Search results

To describe the function and use of the GreenSeeker™ active remote sensor used to detect crop nitrogen status.

In this paper, the GreenSeeker active remote sensor and its use in irrigated maize production systems will be described. A brief discussion of the science of using remote sensing for studying plants is presented. Additionally, a summary of observations collected from field trials is presented.

The GreenSeeker active sensor has tremendous potential for accurately characterizing crop variability for site‐specific N rate determinations in the Western Great Plains region of the United States.

This paper discusses the GreenSeeker active sensor for detecting crop variability. Data from the GreenSeeker can be used to make site‐specific nitrogen fertilizer applications which may lead to improved nitrogen use efficiency.

This article describes the image processing and tracking algorithms used in a mechanical hoe that accurately weeds between parallel rows of crops under variable outdoor illumination conditions.

This paper's aim is to assess the practical advances resulting from progress in artificial intelligence affecting vision‐equipped robots.

A short history of artificial intelligence applied to robotic hand‐eye coordination is followed by a description of some of the milestones in pattern recognition, interfacing, operating systems and programming paradigms. Finally, a range of current‐day practical applications is given, from industrial to student project.

The paper finds that advances in the speed and robustness of pattern recognition algorithms have been very important in the development of robots that adapt to randomly positioned workpieces. Event‐triggered object oriented programming, wide address buses, smart cameras, ethernet and other standard cables and communications formats, and the ever‐increasing power of computers are also of great practical importance.

The paper contrasts the current state of robotic vision with that 20 years ago.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate technologies improving image quality and understanding in life‐science microscopy.

The new technique of high‐content analysis is described, along with the equipment available from various manufacturers. Advances in fluorescence imaging and confocal microscopy are then addressed. The paper concludes by reporting a powerful 3D visualisation package, and equipment for networked viewing of high‐resolution microscopy images.

High‐content analysis has developed rapidly in the last four or five years, due largely to improvements in the software interface. Automation and powerful software acquire and manage vast quantities of data, allowing scientists experiment afresh on archived images. Improvements in laser scanning techniques and the emergence of microLED arrays assist microscopy imaging of live cells, whilst techniques giving high‐spectral discrimination improve image understanding.

The paper describes how image‐processing technologies are assisting the work of cell biologists. Stresses the importance of software and hardware design to user uptake, which is relevant for all engineers.

To examine the sensors and techniques used in preventing the collision of moving vehicles.

A review of automobile‐guidance research projects carried out in European universities and advanced safety vehicle development by Japanese car manufacturers is followed by a description of driver assistance systems in current use. A new research initiative for autonomous unmanned aircraft is then discussed.

Fully‐autonomous prototype vehicles have demonstrated impressive feats on public roads, but car manufacturers are currently concentrating on driver assistance systems. Research is underway to extend the use of unmanned aircraft into the civil field, and to allow them to share airspace with piloted planes.

Presents current policies in automotive and aerospace development, and describes the range of sensor technologies applied to collision avoidance.

This paper sets out to describe hardware and software developments in robotic cameras for wildlife observation.

The role of automatic equipment in wildlife observation is introduced, and examples of suitable cameras are given. There follows a description of an intensive search for a bird previously thought extinct, and an intelligent robotic video system specially developed to assist. Finally, a general robotic observatory is described which combines teleoperation and autonomy.

Biology field work is very labour‐intensive, but is becoming increasingly high‐tech. Sensors and intelligent specialist software are helping biologists by improving the selectivity of images captured and stored, and the responsiveness of remote systems to their live imaging needs. Automated and teleoperated equipment greatly increases observation potential whilst avoiding the disturbance of human presence.

The paper highlights the valuable contribution of teleoperation and automation in an unusual area. It is of interest to engineers and naturalists.

This paper aims to reveal developments in sensors applied to packaging lines.

Machine vision systems including special‐purpose smart cameras and a high‐speed camera are examined. The technology of radio frequency identification (RFID) is explained, and some products relevant to packaging are highlighted. Advances in X‐ray, metal detection and gas‐leak detection equipment are discussed.

Manufacturers are making smart cameras and high‐speed cameras easier to use. There is a trend for manufacturers to provide portable as well as in‐line instrumentation, for example, in code readers and gas leak detectors. RFID is an emerging technique for improving traceability in the supply chain, and some labelling machines additionally program an embedded chip.

Tracks the latest developments in sensors for engineers in the food and pharmaceutical packaging industries.

This paper aims to describe the advances made by a particular pharmaceutical packaging machinery manufacturer for dealing with short product runs.

The company and its blister packaging machinery products are described, with special attention to the modular servo‐driven range. The centralised control console and the capabilities of its software are reviewed. A collaborative investigation of a late‐stage customisation approach is reported.

Small lot‐size is an acute problem in Europe because of the variations in language, carton format and dimensions, and can make set‐up time dominate running time. Functional separation within the machinery and central set‐up control ameliorate this problem, and the use of a logistical storage unit greatly improves overall through‐put.

When lot sizes are small, the productivity of a manufacturing line is decided not by the maximum production rate of each machine, but by the logistics of job scheduling.

Presents practical developments that improve productivity in pharmaceutical packaging.

To review the innovative products of a particular UK company.

Looks at the history and philosophy of the company, the design and advantages of their brand authenticator product, and then presents their latest spectrophotometric instruments.

Starting in the field of miniature spectrophotometers, which soon became very competitive, the company found a niche market and developed an instrument well‐suited to that market. Their latest products build on that success.

An encouraging report for technologists and entrepreneurs.

To report on developments in robotic vision by a particular robot manufacturer.

Examines FANUC Robotics' philosophy and history of integrated vision, describes its latest offering, and looks at the specification of the new robot controller.

The new robot controller incorporates image processing hardware and software, including calibration procedures. The intelligent robot responds to changes in its surroundings, eliminating the need for jigs and part‐alignment devices and broadening its capabilities.

Presents the intelligent robot as a practical tool in factory automation.