The Image Science and Machine Vision Group [.pdf, .ps]
http://www-ismv.ic.ornl.gov/
Part of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Image Science and Machine Vision Group (ISMV) has the goal of making machines and robots see and interpret things the way humans do. Research is divided into three areas: Measurement and Controls for Industry, Biological Sciences, and Surveillance and Security. A long listing of projects undertaken by ISMV is available in the Research section. Whereas only short descriptions are given for projects that are still in progress, more detailed information is given for recently completed projects. One ISMV project analyzed a poor-quality surveillance tape to convict a killer. The Publications section has a long list of downloadable documents describing some research findings. [CL]
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Aerospace Robotics Laboratory [.pdf, .ps, .gz, .mpeg]
http://arl.stanford.edu/home.html
The Aerospace Robotics Laboratory (ARL), operated at Stanford University, focuses its research "on improving robotic performance through the application of feedback control, integrated sensing systems, and task-level autonomy." The systems designed at ARL allow the human operator to have varying levels of control over the robot. Specifically, the robot performs given tasks until it reaches a point that it can not perform on its own. The human can then intervene and direct the robot manually. A comprehensive list of all ARL publications is available on the Web site, ranging from the 1960's to 2002 (many of the publications after 1990 are available for download). There are even movies of laboratory experiments and demonstrations that can be downloaded and viewed. The Projects section explains the various research projects currently underway. [CL]
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Space Vehicles Directorate [QuickTime]
http://www.vs.afrl.af.mil/
The Space Vehicles Directorate is a division of the Air Force Research Laboratory and is located on Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The directorate is composed of four divisions specializing in research and development, specifically the Battlespace Environment, Spacecraft Technology, Innovative Concepts, and Integrated Experiments divisions. The Web site contains information on all of these divisions, as well as facility and technology program fact sheets, photo and video galleries, and technology demonstrations. Each video even has three versions (small, medium, and large) to make downloading on slow connections easier. There are many projects and areas of research detailed on the site; so, visitors will have plenty of exploring to do. [CL]
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RADIANT Research [.pdf, .ps]
http://public.lanl.gov/radiant/website/research.html
Research and Development in Advanced Network Technology (RADIANT) is a computer research division of the Los Alamos National Laboratory. The first Web site offers many publications from the five research focus groups within RADIANT: High-Performance Networking, Monitoring and Measurement, Cyber Security, Network Architecture, and Robust Systems and Networks. This material is mostly beneficial to professionals and research students specializing in these areas. The site also has links to information about job opportunities available at RADIANT, as well as the Advanced Summer Curriculum for Emerging Network Technologies (ASCENT). ASCENT is a summer internship program that accepts both undergraduate and graduate students interested in networking research. [CL]
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Evaluation of Face Recognition Algorithms [.pdf]
http://www.cs.colostate.edu/evalfacerec/
This Web site is an excellent source of information regarding face recognition algorithms. A research team at Colorado State University (CSU) maintains the site and adds updates on a regular basis. There are four algorithms that are covered, including the popular Eigenfaces classifier. Source code written in C is offered as example implementations of each algorithm. There is also information on how to acquire the database of facial images used to test the algorithms, free of charge. The CSU researchers have listed their papers and technical reports on the Web site, which compare and evaluate the performance of each algorithm. [CL]
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Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory
http://www.mel.nist.gov/
The Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory (MEL) is a division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Its function is to work with companies and perform research to improve manufacturing performance. Because of its broad scope, MEL has five divisions -- Precision Engineering, Manufacturing Metrology, Intelligent Systems, Manufacturing Systems Integration, and Fabrication Technology. The laboratory's homepage offers descriptions, research project information, conference and workshop times, and photo and movie galleries from various projects. There is also a link to an Engineering Metrology Toolbox used to "solve real problems in dimensional measurement." [CL]
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Boosting Research Site [.pdf, .ps]
http://www.boosting.org/
Boosting is an intelligent data analysis technique for pattern classification and regression. Also referred to as an ensemble learning method, it is a form of artificial intelligence with close ties to neural networks. The Boosting Research site is a valuable collection of algorithms and publications for student or professional investigators of this advanced topic. People can share their knowledge by uploading papers, data, or code related to boosting. There is also a listing of conferences and events included on the site, as well as links to personal home pages of people involved in boosting research and innovation. [CL]
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Design inSite
http://www.designinsite.dk/htmsider/inspinfo.htm
Manufacturing engineers and home project hobbyists alike will find Design inSite a useful tool in their design process. The site is maintained by an associate research professor at the Technical University of Denmark, and its purpose is to "inspire designers in their designwork to consider materials and processes which are new or unknown to them." This is accomplished with an impressive set of cross-listed databases that consist of products, materials, and manufacturing processes. The power of the site is apparent from the interconnectivity of these three databases. If you look for information about a particular material, the resulting page of data also lists similar materials and provides examples of products and processes that could be useful in the design. The databases are browseable or searchable using keywords. The only drawback to the Web site is the size of the products database, which only has 120 items; however, the ones that are listed will likely give some insight to spark creative ideas. [CL]
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CADTutor
http://www.cadtutor.net/
CADTutor offers free tutorials on various software titles divided into three categories. The AutoCAD category includes tutorials on three versions of the popular software. 3D Studio, Bryce, and Photoshop are among the titles in the Digital Design category, and Web Building covers Dreamweaver and FrontPage. Each tutorial is accompanied by illustrations and screen shots that clearly demonstrate the proper use of the application. An Image Bank section "provides free vector and raster images for use in your projects and tips on how best to use them." The site is maintained by a professor who teaches at the University of Greenwich and the University of Kingston. Its popularity has soared since its debut, and currently about 1,000 people visit the site each day. [CL]
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John Hopkins University: Signals Systems Control [RealAudio]
http://www.jhu.edu/~signals/index.html
The demonstrations given on this Web site are a collection of Java applets and RealAudio clips that explain many underlying concepts of math and engineering. They were developed at John Hopkins University for a project that attempts to use the technology of the World Wide Web in engineering education. Students, under the supervision of electrical and computer engineering professor Dr. Rugh, have prepared many of the demonstrations. The moving graphics help illustrate such difficult topics as convolution, Fourier Series approximations, and signal sampling -- things that cannot be accomplished through traditional text book learning. A total of nineteen demonstrations are available, and one is still under construction. [CL]
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EngineersToolbox
http://www.engineerstoolbox.com/
The EngineersToolbox (ETB) is a handy Java applet that both students and professionals will find useful. Geared mainly toward mechanical, civil, and structural engineers, the ETB has a wide range of functions. Its main categories are Static Analysis, Dynamic Analysis, Fracture Mechanics, Numerical Analysis, and Other Utilities. Each category has several more specific modules that perform calculations of stress and strain, fatigue, polynomial roots, and others. Graphical modules such as Bode plots and two-dimensional function plots are even useful for non-engineers, and there is an extensive material properties database. An excellent interface and easy-to-use controls make this software a great tool for school or work. [CL]
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Figure This!: Math Challenges for Families
http://www.figurethis.org/
Figure This! is a project funded by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Education that gives middle school students an exciting way to learn about math. In all, there are 80 "challenges" that stimulate mathematical reasoning with real-world scenarios. Each challenge starts with a description of the problem that incorporates suitably-named animated characters. A hint is also given, and the solution can be viewed separately. The Family Corner has some brochures that can help family members get involved in the child's education. Figure This! has won over a dozen Internet awards for its content. [CL]
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International Engineering Consortium: Online Education [.pdf]
http://www.iec.org/online/tutorials/
A vast library of technical tutorials on telecommunication topics are available for download through the International Engineering Consortium (IEC). The donors of the tutorials are some of the most influential companies in the market today, with names like Intel, IBM, Cisco Systems, and Texas Instruments. To facilitate searching for a particular subject, the tutorials have been divided into browseable categories. All of the tutorials can be immediately viewed in HTML format, but to download the Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) files, a short registration is required. Registration is free, and there are many extras included, like "notifications of upcoming conferences and publications within your area of interest." This is an excellent tool to stay informed about current technology trends in the telecommunication industry. [CL]
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Ask Dr. Math
http://mathforum.org/dr.math/
Ask Dr. Math, which is operated at Drexel University, is the place to go to find answers to almost any kind of mathematics problem. An enormous browseable archive of questions and their solutions is divided into categories ranging from basic addition and subtraction to calculus and fractals. There are sections for elementary, middle school, high school, college students, and beyond. If you can't find the answer to your question, then you can email it to Dr. Math (although a response is not guaranteed). Dr. Math is not actually one person, but over 300 people volunteering from all over the world. The Web site has won numerous Internet awards and has been a favorite site for students for over seven years. [CL]
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Webopedia
http://www.webopedia.com/
Webopedia is an online dictionary with definitions of technical terms related to computers and the Internet. It provides easy-to-understand explanations of words and phrases that sometimes sound like confusing jargon to the untrained ear. Don't know what a trojan horse is? If not, just type the words into Webopedia's search engine, and the definition will appear. The Quick Reference area has "information on common Internet and computer facts and occurrences," including a microprocessor comparison chart, list of abbreviations, and an Internet time line, among others. Webopedia is updated daily with the Term of the Day and Recently Added words. [CL]
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Coolmath.com: Fractions
http://www.coolmath.com/lessons/index.html
For many elementary and middle school students, fractions are one of the most difficult topics to learn. The Fractions Web site on Coolmath.com offers seventeen lessons explaining everything from basic definitions to multiplying and dividing fractions. Color illustrations let students visualize exactly what fractions are and how they are used. For each lesson there is a thorough description, followed by numerous examples and practice problems with their solutions. This site does an excellent job of showing just how easy fractions can be and will hopefully relieve some student frustration. [CL]
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Freedomship: City At Sea
http://www.freedomship.com/
Freedomship is an enormous floating city that will be a monument to engineering skill and ingenuity. It will serve as a vacation resort or even a home for people with enough money. Although still in the pre-construction phase of the project, the Web site offers a good deal of information about the ship's design. It will be almost a mile long and rise 25 stories above the water. The ship will accommodate around 40,000 visitors who can arrive by boat or plane (yes, there will even be a small airport on the top deck). When Freedomship is not moving, it will sit offshore near major cities and other popular tourist destinations. The Web site provides several artist renderings that tantalize the imagination. Freedomship will be featured on Engineering the Impossible on the Discovery Channel February 25th, 2002. [CL]
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Google Programming Contest
http://www.google.com/programming-contest/
The first annual Google Programming Contest is underway, sponsored by the makers of the Internet's most popular search engine, Google. Contestants are required to develop a program that processes Web pages. A data set consisting of 900,000 Web pages is what eager programmers have to contend with. Java and C++ are the only two languages accepted, and entries are due by April 30, 2002. When the winner is announced on May 31, he/she will be awarded $10,000 and a trip to Google's headquarters in Mountain View, California. The winner could also have a chance to run their program on Google's vast database. With less than three months left, you had better start coding! [CL]
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CodeSwap
http://www.vscodeswap.com/
With the release of Microsoft Visual Studio.NET on February 13th, eager software developers around the world now have a powerful Web tool with which to share their knowledge. CodeSwap is a free code-sharing add-in, created by Vertigo Software specifically for Visual Studio. People can upload their source code to CodeSwap's Web service or download other people's code. There were over 5,000 users of the service just one day after the release of Visual Studio.NET, and this number is sure to skyrocket. As the number of users grows, the more powerful CodeSwap becomes; more users means more shared code. There is even a voting system that allows people to rate individual developers and their code. CodeSwap is a valuable tool for the entire developer community. [CL]
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Pioneering EE Patents: The Collection [.pdf]
http://eepatents.com/collection.html
Twice a month, an historic patent from the field of electrical engineering is highlighted on this Web site. From basic building blocks of electronics like the transistor to more recent advances like the computer mouse or camcorder, the profession is replete with monumental creations. The creator of the site, a registered patent agent, has a strong interest in this topic because he is also an electrical engineer. For each featured patent, you can read a summary of why the item is important and when it was patented. Also, you can download a copy of the original patent in .pdf format. Currently, there are only fifteen patents reviewed, but more are on the way. [CL]
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Kennedy Space Center Next Gen Site: Routine, Affordable Access to Space [.pdf]
http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/nexgen/rlvhp.htm
The Next Gen Site, operated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration at Kennedy Space Center, is investigating ways of making space travel more routine and affordable. The site offers many reports on the Vision Spaceport Partnership, the Highly Reusable Space Transportation Project, Space Solar Power, and Space Transportation System Affordability. A map of Cape Canaveral highlights each launch pad, and you can see information on each one by clicking on it. Related Info Including X-Vehicles is a section with background on several experimental projects and has links to sites that examine different aspects of design and planning for easier access to space. [CL]
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Free Computer & Internet Online Books
http://hoganbooks.com/freebook/webbooks.html
This Web site contains links to over 800 online editions of books related to computers and the Internet. The online versions are generally identical to the printed versions; however, some originally came with a CD-ROM that cannot be electronically distributed. Books range in topic from computer programming guides to Web site design. Most of the books are located on various other sites, but the advantage of this site is the access to so many books from one central location. A free registration is needed to view some books, but most can be viewed on demand. Although the option to see the complete alphabetical listing of books requires downloading a zip file, you can get around this by simply typing "A" when you search the database. [CL]
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CERT Coordination Center [.pdf]
http://www.cert.org/
The CERT Coordination Center is part of the Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. Its primary function is to work with industry to identify and eliminate Internet security vulnerabilities. Additionally, the center analyzes business and personal software to find potentially dangerous flaws that could compromise the system, meaning that both corporate and home users can benefit from the information offered on the Web site. There are continual updates of security advisories, survivability guides, and fixes that can help prevent disasters or speed recovery from them. Step-by-step suggestions make finding and implementing an efficient security practice reasonably painless. A wide range of papers and presentations on Internet and computer security research are available for free download. [CL]
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EEdesign
http://www.eedesign.com/
EEdesign is a "comprehensive source of information for electronic design tools and methodologies" that helps people stay current in the constantly changing industry. Its features include business and product news, exclusive features and columns by leading industry specialists, and technical insights. There is also a buyers guide for electronic design automation tools with very long searchable lists of vendors and product categories. The ISD Magazine section has articles from the Integrated System Design journal, free of charge. Design seminars and events taking place throughout the world are listed in the conference calendar. [CL]
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Nanotechnology
1. Nanoscience & Nanotechnology at Sandia National Laboratories [.avi, .mpg]
http://nano.sandia.gov/
2. Exploring the Nanoworld [QuickTime]
http://www.mrsec.wisc.edu/edetc/index.html
3. The Study of Nanotechnology
http://www.zyvex.com/nanotech/study.html
4. Nanotech Planet
http://www.nanotechplanet.com/
5. Nanodot: News and Discussion of Coming Technologies
http://nanodot.org/
6. Nanomedicine Art Gallery
http://www.foresight.org/Nanomedicine/Gallery/index.html
7. The Magic of Nanoclusters
http://focus.aps.org/v9/st6.html
8. Nanotubes: Super Hard, Super Strong, Super Useful
http://www.lbl.gov/Science-Articles/Research-Review/Magazine/2001/Fall/features/02Nanotubes.html
Nanotechnology is the process of constructing devices from single atoms and molecules. Although it is relatively new to modern science, it is a rapidly growing industry, and advances are continually being made.
Sandia National Laboratories (1) is conducting several projects on various aspects of nanotechnology. Its Web site is a good starting point to learn the basics of nanotechnology and see videos of the work being conducted. For children, Exploring the Nanoworld (2) has many descriptive QuickTime movies and even a downloadable booklet that shows how LEGO's can be used to demonstrate nanotechnology principles. The Study of Nanotechnology (3) has some good information for college-bound students interested in specializing in the subject. Nanotech Planet (4) offers business news about companies using the technology, while breakthroughs and innovations in the field are discussed at Nanodot (5). The Nanomedicine Art Gallery (6) shows many artist renderings of what nanorobots might look like when used as medical devices within the human body. A very interesting article about a recent advancement in physical atomic arrangement is given at The Magic of Nanoclusters (7). Another newsworthy site about nanotubes (8) from Berkeley Laboratory provides an in-depth explanation of this thriving, new development within the nanotechnology industry. [CL]
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Below are the copyright statements to be included when reproducing annotations from The NSDL Scout Report for Math, Engineering, and Technology.
The single phrase below is the copyright notice to be used when reproducing any portion of this report, in any format:
From The NSDL Scout Report for Math, Engineering, & Technology, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2002. http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/
The paragraph below is the copyright notice to be used when reproducing the entire report, in any format:
Copyright Susan Calcari and the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, 1994-2002. The Internet Scout Project (http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/), located in the Computer Sciences Department of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, provides information about the Internet to the U.S. research and education community under a grant from the National Science Foundation, number NCR-9712163. The Government has certain rights in this material. Permission is granted to make and distribute verbatim copies of the entire Scout Report provided this paragraph, including the copyright notice, are preserved on all copies.
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, or the National Science Foundation.
For information on additional contributors, see the Internet Scout Project staff page:
http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/about/team.html
