Improving the Quality of Low-Cost GPS Receiver Data for Monitoring Using Spatial Correlations

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Zhang ◽  
Volker Schwieger

AbstractThe investigations on low-cost single frequency GPS receivers at the Institute of Engineering Geodesy (IIGS) show that u-blox LEA-6T GPS receivers combined with Trimble Bullet III GPS antennas containing self-constructed L1-optimized choke rings can already obtain an accuracy in the range of millimeters which meets the requirements of geodetic precise monitoring applications (see [For this purpose, several adjoined stations with low-cost GPS receivers and antennas were set up next to the metal wall on the roof of the IIGS building and measured statically for several days. The time series of three-dimensional coordinates of the GPS receivers were analyzed. Spatial correlations between the adjoined stations, possibly caused by multipath effect, will be taken into account. The coordinates of one station can be corrected using the spatial correlations of the adjoined stations, so that the quality of the GPS measurements is improved.The developed algorithms are based on the coordinates and the results will be delivered in near-real-time (in about 30 minutes), so that they are suitable for structural health monitoring applications.

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-175
Author(s):  
Li Zhang ◽  
Volker Schwieger

AbstractThe investigations on low-cost single frequency GNSS receivers at the Institute of Engineering Geodesy (IIGS) show that u-blox GNSS receivers combined with low-cost antennas and self-constructed L1-optimized choke rings can reach an accuracy which almost meets the requirements of geodetic applications (see Zhang and Schwieger [25]). However, the quality (accuracy and reliability) of low-cost GNSS receiver data should still be improved, particularly in environments with obstructions. The multipath effects are a major error source for the short baselines. The ground plate or the choke ring ground plane can reduce the multipath signals from the horizontal reflector (e. g. ground). However, the shieldings cannot reduce the multipath signals from the vertical reflectors (e. g. walls).Because multipath effects are spatially and temporally correlated, an algorithm is developed for reducing the multipath effect by considering the spatial correlations of the adjoined stations (see Zhang and Schwieger [24]). In this paper, an algorithm based on the temporal correlations will be introduced. The developed algorithm is based on the periodic behavior of the estimated coordinates and not on carrier phase raw data, which is easy to use. Because, for the users, coordinates are more accessible than the raw data. The multipath effect can cause periodic oscillations but the periods change over time. Besides this, the multipath effect’s influence on the coordinates is a mixture of different multipath signals from different satellites and different reflectors. These two properties will be used to reduce the multipath effect. The algorithm runs in two steps and iteratively. Test measurements were carried out in a multipath intensive environment; the accuracies of the measurements are improved by about 50 % and the results can be delivered in near-real-time (in ca. 30 minutes), therefore the algorithm is suitable for structural health monitoring applications.


2012 ◽  
Vol 497 ◽  
pp. 89-93
Author(s):  
Liang Liang Yuan ◽  
Ke Hua Zhang ◽  
Li Min

In order to process heterotype hole of workpiece precisely, an open abrasive flow polish machine is designed, and the optimization design of machine frame is done for low cost. Firstly, basing on the parameters designed with traditional ways, three-dimensional force model is set up with the soft of SolidWorks. Secondly, the statics and modal analysis for machine body have been done in Finite element methods (FEM), and then the optimization analysis of machine frame has been done. At last, the model of rebuild machine frame has been built. Result shows that the deformation angle value of machine frame increased from 0.72′ to 1.001′, the natural frequency of the machine decreased from 75.549 Hz to 62.262 Hz, the weight of machine decreased by 74.178 Kg after optimization. It meets the strength, stiffness and angel stiffness requirement of machine, reduces the weight and cost of machine.


Author(s):  
L. Rossi ◽  
F. Ioli ◽  
E. Capizzi ◽  
L. Pinto ◽  
M. Reguzzoni

Abstract. A fundamental step of UAV photogrammetric processes is to collect Ground Control Points (GCPs) by means of geodetic-quality GNSS receivers or total stations, thus obtaining an absolutely oriented model with a centimetric accuracy. This procedure is usually time-consuming, expensive and potentially dangerous for operators who sometimes need to reach inaccessible areas. UAVs equipped with low-cost GNSS/IMU sensors can provide information about position and attitude of the images. This telemetry information is not enough for a photogrammetric restitution with a centimetric accuracy, but it can be usefully exploited when a lower accuracy is required. The algorithm proposed in this paper aims at improving the quality of this information, in order to introduce it into a direct-photogrammetric process, without collecting GCPs. In particular, the estimation of an optimal trajectory is obtained by combining the camera positions derived from UAV telemetry and from the relative orientation of the acquired images, by means of a least squares adjustment. Then, the resulting trajectory is used as a direct observation of the camera positions into a commercial software, thus replacing the information of GCPs. The algorithm has been tested on different datasets, comparing the classical photogrammetric solution (with GCPs) with the proposed one. These case-studies showed that using the improved trajectory as input to the commercial software (without GCPs) the reconstruction of the three-dimensional model can be improved with respect to the solution computed by using the UAV raw telemetry only.


Author(s):  
Carlos Magno Queiroz da CUNHA ◽  
Douglas Marques Ferreira de LIMA ◽  
Francisco Julimar Correia de MENEZES

ABSTRACT Background: Three-dimensional videosurgery is already a reality worldwide. The trainee program for this procedure should be done initially and preferably in simulators. Aim: Assemble low-cost simulator for three-dimensional videosurgery training. Methods: The simulator presented here was mounted in two parts, base and glasses. After, several stations can be inserted into the simulator for skills training in videosurgery. Results: It was possible to set up three dimensional (3D) video simulations with low cost. It has proved to be easy to assemble and allows the training surgeon of various video surgical skills. Conclusion: This equipment may be used in undergraduate programs and advanced courses for residents and surgeons. The acrylic box allows the visualization of the task executed by the tutor and even by other experienced students.


2007 ◽  
Vol 17 (05) ◽  
pp. 383-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. R. MOSAVI

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a network of satellites, whose original purpose was to provide accurate navigation, guidance, and time transfer to military users. The past decade has also seen rapid concurrent growth in civilian GPS applications, including farming, mining, surveying, marine, and outdoor recreation. One of the most significant of these civilian applications is commercial aviation. A stand-alone civilian user enjoys an accuracy of 100 meters and 300 nanoseconds, 25 meters and 200 nanoseconds, before and after Selective Availability (SA) was turned off. In some applications, high accuracy is required. In this paper, five Neural Networks (NNs) are proposed for acceptable noise reduction of GPS receivers timing data. The paper uses from an actual data collection for evaluating the performance of the methods. An experimental test setup is designed and implemented for this purpose. The obtained experimental results from a Coarse Acquisition (C/A)-code single-frequency GPS receiver strongly support the potential of methods to give high accurate timing. Quality of the obtained results is very good, so that GPS timing RMS error reduce to less than 120 and 40 nanoseconds, with and without SA.


2002 ◽  
Vol 8 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 63-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Swinfen ◽  
P Swinfen

summary The Swinfen Charitable Trust uses digital cameras and email to provide specialist advice to doctors in developing countries. The first telemedicine link was set up in July 1999. By the end of a year there were three links to hospitals in Bangladesh, Nepal and the Solomon Islands. Initially the consultants, all of whom give their advice free of charge, were from the UK, but now are worldwide. At present there are 12 links in operation, including one on Tristan da Cunha, and two links approved and awaiting equipment. The advice given by the consultants has been found to be helpful to the referring doctors and to benefit their patients. Failures have been due to the use of obsolescent equipment, computer viruses, lack of communication with the referring hospital before setting up a link, and referring doctors not chasing up their own referrals. Problems yet to be solved include the unreliability of the Internet, certain medicolegal issues and assessing the quality of medical consultants. In future there will be the problem of managing a rapidly growing telemedicine network.


2010 ◽  
Vol 133-134 ◽  
pp. 497-502 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alvaro Quinonez ◽  
Jennifer Zessin ◽  
Aissata Nutzel ◽  
John Ochsendorf

Experiments may be used to verify numerical and analytical results, but large-scale model testing is associated with high costs and lengthy set-up times. In contrast, small-scale model testing is inexpensive, non-invasive, and easy to replicate over several trials. This paper proposes a new method of masonry model generation using three-dimensional printing technology. Small-scale models are created as an assemblage of individual blocks representing the original structure’s geometry and stereotomy. Two model domes are tested to collapse due to outward support displacements, and experimental data from these tests is compared with analytical predictions. Results of these experiments provide a strong understanding of the mechanics of actual masonry structures and can be used to demonstrate the structural capacity of masonry structures with extensive cracking. Challenges for this work, such as imperfections in the model geometry and construction problems, are also addressed. This experimental method can provide a low-cost alternative for the collapse analysis of complex masonry structures, the safety of which depends primarily on stability rather than material strength.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro P. Vallejo Ramirez ◽  
Joseph Zammit ◽  
Oliver Vanderpoorten ◽  
Fergus Riche ◽  
Francois-Xavier Blé ◽  
...  

Abstract The three-dimensional imaging of mesoscopic samples with Optical Projection Tomography (OPT) has become a powerful tool for biomedical phenotyping studies. OPT uses visible light to visualize the 3D morphology of large transparent samples. To enable a wider application of OPT, we present OptiJ, a low-cost, fully open-source OPT system capable of imaging large transparent specimens up to 13 mm tall and 8 mm deep with 50 µm resolution. OptiJ is based on off-the-shelf, easy-to-assemble optical components and an ImageJ plugin library for OPT data reconstruction. The software includes novel correction routines for uneven illumination and sample jitter in addition to CPU/GPU accelerated reconstruction for large datasets. We demonstrate the use of OptiJ to image and reconstruct cleared lung lobes from adult mice. We provide a detailed set of instructions to set up and use the OptiJ framework. Our hardware and software design are modular and easy to implement, allowing for further open microscopy developments for imaging large organ samples.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyeck-Soo Son ◽  
Grzegorz Łabuz ◽  
Ramin Khoramnia ◽  
Timur M. Yildirim ◽  
Gerd U. Auffarth

Abstract Background To assess the optical behavior of a new diffractive intraocular lens (IOL) and compare its performance to that of an established extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) IOL. Methods This study assessed the Proming EDOF Multifocal AM2UX [Eyebright Medical Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., China] and the AT LARA 829MP [Carl Zeiss Meditec, Germany]. An experimental set-up with 0.01% fluorescein solution and monochromatic light (532 nm) was used to visualize the IOLs’ ray propagation. In addition, the optical quality of the IOLs was assessed by measuring the modulation transfer function (MTF) values at 50lp/mm and 3.0 and 4.5 mm apertures on the optical bench OptiSpheric® IOL PRO II [Trioptics GmbH, Germany]. Results The ray propagation of the two IOLs showed two distinct foci. Light intensity assessment revealed that both IOLs allocate more energy to primary than secondary focus. At 3.0 mm pupil, the MTF values at 50lp/mm for the primary focus were 0.39 and 0.37, and for the secondary focus, 0.29 and 0.26 for the AT LARA and Proming IOLs, respectively. At 4.5 mm pupil, the single-frequency MTF for the primary focus was 0.51 and 0.24 and for the secondary focus 0.21 and 0.15 for the AT LARA and Proming IOLs, respectively. Conclusions When tested with an aberration-free model cornea under monochromatic conditions, the Proming behaved as a low-add bifocal lens; however, its properties did not differ much from the well-established AT LARA EDOF IOL. The AT LARA outperformed the Proming at low defocus (up to 2D), while the latter demonstrated better image quality in the 2-3D range.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gorka Gómez-Ciriza ◽  
Tomás Gómez-Cía ◽  
José Antonio Rivas-González ◽  
Mari Nieves Velasco Forte ◽  
Israel Valverde

This is a 7-years single institution study on low-cost cardiac three-dimensional (3D) printing based on the use of free open-source programs and affordable printers and materials. The process of 3D printing is based on several steps (image acquisition, segmentation, mesh optimization, slicing, and three-dimensional printing). The necessary technology and the processes to set up an affordable three-dimensional printing laboratory are hereby described in detail. Their impact on surgical and interventional planning, medical training, communication with patients and relatives, patients' perception on care, and new cardiac device development was analyzed. A total of 138 low-cost heart models were designed and printed from 2013 to 2020. All of them were from different congenital heart disease patients. The average time for segmentation and design of the hearts was 136 min; the average time for printing and cleaning the models was 13.5 h. The average production cost of the models was €85.7 per model. This is the most extensive series of 3D printed cardiac models published to date. In this study, the possibility of manufacturing three-dimensional printed heart models in a low-cost facility fulfilling the highest requirements from a technical and clinical point of view is demonstrated.


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