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Nathan, R.

Publications and source records attributed to Nathan, R..

18 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1986

Integrated-Circuit Active Digital Filter

Pipeline architecture with parallel multipliers and adders speeds calculation of weighted sums. Picture-element values and partial sums flow through delay-adder modules. After each cycle or time unit of calculation, each value in filter moves one position right. Digital integrated-circuit chips with pipeline architecture rapidly move 35 X 35 two-dimensional convolutions. Need for such circuits in image enhancement, data filtering, correlation, pattern extraction, and synthetic-aperture-radar image processing: all require repeated calculations of weighted sums of values from images or two-dimensional arrays of data.

Nathan, R.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Large array VLSI filter

A 35 by 35 element pipelined convolutional kernel is being fabricated using VLSI chips, each containing a 5 by 1 segment of the kernel. Three levels of printed circuitry are used: the first level is used for the VLSI chips, the second level connects seven chips together on one platform, and the third level connects seven platforms with associated delay lines, all fitting on one board. Therefore, on each board there are seven rows of the kernel containing 245 multipliers and adders, and five such boards complete the kernel array. Each multiplier accepts an 8 bit picture element which is multiplied by a 16 bit weight. A truncated 22 bit product is added to a previously stored product sum and the results are shifted to the following multiplier as the next picture element is read in. The multiplier uses a modified Booth algorithm to reduce the number of shift add operations nearly in half. The filter box is presently configured as an ancillary box to a VAX 11/780, but can be connected to essentially any CPU. The I/O bandwidth is easily compatible with most CPU devices.

Nathan, R.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Image processing via VLSI: A concept paper

Implementing specific image processing algorithms via very large scale integrated systems offers a potent solution to the problem of handling high data rates. Two algorithms stand out as being particularly critical -- geometric map transformation and filtering or correlation. These two functions form the basis for data calibration, registration and mosaicking. VLSI presents itself as an inexpensive ancillary function to be added to almost any general purpose computer and if the geometry and filter algorithms are implemented in VLSI, the processing rate bottleneck would be significantly relieved. A set of image processing functions that limit present systems to deal with future throughput needs, translates these functions to algorithms, implements via VLSI technology and interfaces the hardware to a general purpose digital computer is developed.

Nathan, R.↗
NASA NTRS1980

System for plotting subsoil structure and method therefor

Data for use in producing a tomograph of subsoil structure between boreholes is derived by pacing spaced geophones in one borehole, on the Earth surface if desired, and by producing a sequence of shots at spaced apart locations in the other borehole. The signals, detected by each of the geophones from the various shots, are processed either on a time of arrival basis, or on the basis of signal amplitude, to provide information of the characteristics of a large number of incremental areas between the boreholes. Such information is useable to produce a tomograph of the subsoil structure between the boreholes. By processing signals of relatively high frequencies, e.g., up to 100 Hz, and by closely spacing the geophones, a high resolution tomograph can be produced.

Narasimhan, K. Y.↗
NASA NTRS1979

High-resolution echocardiography

High resolution computer aided ultrasound system provides two-and three-dimensional images of beating heart from many angles. System provides means for determining whether small blood vessels around the heart are blocked or if heart wall is moving normally without interference of dead and noncontracting muscle tissue.

Nathan, R.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Obtaining a tomographic image from transmission projections

Technique for obtaining tomographic images work directly in signal space and is used to find object configuration by simple summation of density values. Image is reconstructed by precise inverse of scanning. Signal values corresponding to density of projection are added as constant terms along line corresponding to original path between two probes that give rise to that density value.

Heyser, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Medical ultrasonic tomographic system

An electro-mechanical scanning assembly was designed and fabricated for the purpose of generating an ultrasound tomogram. A low cost modality was demonstrated in which analog instrumentation methods formed a tomogram on photographic film. Successful tomogram reconstructions were obtained on in vitro test objects by using the attenuation of the fist path ultrasound signal as it passed through the test object. The nearly half century tomographic methods of X-ray analysis were verified as being useful for ultrasound imaging.

Heyser, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1977

High-resolution electron microscope

Employing scanning transmission electron microscope as interferometer, relative phases of diffraction maximums can be determined by analysis of dark field images. Synthetic aperture technique and Fourier-transform computer processing of amplitude and phase information provide high resolution images at approximately one angstrom.

Nathan, R.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Interactive imaging and data processing

Image processing method is capable of contrast enhancement, noise filtering, and photometric distortion removal in near real time. System uses digital image integration and digital video recorder as image buffer. Each frame of data is entered into memory; registers provide readout of stored TV frame.

Alsberg, H.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Computer synthesis of high resolution electron micrographs

Specimen damage, spherical aberration, low contrast and noisy sensors combine to prevent direct atomic viewing in a conventional electron microscope. The paper describes two methods for obtaining ultra-high resolution in biological specimens under the electron microscope. The first method assumes the physical limits of the electron objective lens and uses a series of dark field images of biological crystals to obtain direct information on the phases of the Fourier diffraction maxima; this information is used in an appropriate computer to synthesize a large aperture lens for a 1-A resolution. The second method assumes there is sufficient amplitude scatter from images recorded in focus which can be utilized with a sensitive densitometer and computer contrast stretching to yield fine structure image details. Cancer virus characterization is discussed as an illustrative example. Numerous photographs supplement the text.

Nathan, R.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Man-machine interactive imaging and data processing using high-speed digital mass storage

The role of vision in teleoperation has been recognized as an important element in the man-machine control loop. In most applications of remote manipulation, direct vision cannot be used. To overcome this handicap, the human operator's control capabilities are augmented by a television system. This medium provides a practical and useful link between workspace and the control station from which the operator perform his tasks. Human performance deteriorates when the images are degraded as a result of instrumental and transmission limitations. Image enhancement is used to bring out selected qualities in a picture to increase the perception of the observer. A general purpose digital computer, an extensive special purpose software system is used to perform an almost unlimited repertoire of processing operations.

Alsberg, H.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Man machine interactive imaging and data processing using high speed digital mass storage

Attention is given to general questions regarding television systems, aspects of image distortion in TV systems, approaches of image restoration, noise limitations, and the digital image integrator. The digital image recorder has been built around a high-speed digital memory system. It is shown that television systems can be used to augment man's capabilities in the control loop of remote manipulation systems.

Alsberg, H.↗
NASA NTRS1969

VICAR-DIGITAL image processing system

Computer program corrects various photometic, geometric and frequency response distortions in pictures. The program converts pictures to a number of elements, with each elements optical density quantized to a numerical value. The translated picture is recorded on magnetic tape in digital form for subsequent processing and enhancement by computer.

Billingsley, F.↗
NASA NTRS1968

Digital video-data handling.

Satellite digital video data analyzed by two dimensional filter computer technique, discussing biomedical applications

Nathan, R.↗
NASA NTRS1967

Computer program for Video Data Processing System /VDPS/

Video data from spacecraft photographic mission telemetry is scanned to generate digital tape computer program which prints out intensity points, cleans noise and telemetry drop-out, enhances contrast, modifies the picture, and calculates contour lines. The output is converted into new photographic film.

Billingsley, F. C.↗
NASA NTRS1967

Digital computer processing of X-ray photos

Digital computers correct various distortions in medical and biological photographs. One of the principal methods of computer enhancement involves the use of a two-dimensional digital filter to modify the frequency spectrum of the picture. Another computer processing method is image subtraction.

Nathan, R.↗
NASA NTRS1966

Digital video-data handling

Digital procedures for handling television pictures applied to video data obtained by Mariner and Ranger spacecraft

DIGITAL SPACECRAFT TELEVISION↗