Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “algorithm selection”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 217 records · Page 12

Computer simulation and evaluation of edge detection algorithms and their application to automatic path selection

The construction of an autonomous roving vehicle requires the development of complex data-acquisition and processing systems, which determine the path along which the vehicle travels. Thus, a vehicle must possess algorithms which can (1) reliably detect obstacles by processing sensor data, (2) maintain a constantly updated model of its surroundings, and (3) direct its immediate actions to further a long range plan. The first function consisted of obstacle recognition. Obstacles may be identified by the use of edge detection techniques. Therefore, the Kalman Filter was implemented as part of a large scale computer simulation of the Mars Rover. The second function consisted of modeling the environment. The obstacle must be reconstructed from its edges, and the vast amount of data must be organized in a readily retrievable form. Therefore, a Terrain Modeller was developed which assembled and maintained a rectangular grid map of the planet. The third function consisted of directing the vehicle's actions.

Longendorfer, B. A.↗

Synthesis of Greedy Algorithms Using Dominance Relations

Greedy algorithms exploit problem structure and constraints to achieve linear-time performance. Yet there is still no completely satisfactory way of constructing greedy algorithms. For example, the Greedy Algorithm of Edmonds depends upon translating a problem into an algebraic structure called a matroid, but the existence of such a translation can be as hard to determine as the existence of a greedy algorithm itself. An alternative characterization of greedy algorithms is in terms of dominance relations, a well-known algorithmic technique used to prune search spaces. We demonstrate a process by which dominance relations can be methodically derived for a number of greedy algorithms, including activity selection, and prefix-free codes. By incorporating our approach into an existing framework for algorithm synthesis, we demonstrate that it could be the basis for an effective engineering method for greedy algorithms. We also compare our approach with other characterizations of greedy algorithms.

Nedunuri, Srinivas↗

Detect-and-Avoid Maneuver Planning: Benefits of Including Route Recapture

Development of Detect-and-avoid (DAA) systems’ maneuver guidance requirements at RTCA has centered on tactical maneuvers away from the intruder. Recapturing the flight-plan route the initial maneuver is not directly taken into account by most DAA maneuver guidance algorithms. This work demonstrates potential challenges and inefficiencies that can arise in recapturing the route after resolving a conflict. Horizontal resolution trajectories for a test matrix of encounters with varying aircraft speeds and geometries are computed by minimizing either flight time or deviation to serve as a baseline. Turn directions computed from a reference DAA algorithm coupled with a pilot selection model and a second algorithm called Autoresolver (AR) are compared to these baseline resolution trajectories. Baseline results show that turning into the intruder yields favorable cost for most encounters. Additional analysis of pilot response data shows that only three-fourths of pilots’ horizontal maneuvers turn into intruders, a percentage much lower than the baseline results. Improvement to a DAA guidance algorithm based on findings in this work is discussed.

Route Recapture↗

Detect-and-Avoid Maneuver Planning: Benefits of Including Route Recapture

Development of Detect-and-avoid (DAA) systems’ maneuver guidance requirements at RTCA has centered on tactical maneuvers away from the intruder. Recapturing the flight-plan route the initial maneuver is not directly taken into account by most DAA maneuver guidance algorithms. This work demonstrates potential challenges and inefficiencies that can arise in recapturing the route after resolving a conflict. Horizontal resolution trajectories for a test matrix of encounters with varying aircraft speeds and geometries are computed by minimizing either flight time or deviation to serve as a baseline. Turn directions computed from a reference DAA algorithm coupled with a pilot selection model and a second algorithm called Autoresolver (AR) are compared to these baseline resolution trajectories. Baseline results show that turning into the intruder yields favorable cost for most encounters. Additional analysis of pilot response data shows that only three-fourths of pilots’ horizontal maneuvers turn into intruders, a percentage much lower than the baseline results. Improvement to a DAA guidance algorithm based on findings in this work is discussed.

Route Recapture↗

Interim Calibration Report for the SMMR Simulator

The calibration data obtained during the fall 1978 Nimbus-G underflight mission with the scanning multichannel microwave radiometer (SMMR) simulator on board the NASA CV-990 aircraft were analyzed and an interim calibration algorithm was developed. Data selected for the analysis consisted of in flight sky, first-year sea ice, and open water observations, as well as ground based observations of fixed targets with varied temperatures of selected instrument components. For most of the SMMR channels, a good fit to the selected data set was obtained with the algorithm.

Gloersen, P.↗

Evaluating some computer exhancement algorithms that improve the visibility of cometary morphology

Digital enhancement of cometary images is a necessary tool in studying cometary morphology. Many image processing algorithms, some developed specifically for comets, have been used to enhance the subtle, low contrast coma and tail features. We compare some of the most commonly used algorithms on two different images to evaluate their strong and weak points, and conclude that there currently exists no single 'ideal' algorithm, although the radial gradient spatial filter gives the best overall result. This comparison should aid users in selecting the best algorithm to enhance particular features of interest.

Larson, Stephen M.↗

Automatic A-set selection for dynamics analysis

A method for selecting optimum NASTRAN analysis set degrees of freedom for the dynamic eigenvalue problem is described. Theoretical development of the Guyan reduction procedure on which the method is based is first summarized. The algorithm used to select the analysis set degrees of freedom is then developed. Two example problems are provided to demonstrate the accuracy of the algorithm.

Allen, Tom↗

A concept for a fuel efficient flight planning aid for general aviation

A core equation for estimation of fuel burn from path profile data was developed. This equation was used as a necessary ingredient in a dynamic program to define a fuel efficient flight path. The resultant algorithm is oriented toward use by general aviation. The pilot provides a description of the desired ground track, standard aircraft parameters, and weather at selected waypoints. The algorithm then derives the fuel efficient altitudes and velocities at the waypoints.

Collins, B. P.↗

Linear Regression Model for Predictive Service Provider Selection

The increasing number of satellites in orbit has led to a growing reliance on third-party service providers for data transfer between Earth and space. Traditional approaches to managing satellite communications require human intervention, which becomes more burdensome with the escalating number of satellites. This research addresses the need for an efficient and automated system to optimize service provider selection for NASA space communication. Previous research has utilized human-operated approaches for service provider management. Our study fills a gap by developing a cognitive algorithm that automates and optimizes the selection process based on various parameters, such as data volume, priority, quality of service and cost. This novel solution reduces user burden, facilitates service management, and contributes to the development of cognitive spaceflight missions, ultimately supporting NASA’s research into Cognitive Communications technology. The algorithm design consists of three major steps: modeling data, developing a Link Selection Algorithm (LSA) based on a grading system, and applying machine learning using linear regression. The LSA evaluates providers based on user-defined constraints, considering factors such as delivery time, cost, and quality of service. We define a suitability metric which allows our algorithm to make a recommendation to a user regarding which commercial service providers to select. The addition of Linear Regression predicts the future suitability value. Our main findings demonstrate that the resulting algorithm can autonomously manage connections between satellites and providers, maximizing communication channel efficiency. This research has significant implications, as it not only addresses a pressing issue in satellite communication management but also advances the field of cognitive spaceflight missions.

Linear regression↗

Yet another method for triangulation and contouring for automated cartography

An algorithm is presented for hierarchical subdivision of a set of three-dimensional surface observations. The data structure used for obtaining the desired triangulation is also singularly appropriate for extracting contours. Some examples are presented, and the results obtained are compared with those given by Delaunay triangulation. The data points selected by the algorithm provide a better approximation to the desired surface than do randomly selected points.

De Floriani, L.↗

The Ocean Colour Climate Change Initiative: I. A Methodology for Assessing Atmospheric Correction Processors Based on In-Situ Measurements

The Ocean Colour Climate Change Initiative intends to provide a long-term time series of ocean colour data and investigate the detectable climate impact. A reliable and stable atmospheric correction procedure is the basis for ocean colour products of the necessary high quality. In order to guarantee an objective selection from a set of four atmospheric correction processors, the common validation strategy of comparisons between in-situ and satellite derived water leaving reflectance spectra, is extended by a ranking system. In principle, the statistical parameters such as root mean square error, bias, etc. and measures of goodness of fit, are transformed into relative scores, which evaluate the relationship of quality dependent on the algorithms under study. The sensitivity of these scores to the selected database has been assessed by a bootstrapping exercise, which allows identification of the uncertainty in the scoring results. Although the presented methodology is intended to be used in an algorithm selection process, this paper focusses on the scope of the methodology rather than the properties of the individual processors.

Climate Change↗

Spacecraft flight control with the new phase space control law and optimal linear jet select

An autopilot designed for rotation and translation control of a rigid spacecraft is described. The autopilot uses reaction control jets as control effectors and incorporates a six-dimensional phase space control law as well as a linear programming algorithm for jet selection. The interaction of the control law and jet selection was investigated and a recommended configuration proposed. By means of a simulation procedure the new autopilot was compared with an existing system and was found to be superior in terms of core memory, central processing unit time, firings, and propellant consumption. But it is thought that the cycle time required to perform the jet selection computations might render the new autopilot unsuitable for existing flight computer applications, without modifications. The new autopilot is capable of maintaining attitude control in the presence of a large number of jet failures.

Bergmann, E. V.↗

Investigation of the application of remote sensing technology to environmental monitoring

Activities and results are reported of a project to investigate the application of remote sensing technology developed for the LACIE, AgRISTARS, Forestry and other NASA remote sensing projects for the environmental monitoring of strip mining, industrial pollution, and acid rain. Following a remote sensing workshop for EPA personnel, the EOD clustering algorithm CLASSY was selected for evaluation by EPA as a possible candidate technology. LANDSAT data acquired for a North Dakota test sight was clustered in order to compare CLASSY with other algorithms.

Rader, M. L.↗

An algorithm to design a multiple-channel communications system

The authors present a novel algorithm to design a phase-modulated residual carrier communications system for optimum performance. The algorithm has been developed as an aid in the design of two telemetry data channels operating simultaneously with a turn-around ranging signal. The algorithm provides the selection of an optimum subcarrier frequency and modulation indices for minimizing the mutual interferences among the channels to achieve desired link performance margins. The set of modulation indices provided by this algorithm will also achieve an optimum power division between the carrier, the ranging and the high data rate and low data rate channels. Finally, a software program using this algorithm has been developed for use with personal computers. This program provides the computation of the optimum subcarrier frequencies and modulation indices for a standard case that is recommended by the international Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems.

Nguyen, Tien M.↗

Adaptive Finite Element Methods for Continuum Damage Modeling

The paper presents an application of adaptive finite element methods to the modeling of low-cycle continuum damage and life prediction of high-temperature components. The major objective is to provide automated and accurate modeling of damaged zones through adaptive mesh refinement and adaptive time-stepping methods. The damage modeling methodology is implemented in an usual way by embedding damage evolution in the transient nonlinear solution of elasto-viscoplastic deformation problems. This nonlinear boundary-value problem is discretized by adaptive finite element methods. The automated h-adaptive mesh refinements are driven by error indicators, based on selected principal variables in the problem (stresses, non-elastic strains, damage, etc.). In the time domain, adaptive time-stepping is used, combined with a predictor-corrector time marching algorithm. The time selection is controlled by required time accuracy. In order to take into account strong temperature dependency of material parameters, the nonlinear structural solution a coupled with thermal analyses (one-way coupling). Several test examples illustrate the importance and benefits of adaptive mesh refinements in accurate prediction of damage levels and failure time.

Min, J. B.↗

Approximate maximum likelihood decoding of block codes

Approximate maximum likelihood decoding algorithms, based upon selecting a small set of candidate code words with the aid of the estimated probability of error of each received symbol, can give performance close to optimum with a reasonable amount of computation. By combining the best features of various algorithms and taking care to perform each step as efficiently as possible, a decoding scheme was developed which can decode codes which have better performance than those presently in use and yet not require an unreasonable amount of computation. The discussion of the details and tradeoffs of presently known efficient optimum and near optimum decoding algorithms leads, naturally, to the one which embodies the best features of all of them.

Greenberger, H. J.↗

A workstation-based evaluation of a far-field route planner for helicopters

Helicopter flight missions at very low, nap of the Earth, altitudes place a heavy workload on the pilot. To aid in reducing this workload, Ames Research Center has been investigating various types of automated route planners. As part of an automated preflight mission planner, a route planner algorithm aids in selecting the overall (far-field) route to be flown. During the mission, the route planner can be used to replan a new route in case of unexpected threats or change in mission requirements. An evaluation of a candidate route planning algorithm, based on dynamic programming techniques is described. This algorithm meets most of the requirements for route planning, both preflight and during the mission. In general, the requirements are to minimize the distance and/or fuel and the deviation from a flight time schedule, and must be flyable within the constraints of available fuel and time.

Warner, David N., Jr.↗

Selecting a general-purpose data compression algorithm

The National Space Science Data Center's Common Data Formate (CDF) is capable of storing many types of data such as scalar data items, vectors, and multidimensional arrays of bytes, integers, or floating point values. However, regardless of the dimensionality and data type, the data break down into a sequence of bytes that can be fed into a data compression function to reduce the amount of data without losing data integrity and thus remaining fully reconstructible. Because of the diversity of data types and high performance speed requirements, a general-purpose, fast, simple data compression algorithm is required to incorporate data compression into CDF. The questions to ask are how to evaluate and compare compression algorithms, and what compression algorithm meets all requirements. The object of this paper is to address these questions and determine the most appropriate compression algorithm to use within the CDF data management package that would be applicable to other software packages with similar data compression needs.

Mathews, Gary Jason↗