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Richard, R. R.

Publications and source records attributed to Richard, R. R..

Determination of noise equivalent reflectance for a multispectral scanner: A scanner sensitivity study

The methods used to calculate the sensitivity parameter noise equivalent reflectance of a remote-sensing scanner are explored, and the results are compared with values measured over calibrated test sites. Data were acquired on four occasions covering a span of 4 years and providing various atmospheric conditions. One of the calculated values was based on assumed atmospheric conditions, whereas two others were based on atmospheric models. Results indicate that the assumed atmospheric conditions provide useful answers adequate for many purposes. A nomograph was developed to indicate sensitivity variations due to geographic location, time of day, and season.

Gibbons, D. E.

NS001MS - Landsat-D thematic mapper band aircraft scanner

The thematic mapper is a multispectral scanner which will be launched aboard Landsat-D in the early 1980s. Compared with previous Landsat scanners, this instrument will have an improved spatial resolution (30 m) and new spectral bands. Designated NS001MS, the scanner is designed to duplicate the thematic mapper spectral bands plus two additional bands (1.0 to 1.3 microns and 2.08 to 2.35 microns) in an aircraft scanner for evaluation and investigation prior to design and launch of the final thematic mapper. Applicable specifications used in defining the thematic mapper were retained in the NS001MS design, primarily with respect to spectral bandwidths, noise equivalent reflectance, and noise equivalent difference temperature. The technical design and operational characteristics of the multispectral scanner (with thematic mapper bands) are discussed.

Richard, R. R.

Remote sensing technology - The 24-channel multispectral scanner.

The multispectral scanner system installed in the NASA C-130 aircraft for use in the Earth Observations Aircraft Program constitutes a 24-channel imaging spectrometer that senses electromagnetic energy in the spectral interval from .34 to 13 microns. Energy reflected or emitted from the terrain and system calibration sources is collected by a scan mirror, reflected into collecting optics, and brought to a focus in a plane containing a 0.09 inch square aperture. A dichroic optical element splits the energy which passes through the aperture into two wavelength bands (wavelengths above and below 2 microns). These wavelength bands are then dispersed spectrally into 24 distinct spectral bands by two grating spectrometers. The spectral intervals are transformed into electrical signals by separate detector-preamplifier combinations, and the signals are used as inputs to a video processor in an airborne electronics console. System operation and performance are described.

Hayre, H. S.

Development of an inherently digital transducer

The term digital transducer normally implies the combination of conventional analog sensors with encoders or analog-to-digital converters. Because of the objectionable characteristics of most digital transducers, a program was instituted to investigate the possibility of producing a transducer that is inherently digital, instead of a transducer that is digital in the usual sense. Such a device would have improved accuracy and reliability and would have reduced power and bulk requirements because two processes, sensing and conditioning, would be combined into one processes. A Curie-point-temperature sensor is described that represents realization of the stated goal. Also, a metal-insulator semiconductor is described that does not conform precisely to the program goals but that appears to have applications as a new and interesting transduction device.

Richard, R. R.

Angular acceleration measured by deflection in sensing ring

Small, lightweight angular accelerometer performs reliably when subjected to harsh temperature and vibration environments. The device uses strain gages to measure the amount of deflection in a metal ring caused by movement of inertial masses mounted through the ring. Range of the instrument is varied by varying the value of inertial masses.

Richard, R. R.