— Biocompatible graphene transistor array reads cellular signals — Researchers have demonstrated, for the first time, a graphene-based transistor array that is compatible with living biological cells and capable of recording the electrical signals…
— Researchers find some smartphone models more vulnerable to attack — New research from North Carolina State University shows that some smartphones specifically designed to support the Android mobile platform have incorporated additional features that…
— MIT: New algorithm may improve defensive driving — In 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2.3 million automobile crashes occurred at intersections across the United States, resulting in some 7,000…
— Researchers use CT to recreate Stradivarius violin — Using computed tomography (CT) imaging and advanced manufacturing techniques, a team of experts has created a reproduction of a 1704 Stradivarius violin. Three-dimensional images of…
— Terminator-style info-vision takes step towards reality — The streaming of real-time information across your field of vision is a step closer to reality with the development of a prototype contact lens that could potentially provide the wearer…
— Scientists invent long-lasting, near infrared-emitting material — Materials that emit visible light after being exposed to sunlight are commonplace and can be found in everything from emergency signage to glow-in-the-dark stickers. But until now,…
— Team of researchers develop world's lightest material — A team of researchers from UC Irvine, HRL Laboratories and the California Institute of Technology have developed the world's lightest material - with a density of 0.9 mg/cc - about…
— Humans can control a cursor with power of thought — The act of mind reading is something usually reserved for science-fiction movies but researchers in America have used a technique, usually associated with identifying epilepsy, for…
— Nanoparticles improve solar collection efficiency — Using minute graphite particles 1000 times smaller than the width of a human hair, mechanical engineers at Arizona State University hope to boost the efficiency - and profitability…
Real pilots and 'virtual flyers' go head-to-head
Stunt pilots have raced against computer-generated opponents for the first time - in a contest that combines the real and the 'virtual' at 250 miles per hour.
Using technology developed, in part, by a University of Nottingham spin-out company, an air-race in the skies above Spain saw two stunt pilots battle it out with a 'virtual' plane which they watched on screens in their cockpits.
The 'virtual' aircraft was piloted by a computer-gamer who never left the ground, but could likewise see the relative location of the real planes on his own computer screens as the trio swooped around each other during the 'Sky Challenge' race. The event could pave the way for massive online competitions, and also demonstrates the power and scope of the very latest in GPS and related systems.
The technology that made it possible was supplied by the Geospatial Research Centre (GRC), a joint venture between The University of Nottingham, the University of Canterbury in New Zealand and Canterbury Development Corporation.
They were able to merge an electronically-generated world with the real world using a combination of satellite navigation technology (GPS, or global positioning system) and inertial navigation system technology (INS).
Dr David Park, a University of Nottingham graduate and Chief Executive Officer of GRC, said: 'We've been involved with the development of Sky Challenge since July 2007. Our role has been to develop a technology solution that can provide the position and orientation of each of the real aircraft, in real time.
'The high G-forces and extreme manoeuvres of the racing aerobatic aircraft make this a very challenging technical and operational problem. GRC is developing a solution for providing the position and orientation of the aircraft using a combination of satellite navigation and INS technology.
'The INS constantly tracks the position and orientation of the aircraft, while GPS signals are used to correct the INS errors - although getting a GPS signal is not always easy as the aircraft twists and turns through the sky.'
The result of the Sky Challenge was a narrow victory for one of the real pilots - but he was only 1.5 seconds ahead of his virtual rival.
GRC has been developing a positioning and orientation solution called POINT-RT - optimised for fast-moving and highly dynamic air-sports - and is looking forward to realising commercial opportunities for it in 2009.
Other potential applications of the POINT-RT hardware and software being developed by the company include tracking people in buildings via shoe-based sensors, geo-referencing video-mapping systems in cars, and real-time thermal mapping from aircraft.
Or subscribe for our Newsletter, a free e-mail publication. It is published practically every day.
New standard provides assurance of quality to users
Apple unveils an all new MacBook family
Model predicts system remaining life, links to inventory
Gecko foot adhesive gets stronger, directional gripping