Ivan Getting and Bradford Parkinson have received national academy of Engineering Charles Stark Draper prize during year 2003. Roger L Easton received National Medal for technology on February 13, 2006. Other similar tracking systems are Beidou, which has been developed by China and is proposed to be expanded into COMPASS; Galilieo, which is been developed by European Union along with many other countries like India and China; GLONASS, which is been developed by Russia is fully available in partnership with India; IRNSS is India`s proposed regional system and QZSS which has been proposed by Japan. Read more...

Technology Blurs Lines Between TV and Computers

In the future, the home entertainment center will probably be replaced by more of a home information center. The home information center would blend access to information and entertainment in such a way as to make it possible to access movies, listen to music, make video phone calls or normal phone calls, play video games, surf the Internet, enjoy virtual reality, read and answer email, and utilize a variety of productivity software programs all from the same room in your home. In short, the home computer and the home entertainment system will become one.

There has been technology capable of doing all of these things on the market for years. They're generally marketed as media center PC's or other as other similar names. The most recent mainstream product that attempts to make this marriage of the computer and the home entertainment center is Intel's Viiv chip set running higher end versions of Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system. The Viiv technology can act as a TV receiver and Windows Vista can manage video in the form of digital video recording.

There have been a couple of impediments to getting Americans to invest in home information centers in the past. Historically, Americans have wanted to keep the easy to use home entertainment system components in the living room, while sequestering the relatively difficult to use home computer systems to the home office or study. As computer systems have gotten easier to use, people seem to be less interested in maintaining this boundary, but nonetheless there still is that boundary because of older prejudices. The other impediment is the high price of these systems- a factor that's even worse when you consider how quickly computer systems become obsolete!

One development that has probably helped to bridge the gap between home computer systems and home entertainment systems is the Digital Video Recorder. The Digital Video Recorder helps to break down this prejudice because it is essentially a computer, yet it's easier to use than many of the home entertainment system components of the past.

One product that brings the home computer system into the living room under the guise of a DVR is the Monolith Media Center. The Monolith Media Center is marketed as a DVR, but when you look at the details of what it can do, it becomes very obvious that it is in fact a home computer with a lot of features added on. The Monolith MC comes with multiple TV tuners that can handle standard definition television as well as HDTV and relies on a free version of an on screen program guide so that no subscription is necessary like with other DVR's such as the TiVo. This device can also play audio through your home stereo system.

The real beauty of the Monolith MC is the amount of control that it gives its users. For example, it can get video just like a normal TV receiver through a TV service provider or it can download video from the Internet or it can play video off of DVD's in its built in DVD player. When recording video from a TV signal it can store that video on its hard drive in standard MPEG-2 format or in the space saving MPEG-4 format. It can also copy video from its hard drive onto DVD's that can then be played on other devices.

The Monolith MC also has full computer capability because it runs the Ubuntu Linux operations system with tons of productivity software, web browsers, and even games. This could be the exact technology needed to bridge the gap between the computer and the TV. Read more...

Choosing the right rims for your car

Having the right rims has nothing to do with your exhaust system, but they will make your car will look good. There are so many styles and colors for rims that sometimes you don’t know what to put on your car. Some people like the color idea, matching everything with the color of the car, from the outside to the inside. Some like the simple chrome rim. Others like rims that add a casual look and many just like the idea of having car bling.

Rims come in different sizes as well, from 20 inches up to 26 inches. If you have a small car, in some cases you really don’t want to put more than 22 inches on your car. For older model cars like the Chevy Caprice, larger wheels make the car look taller but don’t take anything away from the classic look of the car.

Although wheels themselves do nothing for the speed of the vehicle, they definitely add to the appeal and idea of having a car outfitted with the right rims on it. Many car owners who are of the younger generation are very fashion conscientious when it comes to their vehicles. They want a nice set of rims on their cars, even if the rims cost more than the car.

Choosing the right rims put on one’s vehicle is like buying a pair of shoes to match an outfit. Everything has to go together just right to complete the look. The wrong rims, even on the best-looking car, can create a devastating wrong appearance. There are borla exhaust that one can get to lift the vehicle to the right height so that the wheels compliment the vehicle. Rim style and color are added features that speak volumes in rim knowledge, taste and individuality.

Luxury cars are also not exempt from getting the wheel treatment. Mercedes Benz, for instance, deserves a classic looking rim that completes the look. Choosing the wrong rim might take away from the beauty that this kind of car already comes with by putting so many accessories into or on it and not giving proper focus to the rims. With Air Intakes like the 5Zigen or the Advan, one might choose to put the 5Zigen’s on an Audi TT, or a Porsche 911 and still keep the original “shine” those kinds of cars already come with. Having the right wheels on the right car can say a lot about one’s passion or love for cars and the kind of care that one takes of their vehicle.

Some may choose to start with the overall look of the vehicle that is going to have wheels put on them. Then one may choose a color for the wheels and size, decide if a lift kit would be needed for the size that is chosen and go from there. All cars can have wheels put on them. From the older model vehicles to the newer model vehicles, all vehicles have a certain style and a certain wheel to compliment the style of the vehicle. The author is owner of VividRacing and a sports card enthusiast. He loves to write about HRE Wheels and Greddy auto parts. You are welcome to check our website to know more about it. .

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Layered clothing works for winter

There are many regions that escape the challenges brought on by the season known as winter. Not everyone is fortunate enough to live in a region that does not face these challenges. For those who do live in climates such as North American states and cities where snowfall is common, one of the best ways to combat the cold is to layer your clothing. The reason that layered clothing works for the winter is because it is based on keeping the cold out with several layers rather that one big bulky item that cold air may sneak inside.

In North America the winters are long. A wise person who lives in areas that have cold winter weather such as states like Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Maine or New York realizes the cautions that need to be taken to keep from getting frostbite. Not all people agree that wearing so many layers of clothes is comfortable or even fashionable, but anyone who tries it will not deny the fact that wearing several layers does keep you warm and protected from harsh winter weather.

For people who walk constantly to get anywhere that they may have to go, this idea isn’t far-fetched. A walk with two or three pairs of pants on, two or three shirts and the same a couple of pairs socks, a jacket, boots and coat will definitely keep the wind from getting to these important parts of the body.

Layering clothing such as a baby onesie is good for so much protection in the winter. The layering concept works to provided added protection in case of an emergency in winter such as if your car stops running and you have to go to a gas station to refuel.

Not everyone embraces the layering concept but when it comes to cold weather and being exposed to such elements, building layers of with onesie and sweat pants can not only be fashionable but it makes far more practical sense than to put on a bulky jacket that may cause you to sweat. Layering is great for skiing and sledding so that even if your outer layers get wet from the snow, the layers next to your skin are still dry and keeping you warm.

Making the decision to use layering for clothing in the winter is both sensible and practical. Layered clothing can provide options in what to remove and what to continue wearing. This works well for both indoors and outside where the climate can be a variety of different temperatures in the winter time. Some are taught the idea of layering, others aren’t. For the ones who are, I am sure they feel lucky and blessed to have been taught something so vital in their younger years.

The most important considerat

Simpan Sekarang

ion for layering for winter protection is to remember that the added layers are for your protection. With an added t-shirt, pullover, pair of sweat pants and extra pair of socks, you can be sure to experience the warm these added layers provide no matter where you go outside. The author is the owner of wearyourstory commerce store where we sell onesies for young kids. You are welcome to check our store to see our clothing range..

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Robotic Arm Technology Has Rapidly Improved

Cybernetics professor Kevin Warwick professes to be the "first Cyborg." Project Cyborg began in August of 1998, when Warwick implanted a computer chip into his left arm, which later allowed him to open doors, move a robotic hand and operate an electronic wheelchair. The implant also allowed him to tap into the Internet at Columbia University in New York and control a robotic arm at the University of Reading in the UK.

Another one of the experiments tested telepathic communication between two individuals by way of implants. In the 70s, researchers felt that robotic arms would be a vital asset to the workplace. Little did they know, humans would consider fusing themselves with this technology to become super-human cyborgs!

Starting in 1975, robotic arms have been used for industrial purposes. In some cases, they do the work more quickly, more accurately and more efficiently than human workers ever could. Yet in other instances, they simply perform work that is too monotonous, dangerous or undesirable for men and women.

In the US auto industry, for example, there is one robotic arm for every ten workers. Industrial robots lift heavy objects, handle chemicals, and paint and assemble parts. Rather than replace jobs, the robotic system is intended to free up more creative, fulfilling work for people instead. After all, the Czech word "robota" translates to "drudgery work."

Using a modified robotic arm, Dr. Alon Wolf and Dr. Howie Choset have developed a machine that can perform minimally-invasive surgery with great accuracy. The invention is called the "CardioARM" and has been designed for abdominal surgery, heart bypass surgery and mouth surgery, but can also be used to perform a laparoscopy, colonoscopy, and arthroscopy.

The CardioARM is operated by a joystick and can navigate through the body to the problem areas. The flexible tele-operated probe is programmed to remember pathways and it can take tools into regions that surgeons would otherwise have to slice into. "Tools in operation rooms are not flexible. The CardioARM is flexible enough for remote and hard to reach anatomies," explains Dr. Wolf. "The heart is a good example... now we don't have to cut the person open."

Robotic arm technology has rapidly improved over the span of just thirty years. But what is the end goal of robotics technology? Is it to build robots that can work as our slaves? Is it to find minimally-invasive, infallible methods of performing surgery? Is it to treat injuries? Is it to teach? Or is it to become super-humans? There are a number of ways to approach this science, making it impossible to tell just what the future of robotic development holds.

Educate yourself about the robotic arm from Mike Selvon portal. We appreciate your feedback and welcome your comments at our robotics technology blog where a free audio gift awaits you.

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Taking A Look At The History Of Robotic Technology

Robotic technology can be found in clocks, remote control vehicles, automobile computers, Aibo, factory robotic arms, self-guided rovers, service bots like ASIMO, robotic toys like AIBO or Robo-Raptor and a CNC milling machine. To be considered a "robot," the specimen must be able to interact with its environment and physically do something. Most recently, robots are being used in surgery, disaster recovery and firefighting.

Historically, ancient people believed in the existence of a humanoid robot species. The Greek god Hephaestus was thought to have created mechanical servants to help him build temples. Furthermore, the Jewish people thought that clay golems could come to life and the Norse believed that clay giants could awaken.

In 4th Century BC, Greek mathematicians Archytas of Tarentum proposed that he could create a steam-powered bird known as "The Pigeon." Additionally, Hero of Alexandria (10-70 AD) devised automated machinery powered by air pressure and steam.

In 1088, Su Song developed the first clock tower that was built using mechanical figurines and audible chimes. In 1206, the first humanoid robot was created by Al-Jazari, a Muslim inventor who wished to entertain royal guests with automated musicians who played on a boat in a lake. Al-Jazari was already well-known for constructing everything from kitchen appliances and other astounding robotic machines.

There are many different ways to think about robotic technology. For instance, do we want an artificial being to look like a human or an unmistakable nuts-and-bolts prototype? Should they go to work at the plant or in our own homes? Should they think for themselves or be simply capable of pre-programmed simplified tasks?

There are "soft robots," which have silicone bodies and flexible actuators that behave almost human-like. There are "swarm robots" that behave like bees or ants, cooperating together to find something, clean, explore space or spy.

"Haptic interface robots" allow users to interact with virtual simulation environments. Engineers are always coming up with new designs and uses for automation robotics.

Robotic technology is continually progressing. Early prototypes used steam, water or air, while new robotic prototypes use actuators, electric DC motors and air muscles. To study robotics engineering, interested students can attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute, which is the only school that offers a Bachelor of Science in Robotics Engineering.

Other schools have graduate programs based on robotics automation, including Carnegie Mellon University, MIT, UPENN and UCLA. To increase early interest in this field, programs like FIRST Robotics were devised to encourage students as young as six to look to math, science and technology fields for hobbies.

Educate yourself about robotic technology from Mike Selvon portal. We appreciate your feedback and welcome your comments at our robotics technology blog where a free audio gift awaits you.

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