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Determination of the Critical Parameters for Remote Microscope ControlAs part of a program to determine the capabilities of Telescience as applied to Microgravity Materials Science the need for a remotely controlled microscope was recognized. For this purpose we equipped a microscope with an X-Y-Z positioning device and motors on the zoom and focus controls. Computer control of these devices allowed remote operation. A standard TV camera was mounted to the computer controlled video board which could compress the image in resolution and grey scale. The operator control console was programmed to display three still video pictures as well as provide command access. A standard data transfer network was used to transmit the video data files and the command interaction was via a high speed phone modem. This system, with the microscope in the Microgravity Materials Science Laboratory (MMSL) at LeRC and the control at RPI, was used to determine the accuracy of setting, time required to achieve setting and the operator ease factor. It was found that the focus setting could be established well within the resolution limit of the TV system and that each motion took about 50 seconds and approximately 12 minutes was required to reach ?best? focus. These times could be reduced significantly with operator experience. The operators were provided with ancillary equipment which provided assistance in making the necessary decisions and they reported satisfaction with the control.
Document ID
19920029823
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Hahn, R. C.
(Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst. Troy, NY, United States)
Herbach, B. A.
(Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States)
Johnston, J. C.
(Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst. Troy, NY, United States)
Bethea, M.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1991
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Report/Patent Number
IAF PAPER 91-026
Accession Number
92A12447
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG3-1065
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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