Automating communications with and developing user interfaces for remote data acquisition and analysis systems

Abstract

Many remote sensor applications require the deployment of automated data acquisition systems. These systems must provide a reliable and robust method of transferring acquired data to an appropriate data center. Remote users also require a means to verify the state-of-health of the sensors and a method of installing improved control software as needed. Research at PNNL on automated radionuclide systems for the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty has developed a robust and automated method of data transmission. User interfaces for these systems allow one to use simple text-based communication protocols (kermit, telnet) or the X Windows environment. The use of TcI/Tk aided in the rapid development of the X windows user interfaces.