What is SCADA?

SCADA is an acronym that stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. SCADA refers to a system that collects data from various sensors at a factory, plant or in other remote locations and then sends this data to a central computer which then manages and controls the data.

SCADA as a System
There are many parts of a working SCADA system. A SCADA system usually includes signal hardware (input and output), controllers, networks, user interface (HMI), communications equipment and software. All together, the term SCADA refers to the entire central system. The central system usually monitors data from various sensors that are either in close proximity or off site (sometimes miles away).
For the most part, the brains of a SCADA system are performed by the Remote Terminal Units (sometimes referred to as the RTU). The Remote Terminal Units consists of a programmable logic converter. The RTU are usually set to specific requirements, however, most RTU allow human intervention, for instance, in a factory setting, the RTU might control the setting of a conveyer belt, and the speed can be changed or overridden at any time by human intervention. In addition, any changes or errors are usually automatically logged for and/or displayed. Most often, a SCADA system will monitor and make slight changes to function optimally; SCADA systems are considered closed loop systems and run with relatively little human intervention.
One of key processes of SCADA is the ability to monitor an entire system in real time. This is facilitated by data acquisitions including meter reading, checking statuses of sensors, etc that are communicated at regular intervals depending on the system. Besides the data being used by the RTU, it is also displayed to a human that is able to interface with the system to override settings or make changes when necessary.
SCADA can be seen as a system with many data elements called points. Usually each point is a monitor or sensor. Usually points can be either hard or soft. A hard data point can be an actual monitor; a soft point can be seen as an application or software calculation. Data elements from hard and soft points are usually always recorded and logged to create a time stamp or history
User Interface (HMI)
A SCADA system includes a user interface, usually called Human Machine Interface (HMI). The HMI of a SCADA system is where data is processed and presented to be viewed and monitored by a human operator. This interface usually includes controls where the individual can interface with the SCADA system.
HMI's are an easy way to standardize the facilitation of monitoring multiple RTU's or PLC's (programmable logic controllers). Usually RTU's or PLC's will run a pre programmed process, but monitoring each of them individually can be difficult, usually because they are spread out over the system. Because RTU's and PLC's historically had no standardized method to display or present data to an operator, the SCADA system communicates with PLC's throughout the system network and processes information that is easily disseminated by the HMI.
HMI's can also be linked to a database, which can use data gathered from PLC's or RTU's to provide graphs on trends, logistic info, schematics for a specific sensor or machine or even make troubleshooting guides accessible. In the last decade, practically all SCADA systems include an integrated HMI and PLC device making it extremely easy to run and monitor a SCADA system.
SCADA Software and Hardware Components
SCADA systems are an extremely advantageous way to run and monitor processes. They are great for small applications such as climate control or can be effectively used in large applications such as monitoring and controlling a nuclear power plant or mass transit system.
SCADA can come in open and non proprietary protocols. Smaller systems are extremely affordable and can either be purchased as a complete system or can be mixed and matched with specific components. Large systems can also be created with off the shelf components. SCADA system software can also be easily configured for almost any application, removing the need for custom made or intensive software development.

What Is Internet Protocol Television? (IPTV)

IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) delivers television programming to households via a broadband connection using Internet protocols. It requires a subscription and IPTV set-top box, and offers key advantages over existing TV cable and satellite technologies. IPTV is typically bundled with other services like Video on Demand (VOD), voice over IP (VOIP) or digital phone, and Web access, collectively referred to as Triple Play.
Because IPTV arrives over telephone lines, telephone companies are in a prime position to offer IPTV services initially, but it is expected that other carriers will offer the technology in the future. IPTV promises more efficient streaming than present technologies, and therefore theoretically reduced prices to operators and subscribers alike. However, it also adds many advantages that may play into market pricing.
One of the advantages of IPTV is the ability for digital video recorders (DVRs) to record multiple broadcasts at once. According to Alcatel, one leading provider, it will also be easier to find favorite programs by using "custom view guides." IPTV even allows for picture-in-picture viewing without the need for multiple tuners. You can watch one show, while using picture-in-picture to channel surf!
IPTV viewers will have full control over functionality such as rewind, fast-forward, pause, and so on. Using a cell phone or PDA, a subscriber might even utilize remote programming for IPTV. For example, if a dinner function runs longer than expected, you don't have to miss your favorite program. Just call home and remotely set the IPTV box to record it.
However, the real advantage of IPTV is that it uses Internet protocols to provide two-way communication for interactive television. One application might be in game shows in which the studio audience is asked to participate by helping a contestant choose between answers. IPTV opens the door to real-time participation from people watching at home. Another application would be the ability to turn on multiple angles of an event, such as a touchdown, and watch it from dual angles simultaneously using picture-in-picture viewing.
One can also receive Web service notifications while watching IPTV for things such as incoming email and instant messages. If you IPTV is packaged with digital phone, Caller ID might pop up on screen as your telephone rings.

knapsack problem

Definition: Given items of different values and volumes, find the most valuable set of items that fit in a knapsack of fixed volume.

Formal Definition: There is a knapsack of capacity c > 0 and N items. Each item has value vi > 0 and weight wi > 0. Find the selection of items (δi = 1 if selected, 0 if not) that fit, ∑i=1N δiwi ≤ c, and the total value, ∑i=1N δivi, is maximized.

Also known as 0-1 knapsack problem, binary knapsack problem.

Note: Also called 0-1 or binary knapsack (each item may be taken (1) or not (0)), in contrast to the fractional knapsack problem. Also called bounded knapsack (BKP) because there are a limited number of items, in contrast to the unbounded knapsack problem. The decision problem is, given items of different values and volumes and a knapsack, is there a subset that exceeds a certain value? The decision problem is NP-complete.

Implementation
(Fortran and Pascal). GAMS Class G2c3 (Fortran).
More information

Installation of Windows 7 & and Hands on with Screenshots

Yesterday i downloaded Windows 7 beta. I wanted to have a look and hands on to the Microsoft newest OS. There is already a buzz that this version of Windows is far more better than Windows Vista . The download link was down for some some hours because of sudden rush in the Beta release download from Microsoft servers . It got reopened and i didn’t miss the chance. You can also download Windows 7 beta from official Windows website . It will just require your hotmail ( live or passport ) ID. The download size is 2.44 GB i got that image done in 3 hrs or so. There are number of demo videos at Windows 7 official site for a sneak peek.

At first look i liked the Windows 7. Its the best Windows from Microsoft. The clear changes that can be seen when i first saw the desktop screen is the task bar . Task bar has been reinvented in Windows 7. There is no such thing like quick launch menu. Instead you can “Pin” and then “Unpin” any program you like in the task bar. System tray is also given a face lift. I really didn’t like the thick Task bar but i hope its configurable by the user. I just used Windows 7 for some half an hour after the installation before writing this. I also sent feedback to Microsoft for my dissatisfaction over the thick task bar.

The second thing i noticed in that half an hour is the Sidebar Gadgets are now no longer “Sidebar Gadgets” now they can come out of the side and remain anywhere in the desktop.

One great improvement for an immediate notice is when you right click anywhere in the desktop. In vista i never liked the mouse going to busy pointer for little interval before it displayed right click options ( that made me and many others think vista is too slow ). but now in Windows 7 right click option shows up immediately without the mouse going to busy pointer.

Third change i noticed is a little space at the bottom right corner of the Desktop . On clicking it shows up the Desktop with transparent overlay windows that were open.

These are the immediate changes i noticed

There is a snippet tool which makes the job of taking screenshot and editing it very useful and easy.

Connecting to network is a lot easy . Control panel misses the classic display but has another better alternative something like “show all item”.
one thing i noticed ( kind of incosistency ) is the behavior of busy mouse pointer . I saw XP styled busy pointer once but later i never saw it . I only saw Vista styled ( circular ring ) busy pointer .

Another thing i noticed is there is no option to Change background image from desktop righ click menu when default theme is active in the Windows 7.

So below are the steps i did to get Windows 7 on my box from downloading to hands on. There are number of screenshots gallery for your viewing pleasure ;-)

Click on any image for its bigger resolution Image

1. First i downloaded windows 7 beta .iso ( DVD image file from Windows 7 site )

2. Burnt the .ISO file to a DVD ( 2.44 GB of .ISO file )

3. Inserted the DVD and boot the computer from DVD.

4. After some clicking of “Next” and “Install Now” setup extracts the file for installation

5. This takes quite some time ( around 8~10 minutes ) then the setup completes the installation

6. After the installation completes Window will prepare to start

7. Windows will then update the registry settings for first time

8. Windows will then Start the Services after registry update is complete

9. Windows will then restart the computer to continue

10. After the restart Window 7 setup will prepare the computer for first use

11. Then Windows 7 setup will check for Video performance

12. Windows 7 setup will is about to show us the desktop but first it needs Computer name ( User name )

13. Password

14. Window Serial Key ( this can be obtained while downloading Windows 7 from the Windows 7 official download Page )

15. Window 7 will then detect if computer is connected to any network and show a dialog ” how to setup the network ” ( home, office etc. ) . I clicked home and then was presented this page with my computer homepage setup and password given to me

16. Windows 7 setup will finalize all the settings

17. Windows 7 setup will prepare the desktop for the user .

18. And finally here is the Windows 7 First time desktop screen

Screenshot Gallery ( Click on the images to Zoom )

How to make ur comp more faster without adding hardware

1> type regedit in run press enter

2> click on HKEY_CURRENT_USER

3> now click on control Panel

4> now click on deskrop and select Menu Slow Delay make dubbal click on it change it from 400 to 0.

5> after changing from 400 to 0 press ok

6> Now go into your system file WINDOWS click on temp and prefetch files and delete all garbage which are present in both files.

NOW TELL ME ABOUT UR COMPUTER ITS LIKE AS MAGIC YA.
I AM WAITING FOR UR COMMENTS I HAVE MORE IDEA AND I WILL EXPLAIN HOW & WHY IT WORKS.

MotherBoard as a Cooker ;-) !

3 Screened Laptop.