วันเสาร์ที่ 28 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2552

How Does a TV Work - How Man Ended Up With a Decent TV Set

Simply put, if electronic engineers were to explain how does a TV work, they'd say it's the conversion of electromagnetic waves into light and acoustic energy. The interplay of light and acoustic energy inside the TV tube and out the screen is what people view when watching TV.

The wireless electromagnetic waves are sent or transmitted to the TV antenna or receives from TV towers. TV stations send these signals or waves to distant places by bouncing them off these powerful towers, reaching remote places. For international transmissions, signals are bounced off through satellites hovering in outer space. In a broader sense, this explains how does a TV work.

It was Michael Faraday who first tried to show people how does a TV work. Well, it wasn't exactly an actual television set he was demonstrating but the relationship or workings of light and electricity to produce some images in the 1830s. After about a hundred years, more improvements were done on faraday's work and soon TV sets began being produced en masse for commercial purposes.

The years prior to mastering how does a TV work were a series of trial and error, tirelessly re-designing and improving on various devices for better transmission and reception of electronically sent patterns or signals of light and sound. Such light and sound transmissions revolutionized radio receptions that brought mere acoustic information. Now, acoustic data were coupled with interesting images through lighting information.

Then in 1883, they made a more daring experiment to improving how does a TV work. To transmit image information electronically and store it, they used a mechanical media which was a like a scanning disk. This perforated disk rotated as it presented images in broken stages. To make this really work, a photo cell was placed at the rear of the disk as it rotated. The sensitized photo cell took care of sending the broken images as a sequence of electrical stimuli to a receptor. Then everything was beamed to another rotating disk which composed the initial image. However, the experiment was not that successful. The image resolution was poor.

The 1900s brought hope in realizing the mechanism needed to make a decent TV set really work. Now they had better ways on showing how does a TV work. Technological advances leading to breakthroughs in radio, physics, x-rays, and more sophisticated wireless transmissions made success in finalizing how does a TV work, and more so, the coming of the cathode-ray tube.

Cathode-ray tube came with a magnetic field. It was ideal for receiving electronic images. It was Boris Rosing, a Russian scientist, who made Cathode-ray tube possible and further improved on this latest electronic find. Then a thing called Iconoscope also came into the picture. It scanned and converted electronic signals through an electronic beam really nice and easy. With the help of other inventions, like the Mosaic for microscopic photosensitive pixels, the first useful and decent TV set was born in 1929 and then mass produced by the 1940s.

Since then, electronic experts began to have a definite answer to how does a TV work.

Peter Garant is writing electronic appliance and information articles such as How does a Plasma TV work and How does a LCD TV work for the electronic and technical website 'Tech FAQ'.

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วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 26 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2552

Computer Use in the Food Manufacturing Industry

Food manufacturing and processing is one of the success stories of the global economy. Food production is now not just a local industry as food products are now transported across the globe allowing a huge variety of products to be available on our supermarket shelves.

One of the reasons for food productions success has been the embracing of modern technology that has allowed many processes in the food production industry to be automated.

The food industry does pose unique challenges when it comes to automation and computerisation such as the prevalence of water in food production areas. Various laws and good working practices mean that food production areas are regularly washed or hosed-down. This can cause obvious problems to computer or touchscreen if they are used nearby as water will have catastrophic effects on any computer system.

Many food production of manufacturing areas turn to waterproof computer enclosures to protect their computer systems from wash down. Industrial computer enclosures are designed to international guidelines to ensure they can operate safely in washdown environments with the waterproof PC enclosure even allowing the systems to be hosed down themselves.

The European IP 65 or International NEMA 4 rating system are often used to describe the waterproofing of a computer enclosure. Many wash down areas contain IP 65 computer enclosures as they can also be manufactured out of food grade stainless steel ensuring they don't corrode and can continually be kept clean.

Waterproof LCd enclosures and waterproof touchscreen enclosures can also be manufactured from the same material.

Richard N Williams is a technical author and a specialist in the industrial computer industry helping to develop industrial computers and protection for all environments. Please visit us for more information about touch screens or other industrial computer solutions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_N_Williams

วันอังคารที่ 24 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2552

IT Maintenance Contracts Create Win-Win Partnerships With Your Clients

Many small business computer consultants don't understand how critical IT maintenance contracts are to long-term business success. If you don't base your IT business around long-term contracts and relationships with steady, high-paying clients, you will find yourself scrambling to make ends meet ... and probably will never enjoy the stability or predictable revenue that can help you really enjoy your job and grow your business.

If you want to enjoy a long career as a small business computer consultant, offer IT maintenance contracts. But how should you package them? Of course, you need to think about whether or not you are going to make your long-term contracts fixed price, retainer based or pre-paid blocks of time. Each different type of contract has its own pros and cons, so you have to be very careful as you are constructing the perfect package for you and your valued clients.

The following 4 tips can help you create a strong IT maintenance contracts package, so you can best fulfill your clients' biggest business needs.

1. Think Carefully When Offering Fixed-Price Agreements. When you offer fixed price service agreements , you can run into a tricky situation. Fixed-price agreements force you to forecast what people will need and want. Most small business consultants don't have the level of skill necessary to accurately predict needs. Regardless of how you price your agreements, make sure you set up a package that ensures that your firm gets paid what your services are worth, and also gives long-term clients an incentive and a discount above and beyond your normal rates, so they feel they are also getting value.
2. Consider Factors Involved in Packaging Your IT Maintenance Contracts. Think about what goes into a client-consultant agreement. You need to have a strong, compelling package ready to go before you're out on sales calls, presenting your proposals to your prospective customers and clients. Think about big items such as your rate card, your letter of engagement and your actual agreement. Make sure you consult with your trusted business advisers - specifically your accountant and your attorney - to make sure you are creating financially-sensible and legally-binding documents, that really protect you and your clients. Most importantly, think about tangible, compelling benefits you will offer to your clients. These are the extras and perks that will make signing agreements a no brainer for your customers and clients.
3. Know which Benefits to Offer. There are a lot of benefits you can present to help sell the value-proposition of your IT maintenance contracts to clients. One of these benefits has to do with response time, whether response time for on-site service, response time by phone or response time for remote support. Another important benefit is proactive maintenance. To really get customers off the fence and show them that being on an on-going contract is preferable to a pay-as-you go plan, present benefits such as hourly discounts, waived premiums for after-hours service, emergency service discounts, and response time guarantees.
4. Remember, One-Shot Deals Are for Amateurs. Professional computer consultants insist on IT maintenance contracts. Put your best foot forward with a strong agreement package for your long-term clients. Otherwise, you will have a whole bunch of non-committal customers calling you once or twice a year, while you sit and wait for the phone to ring. And without on-going contracts, you are probably doing nothing proactive to really solve big business problems through strategic planning, or make your clients' networks more reliable so they can improve their ROI and grow their businesses. On-going service agreements ensure that you have stable sources of ongoing service revenue, that your clients have a trusted source for ongoing IT support, and that you can build real relationships for your professional computer consulting business.

In this article we talked about 4 tips to help you base your computer consulting business on mutually-beneficial, win/win client partnerships.

Learn more about how you can attract great, steady, high-paying clients now at http://www.ITMaintenanceContract.com

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Learn how your computer consulting business can get more of the best, steady, high-paying clients in your area. Sign-up now for free computer consulting business tips, strategies, and best practices from the field-tested, proven Computer Consulting Kit Home Study Course.

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วันอาทิตย์ที่ 22 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2552

Use of Computers in Wash Room Environments

Computers, printers and touch screens have revolutionised the way we work and many industrial applications in particular, modern technologies and automation have greatly increased production, reduced waste and made processes more efficient.

Protecting computers, printers or touchscreens from the hazardous elements of industrial areas is a particular challenge especially when no two industrial environments are ever the same.

Dust, dirt, vibrations and excessive heat are common hazards in some industrial areas but in sectors such as the food manufacturing industry where everything is kept spotlessly clean the major hazards for this type of area is the use of water.

Water has multiple effects on computers and electronics and none of it is good. Water is conductive and being a fluid it can seep into the tiniest of gaps in an enclosure, if it touches a circuit board then it will soon short circuit it. Water can also damage components and other parts of a computer system not to mention causing corrosion of any metal enclosures or fittings.

Waterproof industrial computer enclosures, including waterproof printer enclosures, waterproof LCD enclosures and waterproof touchscreen enclosures are manufactured quite often form food grade stainless steel which allows these units to be used in any food manufacturing or food processing areas without fear of corrosion.

Furthermore these waterproof industrial computer solutions protect standard computers in a waterproof enclosure. This allows the enclosed PC to be repaired, upgraded or replaced at will whilst allowing the use of the device even under total wash down conditions.

Many waterproof computer enclosures are built to European Guidelines such as IP65 or IP66 and also International standards such as NEMA 4.

Richard N Williams is a technical author and a specialist in the industrial computer industry helping to develop industrial computers and protection for all environments. Please visit us for more information about touch screens or other industrial computer solutions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_N_Williams

วันศุกร์ที่ 20 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2552

Understanding DVD Decoders

If you have just bought a personal computer lately, chances are high that it has a DVD player or drive installed. However, in order for you to actually view that movie or video, you need to have the proper DVD decoders in your computer.

Even though a lot of operating systems have built in DVD decoders, it will still be to your advantage if you knew how the decoding process works, so in case of a problem you will be better able to explain it to the technician, and you will also be able to intelligently follow discussions on the subject in Internet forums and websites.

First of all, you need to know why DVD decoders exist in the first place; although these discs can hold a lot more data than the CDs, the files, be it movie, video game, or whatever, is still compressed to allow even more information to be packed in.

However, there is another reason why files in this format are compressed, and that is for copyright reasons. The compression of these files was agreed upon by the movie studios to prevent the contents from being pirated. The only way for these files to be decoded (and thus viewed by the player), is through the DVD decoder.

Another reason why DVD decoders are essential is that they can restore the files to the MPEG 2 format, which is used by these files. If you use any other type of decoder than the DVD decoder, the quality of the movie will be inferior. By using the right decoder, the original quality before it was compressed will become available.

For PC users, the DVD decoder is vital, because it is the component that will allow you to watch the film and play that game. It should be noted that there are no freeware programs for encoding DVDs available, but there are several types of software you can use to decode MPEG 2 files, including the popular VLC player.

The good thing though, is that a lot of the software that you will use for watching movies on this file format include the DVD decoder and encoder, so you just have to download the player to view the files. Among the most popular are WinDVD, DVDXpack and Window's own Media Player.

Besides watching movies and playing games, DVDs can also be used for backing up files. If you want to make a copy of your favorite DVD, use Cloner III, as it can disable the copyright protector in these movie files. It should be noted that most movie DVDs come in the 8 GB type, while most backup discs only have a capacity of 4 GB.

To make it fit, you need to remove the copyright protection on the DVD, copy it to your hard drive and compress it. Once it has been compressed to 4 GB or less, you can back it up on your disc.

The explanation offered above is applicable to most DVD decoders, although depending on the manufacturer, the techniques they employ for the actual decoding and encoding may slightly differ. However, with a basic understanding of the internal workings of the DVD, you will be in a better position to handle whatever problems may occur.

Peter Garant is a computer consultant and writes software review and electronic advice columns such as DVD decoder Info and Free DVD Burning Software Info for Tech FAQ Web Site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Garant

วันพุธที่ 18 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2552

MCSE Education Program

In this technology dependent society of business today, remaining on top of the latest computer software packages is of increasing significance to those who wish to finish first. Microsoft rules the market when it comes to desktop and server software applications, and that is the reason keeping up with the latest Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certifications is critical. Professional people in all section of business practices will gain an advantage from the numerous MCSE training programs that are available, and are able to using such certifications to command higher income, move forward in their their job status, or just initiate new careers.

Employing managers and IT specialists see the extremely high level of self-control and knowledge involved to get an MCSE certification, and do recognize the achievement of their potentials or workers. One can obtain the qualifications and knowledge they require on the job, but unless they're aided by an established certification those attributes mean little when trying to find a new job or a promotion.

Bosses want to fill their open jobs with candidates that they know currently have the skills necessary to perform at their chosen jobs, and not with people that claim they have the information but later expose themselves as untrained individuals. An applicant with achievement as well as certificate in an MCSE training program will be more desirable than people that do not, and will possess a edge when it comes to getting the job seeing as how they have evidence to supplement their skills.

Keeping updated on the newest technology additionally makes existence at the job a tad more simple as a rule. You'll never have to be concerned about a greenhorn that's more developed technically arriving to take your place. By being educated in a regimented environment that offers all of the equipment you require to get the most possible from the experience, you will be far ahead of those that try to gain the knowledge through just doing. Increase your earning prospective by outfitting yourself with the knowledge that you'll will gain from the best detailed MCSE training course you will locate.

Seek out a an instructor that gives only the most recent MCSE training programs accessible, in several different configurations letting each person to learn in the way he or she feels is most adequate and acceptable. No matter of what your schedule involves, you can be able to locate a program that revolve in tune your other duties. Whether you desire to obtain a additional skill, or simply brush up on the advancements to remain current, the MCSE education program will cater to your requirements.

P Abbey owns and operates http://www.mcsejobsadvice.com, MCSE Jobs

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วันจันทร์ที่ 16 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2552

Creating Missing Program Shortcuts With an Overlay Keyboard

All programs come with shortcut key combinations that allow quick and easy access to their most popular functions. Many of the shortcuts are standard across all programs. The shortcuts Ctrl+C to copy to the clipboard, Ctrl+V to paste from the clipboard and Ctrl+S to save a file are just a few examples. Other shortcuts are specific to the program.

However popular shortcuts are many program function do not have a shortcut assigned to them. In my version of Word 2003 there are many functions that do not have shortcuts assigned to them.

Three examples are the Font, Paragraph and Bullets and Numbering functions. To access functions the user has two choices. First to right click and chose the function from the popup menu. The second is to access the Format menu by press Alt+O and then pressing the letters F, P or N respectively.

What is needed is the ability to create personalized shortcut to the user's most popular functions. An overlay keyboard provides this missing capability in all programs not just Word.

With an overlay keyboard the user can configure each key to reproduce any sequence of characters available on a standard computer keyboard. A graphic overlay is then created that labels each key's function.

Assigning the sequence Alt+O+F to a single key displays the Font dialog box. Adding an Atl+P to the sequence will set the superscript option. Finally adding the Enter key to the sequence will return the user to the document ready to resume typing. Now any character typed will be a superscript character. To terminate superscripting simply press the key again.

This shortcut key would be helpful to anyone typing text with a lot of superscripts such as mathematicians, physicist or other scientists.

Other missing shortcuts can be as quickly created. Any function that an individual uses repeatedly can be configured into an overlay keyboard key. This includes shortcuts that are particular to just one person.

To learn more about overlay keyboards and their many applications visit www.pmkidder.com/enterpad

Philip Kidder has worked with computers for over 35 years. He worked for the Defense Department as a programmer and system analyst. After leaving the government he has worked in computer sales owning his own store. Upon leaving the retail side he is currently a programmer and consultant to businesses. He also works with individuals helping them solve their computer problems. With his broad experience he truly joys is helping others solve their problems and make the computer less of a demon and more of a friend.

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วันเสาร์ที่ 14 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2552

What is the FIRST Robotics Program?

FIRST Robotics began in 1989 as a way of encouraging students to choose careers in math, science and technology, while also building their life skills and instilling a spirit of "gracious professionalism" and humility in its participants. Without "chest thumping" or "sticky-sweet platitudes," as the site explains, young people engage in competitions where they build robots.

The Junior FIRST LEGO league is for 6-9 year olds. The FIRST LEGO league targets younger children ages 9-14, while the FIRST Robotics Competition helps high school age students. The FIRST Tech Challenge provides more affordable robotics technology to high school students. More than 137,000 kids participated in last year's program, spanning across 42 countries from Germany and the UK to Turkey and Israel.

FIRST Robotics founder Dean Kamen is an inventor, physicist, engineer and entrepreneur. He is perhaps best known for inventing the Segway Human Transporter, an environmentally friendly short distance travel solution. He's also developed the HomeChoice portable dialysis machine (Baxter Healthcare) and the Independence IBOT 4000 mobile robot system (Johnson & Johnson).

He's currently working on a water purification system that promises to provide clean drinking water to 1.1 billion people around the world. For his efforts, he's received the Heinz Award in Technology, the National Medal of Technology presented by President Clinton (2000) and the Lemelson-MIT Prize (2002), among others.

For 2009, the FIRST Robotics Competition will be called "Lunacy" to celebrate the 40th anniversary of our moon landing and will be held in Atlanta April 16-18. This year's autonomous robots will be restricted by size and weight (no more than 5 ft tall, no wider than 38 inches, no deeper than 28 inches and no heavier than 150 lbs) and must be able to pick up orbit balls (2-point moon rocks, empty cells and 15-point super cells) and transfer them into a trailer hitched to their opponent's robot in just two minutes and fifteen seconds.

While 80-90% of the teams participating this year will be returning from previous years, there are 300 rookie teams joining as well. Of course, even given the charitable contributions, each team will likely need to come up with $9,000 - $10,000 to cover meals, transportation, lodging, food, robot parts and lab fees.

The Baby Boomers grew up fascinated by the Space Race and the emergence of heroic astronauts as role models. Today's youth are more into computers. Even so, television shows like "Mythbusters," "Build It Bigger" and battling robot competitions are trying to intrigue young people to look to physics, engineering and technology.

However, hands-on learning with robot design events like FIRST Robotics may be what really helps seal the deal. Andy Bell, a product manager at National Instruments, explained, "Working with colleges and universities enabled us to help educators shift from lecture-based learning to hands-on learning. Through our partnership with Lego, we saw an opportunity to do the same with an even younger audience... and do so in a very engaging and entertaining way."

Educate yourself further about the first robotics program from Mike Selvon articles portal and download your free audio gift on the robotics technology.

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วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 12 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2552

Where is the Future of Robotics Heading?

Developing a humanoid robot has long since captured the human imagination and will be the continued focus in the future of robotics. Scientists say there are two obstacles to creating a robot with human or super-human intelligence: vision and processing sensory information. "It is almost impossible to predict when machines will become as clever as humans," admits Ronald Arkin, a robotics expert at the Mobile Robot Laboratory in Atlanta, Georgia. "Although work in magnetic resonance imaging holds great promise, researchers can now watch areas of the brain light up as individuals carry out specific mental tasks. When we have that knowledge, we can pass it on to computers."

Motor vehicle production is one area where robotics automation is already being used. Yet imagine a world where we can read, have a glass of wine, talk freely on our cell phones or take a nap while our personal automobile drives itself from our workplace to our doorstep. Or perhaps we'll abandon the wheeled prototypes altogether and kick back in our personal flying car like numerous science fiction films predict. So how far are we from such a future?

Well, in 2007, the US Defense Advanced Research Project Agency had 83 robotic system vehicles driving through a 60-mile urban course, navigating around other vehicles, pedestrians and obstacles; all without incident. Just three years ago, robotic vehicles couldn't even drive straight across the wide-open desert without crashing. "The robotics industry is developing in much the same way the computer business did thirty years ago," Microsoft founder Bill Gates observed.

So what is in store for the future of robotics in the workplace? The US military is one of the biggest donators to robotic research, as they hope to replace human lives with robotics automation, reducing our casualties in war. Robots are already completing reconnaissance missions, disassembling explosives and firing on enemy combatants.

Military chiefs are aiming to make a third of all ground vehicles driver-less by 2015. Researchers are also looking at robots similar to those featured in Isaac Asimov's "I Robot" that cooperate together in a swarm-like way to complete complex tasks. Just the size of a small bug, these insect swarms look unassuming but are capable of jamming communication lines, gathering intelligence and firing at enemy combatants.

The future of robotics is taking aim at the rapidly aging population, with the end goal of providing for the elderly in places like the US which will see 97 million baby boomers in need of care or in Japan, where 22% of the population is over 65. Currently $1 billion is spent each year researching how autonomous robots can care for the elderly. Secom's "My Spoon" robot, for instance, can feed disabled people by breaking up food into chewable morsels and spooning it into their mouths. "Paro," another Japanese invention, looks like a baby seal and responds to the affection of lonely elderly patients, while also monitoring their heart rate and health symptoms.

Educate yourself further about the future of Robotics from Mike Selvon articles portal and download your free audio gift on the robotics technology.

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วันอังคารที่ 10 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2552

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 further about the robotic arm from Mike Selvon articles portal and download your free audio gift on the robotics technology.

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วันอาทิตย์ที่ 8 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2552

The Key Components Behind Robotics and Automation

When you think of "robot," what do you envision? Does your robot walk upright like "C3PO" or roll like "R2D2?" Does your robot have a rigid mechanical face or an expressionistic soft face? Does it pick up objects or does it function as a robotic vacuum? Perhaps your intelligent system works in the medical field or in robotic welding. Since there are a number of different uses for robotics and automation, it's reasonable to assume there are many, many robot design options. To begin thinking about how these complex machines move, we need to look to physics, science, math and engineering.

One of the primary components used in robotic automation is the actuator, which converts stored energy into movement. Most actuators are electric motors (brushed and brushless DC motors, to be exact), although chemical and compressed air actuators exist as well. Stepper motors rotate in easy-to-control motions, commanded by a controller rather than a sensor. Piezo or Ultrasonic motors use rapidly vibrating piezo-ceramic elements, which ultimately cause motion. Air muscles work with compressed air, behaving similarly to human muscles which contract and expand. Elastic nanotubes are in experimental stages right now but appear promising, holding high levels of stored energy.

Locomotion is a key component of robotics and automation. Some prototypes roll on one to four wheels. For instance, NASA's "Robonaut" and "Urbie," Carnegie Mellon University's "Ballbot," not to mention characters like George Lucas's "R2D2" and The Jetson's "Rosie," all roll around. However, several robots like Honda's "ASIMO," can walk. The Anybot "Dexter Robot" can jump and MIT Leg Laboratory has developed complex robots that can trot, run, pace and bound. Even still, some robots, like those used in the military, are best suited for flight. Snaking motion robots have been used to save construction workers who were buried in a wreck. Essex University devised robotic fish for research purposes too. There is a place for every type of locomotion in industrial robotics.

For some, human interaction is the end-all and be-all of robotics and automation. At Disney World, the "Imagineers" developed singing, blinking, winking, emotional robots that almost seem like real people. Researchers say that the future of robots is the ability to communicate with humans through facial expressions, speech and gestures, rather than simply on predictable programmed responses. Kismet can create a range of facial expressions, which can help people interact more meaningfully with their companion bots.

Educate yourself further about robotics and automation from Mike Selvon articles portal and download your free audio gift on the robotics technology.

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วันศุกร์ที่ 6 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2552

Reviewing Robotic Systems Used in Surgery

Despite costing $1.5 million per unit, the Da Vinci robotic system is turning heads in hospitals across America. The addition of robotic systems in operating rooms promises more precise surgeries, less damage to the surrounding tissues, smaller incisions, less blood loss, less risk of surgeon fatigue and quicker recovery times. While intelligent robots are far from executing their own surgeries, using autonomous robots and robotic arms as assistants is revolutionizing medical science.

The Da Vinci Surgical System is a groundbreaking innovation that's garnered much attention by media and surgeons alike over the past decade. Ideally, these new robots will be used in delicate surgeries like heart valve/artery surgery, brain surgery and cancer removal. Telesurgical robotic systems consist of two components; one is a computerized tele-micromanipulator, the other a surgical unit containing three robotic arms.

At the start of the surgery, four keyhole-sized incisions are made as entry-points. Down one incision will be the endoscopic camera, which is attached to a fiber-optic cable. The remaining ports will carry tiny surgical tools, which rotate and maneuver using flexible robot wrists. The surgeon sits at a console, watching the 3-D images from the camera and making the necessary motions to perform the surgery, which the robotic system then mimics with much more precision and accuracy.

Supervisory-Controlled robotic systems work autonomously once they're programmed with set instructions by a trained surgeon. Surgeons then watch over the autonomous robots to make sure there are no surprises. RoboDoc, developed by Integrated Surgical Systems, is one of these Supervisory-Controlled systems, and it has been used in countless knee surgeries and hip replacement surgeries. Since 400,000 people require knee surgeries each year, this type of procedure can benefit a large number of patients by being far less painful and allowing for quicker recovery times.

Of course, there is always some room for error with robotic systems that require surgeon assistance. Since no two bodies are exactly alike, the surgeon must first map out the body to ensure the robot's course is accurate. Additionally, it is up to the surgeon to decide which surgical approach is best. The surgeon must also match the points mapped on the computer with the points on the body, position the robot at the proper starting position and then oversee the process from start to finish. While it's undoubtedly a complex procedure, its widespread use could have a revolutionary impact on the medical field.

Educate yourself further about the robotic systems from Mike Selvon articles portal and download your free audio gift on the robotics technology.

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วันพุธที่ 4 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2552

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 further about the robotic systems from Mike Selvon articles portal and download your free audio gift on the robotics technology.

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วันจันทร์ที่ 2 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2552

Using an Overlay Keyboard to Shortening the Learning Curve With New Programs

Learning a new program is always a challenge. There are so many new concepts and commands to learn. Most people typically learn and use around 20% of the functions that a program offers. As a result their projects conform to their limited skill set. The real power of the program and the outstanding results are left to others.

Software manufacturers try to overcome this problem by creating keyboard shortcuts to the most popular program functions. While this is helpful it does not solve the problem of the unused commands that are available. What would be helpful is a quick, easy and visual way to give access to the unused functions.

An overlay keyboard is one solution to this problem. Each key on an overlay keyboard can be configured to reproduce any sequence of keys available on a standard computer keyboard. A graphic overlay is then made to label the function that each key produces.

With an overlay keyboard new users have program functions available by pressing just one key. By configuring the overlay keyboard properly the software manufacture can introduce the new user to the little used but powerful features of their program. As a result new user will be more likely to experiment with these program features and be happier with the program.

Help features can easily be incorporated into the overlay keyboard. Each key on an overlay keyboard has a shift state associated with it. By configuring the shift state with the proper section of the help file new users can quickly find the help they require.

Experienced users will also benefit with quick access to the features they know and use. Instead of pressing multiple keys or mouse clicks features can be accessed by pressing one button.

The graphic overlay can be designed to use any button graphics that the program uses as the key label. This further integrates the overlay keyboard with the software as users can quickly find the key that is associated with the buttons they are use to clicking.

To view some configurations examples visit http://www.pmkidder.com/enterpad/page70.html and to learn more about overlay keyboards in general visit http://www.pmkidder.com/enterpad

Philip Kidder has worked with computers for over 35 years. He worked for the Defense Department as a programmer and system analyst. After leaving the government he has worked in computer sales owning his own store. Upon leaving the retail side he is currently a programmer and consultant to businesses. He also works with individuals helping them solve their computer problems. With his broad experience he truly joys is helping others solve their problems and make the computer less of a demon and more of a friend.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_Kidder