Re: Tass Software Challenge

[Chris Albertson <chrisalbertson90278@yahoo.com>]

Bill,

My opinion is that effort is best spent on what does not
already exist.  There are already several software systems
that will process images into lists of objects.  All that
is mostly needed is some custom parameter files and maybe
some "glue" scripts.

What I think we could use are
1) a more sophisticated real-time control system for the camera
2) A way to combine data from many systems into one big
database 
3) ++-most importantly-++ some way to search or exploit that
big database.

I had started on doing no. 1 and 2 but for the Mark IV as I had
working code for this for the TASS Mk III system.  The last
few months I've been completely swamped and had to "drop out"
I'm working out of this now.  

I'd like to work cooperatively on this.  If you are interested
I can tell something about the design ideas I'm working on.
What's need are some interface standards and a common framework.

Bill OConnor wrote:
> 
> Hello Tom and Tass Members,
> 
> I am new to this list and would like to get involved in the research.
> I'll give you a brief resume and let you tell me if I would be useful.
> I have 20 years experience writing software (C/C++, Fortran, Perl,
> Various Assembly, Python, Basic etc). I am an amateur astronomer. I
> worked for network engineering and Newton groups at Apple Computer.  I
> have been involved in a couple of startups but work for myself now.  I
> studied physics in college and built multi-wire proportional particle
> detectors for the physics department.  I am familiar with hardware
> interfacing.
> 
> I would be willing to contribute these skills if others find them
> useful. I'd be interested in possibly taking a crack at Tom's software
> challenge but I'm not familiar enough with the project to determine if
> I'd actually be useful. If there are other projects that I would be
> better qualified feel free to suggest.  I've looked over the home page
> and understand the rules of the game.
> 
> Thanks,
> Bill OConnor
> 
--
   Chris Albertson             
   Redondo Beach, California
   home: 310-376-1029   chrisalbertson90278@yahoo.com
   cell: 310-990-7550
   work: 310-336-5189   Christopher.J.Albertson@aero.org