Technical 'magic' converts a puny signal into pictures

Article Abstract:

Signals from Voyager 2 use only 20 watts of microwave power and must undergo image processing at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory before they reveal details of Neptune and Triton. The satellite's two cameras break each picture into 800 horizontal scan lines and break each scan line into 800 pixels, assigning the light content of each pixel a numerical value. Zero represents black and 256 represents white. Light intensities are transmitted in binary code. About 5.12 million bits are required for each picture. Cameras make multiple black-and-white images through color filters, so that reconstruction of color is possible. Data compression reduces the load and transmission time for images. When signals are received, about four hours after they are sent, signals are amplified and processed, eliminating transmission errors and yielding full-color images.

Space research and technology, Usage, Telecommunications systems, Information management, Observations, Discovery and exploration, Outer space, Space exploration, Image processing, Data communications, Telecommunications transmission technologies, Digital signal processors, United States. Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Neptune (Planet), Signal processing, Image Generation, Image Encoding, Image Enhancement, United States. Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Project Voyager, Digital Signal Processor

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Lively computer creation blurs definition of life; software forms, obeying Darwin's rules, vie to avoid the 'reaper.' (Tierra, a computer program that features characteristics usually associated with living organisms)

Article Abstract:

Thomas S. Ray, a plant biologist at the University of Delaware, has created a computer program called Tierra that simulates life. Dr Ray's program derives energy from its environment, accomplishes reproduction and transmits 'genetic mutations' to descendants. According to Graham Bell, a professor of biology at McGill University in Montreal, Dr Ray's program is a demonstration of the validity of the Darwinian theory. Typically, Ray's program starts with an 'ancestor creature.' Predators, prey, hosts and parasites, and various evolutionary successes and failures thereupon evolve. According to Dr Ray, Tierra might be important for research on parallel computing. Ray believes it might be possible to construct parallel computers that could evolve their own programs.

Research, Software, Evolution (Biology), Evolution, Biology, Ecology, Computer simulation, Genetics, University of Delaware, Parallel processing, Artificial life, Simulation, Scientific Research, Delaware, University of, Ray, Thomas S.

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G.E. sees breakthrough from new diamond

Article Abstract:

The General Electric Co unveils a highly transparent synthetic diamond that conducts heat 50 percent better than the best known heat conductor, a natural diamond. The new diamond's transparency means that it will absorb 10 times as much laser light as an ordinary diamond before being damaged. One likely application for the new diamond would be as microelectronic signal boosters in transoceanic optical-fiber cables. GE also expects the chip to be used to make more compact microprocessor designs, thus leading to faster, more powerful computers. Observers hail the new diamond as a breakthrough but say its cost must be pushed down before it can become commercially viable.

ELECTRONIC & OTHER ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT, Semiconductor industry, Innovations, Inventions, General Electric Co., GE, Disease transmission, Fiber optics, Light, Synthetic diamonds, Artificial diamonds, Industry-Sponsored Research, Gem Industry

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