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Mapping a changing land

Our work has helped change the way remote sensing data is used in Australia: from mapping parts of individual scenes to quantitative monitoring at a continental scale. As a result of this work, remote sensing is now a key technology for addressing national environmental issues. We have developed technologies for transforming large archives of data into environmentally-relevant information, applications to address specific environmental issues, and systems for routine application of these methods. The work has led to significant outcomes in monitoring land-cover change, salinity and rangeland health.

More information: Mapping and Monitoring

From fluid flows to finance

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), the science of modelling fluid flows by the solution of mathematical equations of motion, has applications in design, engineering, manufacturing and mineral processing. Based on our CFD expertise, we developed Fastflo, a software package for modelling complex fluid flows. In a wonderful example of scientific convergence, the finite element method that is invaluable in modelling fluid flows proved to be applicable to modelling complex financial transactions; thus we adapted Fastflo to produce Reditus: a dynamic design, pricing and trading tool for the finance industry. Reditus is the first financial options development and pricing software to be based on this method.

More information: Fastflo; Reditus

Statistics for simpler cancer diagnosis

Paediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) is the most common form of cancer in children under 12. Accurate classification of this disease into its different subtypes is vital for effective treatment and is currently achieved through examination of a bone marrow biopsy. By using advanced statistical tools to analyse gene expression microarray data from ALL patients, our statisticians developed a molecular classifier for ALL. The classifier uses only nine genes, whereas other statistical techniques result in classifiers that use several hundred genes. The fewer genes that are required to diagnose a disease, the simpler the diagnostic tests can be.

Faster drug discovery

The ImageXpress(tm) cellular screening system, developed by Molecular Devices (formerly Axon Instruments), helps researchers discover safer drugs more quickly. CSIRO helped Axon develop image analysis software for the instrument, creating several modules to analyse different assays or cell types. The software draws on CSIRO's established expertise in advanced image segmentation methods. The module designed for neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, automates identification and measurement of nerve cells during drug screening. It quantifies the effects drug candidates have on the intricate branching structures of the cells. It should allow pharmaceutical companies to reduce expensive drug development costs and speed time to market of drugs with the potential to greatly increase quality of life for people with nervous system disorders.

More information: Faster drug discovery (opens in new window); High Content Cellular Screening

Vehicle scheduling for THL

Using expertise in mathematical optimisation, CSIRO has helped overcome fleet scheduling challenges for THL (Tourism Holdings Ltd), which runs recreational vehicle rental companies in Australia and New Zealand.

“CSIRO’s software is at the heart of our Aurora system that handles Reservation, Customer Service, Scheduling and Fleet Management functions at THL Rentals division. The software provides real time availability and fleet scheduling information to over 100 concurrent users in many locations in Australia and New Zealand. It is a critical component to THL Rentals success.” JiFong Chen - THL

CSIRO’s Vehicle Allocation and Scheduling System (VASS) finds the best allocation of vehicles to rental bookings by producing a schedule of vehicle allocations that minimises the overall cost of relocations and substitutions, including a notional cost for the dissatisfaction of customers who do not receive the car they were expecting. The system uses vehicle assignment, relocation and substitution to allow more bookings to be accepted and removes the guess-work from fleet operations.

D-VASS (Dynamic-Vehicle Allocation and Scheduling System) is an extension of VASS and is incorporated into the main bookings and reservation system. D-VASS enables continuous, dynamic operation by answering the query Is there a vehicle available for this booking request? D-VASS makes complex adjustments to the vehicle schedule in order to incorporate new bookings at minimum cost. Squeezing the most out of the vehicle fleet allow more bookings to be accepted and has a positive impact on the rental company’s profits.

More information: Optimising Rental Vehicles

Lens design for SOLA

Mathematician Tony Miller of CSIRO developed unique tools for designing spectacle lenses, earning him the Sir Ian McLennan Achievement for Industry Award.

Dr Tony Miller's work with SOLA International, a world-leading spectacle lens company, has led to clearer vision for the millions of people worldwide who wear progressive lenses and contributed to nearly $1 billion worth of lens sales a year for SOLA.

In a 14 year collaboration, CSIRO and SOLA developed unique mathematical tools for designing spectacle lenses. The new tools mean that SOLA can continually work towards optimising lens design and performance, reducing the product design cycle time.

SOLA has used the tools to develop and refine progressive lens designs and to create unique new products such as wrap-around prescription sunglasses. At the same time, SOLA's market share has grown to near a quarter of the world spectacle lens market.