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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.

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At least 55 records · Page 3

Perceptually Lossless Wavelet Compression

The Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) decomposes an image into bands that vary in spatial frequency and orientation. It is widely used for image compression. Measures of the visibility of DWT quantization errors are required to achieve optimal compression. Uniform quantization of a single band of coefficients results in an artifact that is the sum of a lattice of random amplitude basis functions of the corresponding DWT synthesis filter, which we call DWT uniform quantization noise. We measured visual detection thresholds for samples of DWT uniform quantization noise in Y, Cb, and Cr color channels. The spatial frequency of a wavelet is r 2(exp -1), where r is display visual resolution in pixels/degree, and L is the wavelet level. Amplitude thresholds increase rapidly with spatial frequency. Thresholds also increase from Y to Cr to Cb, and with orientation from low-pass to horizontal/vertical to diagonal. We propose a mathematical model for DWT noise detection thresholds that is a function of level, orientation, and display visual resolution. This allows calculation of a 'perceptually lossless' quantization matrix for which all errors are in theory below the visual threshold. The model may also be used as the basis for adaptive quantization schemes.

Watson, Andrew B.↗

Visibility of Wavelet Quantization Noise

The Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) decomposes an image into bands that vary in spatial frequency and orientation. It is widely used for image compression. Measures of the visibility of DWT quantization errors are required to achieve optimal compression. Uniform quantization of a single band of coefficients results in an artifact that is the sum of a lattice of random amplitude basis functions of the corresponding DWT synthesis filter, which we call DWT uniform quantization noise. We measured visual detection thresholds for samples of DWT uniform quantization noise in Y, Cb, and Cr color channels. The spatial frequency of a wavelet is r 2(exp)-L , where r is display visual resolution in pixels/degree, and L is the wavelet level. Amplitude thresholds increase rapidly with spatial frequency. Thresholds also increase from Y to Cr to Cb, and with orientation from low-pass to horizontal/vertical to diagonal. We describe a mathematical model to predict DWT noise detection thresholds as a function of level, orientation, and display visual resolution. This allows calculation of a "perceptually lossless" quantization matrix for which all errors are in theory below the visual threshold. The model may also be used as the basis for adaptive quantization schemes.

Watson, Andrew B.↗

Arrival time of satellite-broadened laser pulses

A method for measuring the time of arrival of very narrow laser pulses which have been reflected and randomly broadened by a target is examined. It is known that these return pulses from the target have very small rise times. A threshold detection algorithm that detects the rising edge of the pulse is used for obtaining the pulse arrival times. The errors of the scheme are evaluated numerically for different pulse shapes, and a loose bound on the errors of detecting a typical pulse is obtained. A gamma-density model is used to characterize the random gain processes of the optical receiver, and the effect of such random gains on the errors of threshold detection is analyzed.

Iyer, R. S.↗

The Composition of Titan's Lower Atmosphere and Simple Surface Volatiles as Measured by the Cassini-Huygens Probe Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer Experiment

The Cassini-Huygens Probe Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (GCMS) determined the composition of the Titan atmosphere from ~140km altitude to the surface. After landing, it returned composition data of gases evaporated from the surface. Height profiles of molecular nitrogen (N2), methane (CH4) and molecular hydrogen (H2) were determined. Traces were detected on the surface of evaporating methane, ethane (C2H6), acetylene (C2H2), cyanogen (C2N2) and carbon dioxide (CO2). The methane data showed evidence that methane precipitation occurred recently. The methane mole fraction was (1.48+/-0.09) x 10(exp -2) in the lower stratosphere (139.8 km to 75.5 km) and (5.65+/-0.18) x 10(exp -2) near the surface (6.7 km to the surface). The molecular hydrogen mole fraction was (1.01+/-0.16) x 10(exp -3) in the atmosphere and (9.90+/-0.17) x 10(exp -4) on the surface. Isotope ratios were 167.7+/-0.6 for N-14/N-15 in molecular nitrogen, 91.1+/-1.4 for C-12/C-13 in methane and (1.35+/-0.30) x 10(exp -4) for D/H in molecular hydrogen. The mole fractions of Ar-36 and radiogenic Ar-40 are (2.1+/-0.8) x 10(exp -7) and (3.39 +/-0.12) x 10(exp -5) respectively. Ne-22 has been tentatively identified at a mole fraction of (2.8+/-2.1) x 10(exp -7) Krypton and xenon were below the detection threshold of 1 x 10(exp -8) mole fraction. Science data were not retrieved from the gas chromatograph subsystem as the abundance of the organic trace gases in the atmosphere and on the ground did not reach the detection threshold. Results previously published from the GCMS experiment are superseded by this publication.

Niemann, H. B.↗

High sensitive X-ray films to detect electron showers in 100 GeV region

Nonscreen type X-ray films were used in emulsion chamber experiments to detect high energy showers in cosmic rays. Ranges of the detection threshold is from about 1 to 2 TeV depending on the exposure conditions. Different types of X-ray films and sheets i.e. high sensitive screen type X-ray films and luminescence sheets were tested. The threshold of the shower detection is found to be about 200 GeV, which is much lower than that of nonscreen type X-ray films. These films are useful to detect showers in the medium energy range, a few hundred GeV, of the cosmic ray electrons.

Taira, T.↗

Thresholds of Detection and Identification of Halite Nodule Habitats in the Atacama Desert Using Remote Imaging

The guiding theme of Mars exploration is shifting from global and regional habitability assessment to biosignature detection. To locate features likely to contain biosignatures, it is useful to focus on the reliable identification of specific habitats with high biosignature preservation potential. Proposed chloride deposits on Mars may represent evaporitic environments conducive to the preservation of biosignatures. Analogous chloride- bearing, salt-encrusted playas (salars) are a habitat for life in the driest parts of the Atacama Desert, and are also environments with a taphonomic window. The specific geologic features that harbor and preserve microorganisms in Atacama salars are sub- meter to meter scale salt protuberances, or halite nodules. This study focuses on the ability to recognize and map halite nodules using images acquired from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at spatial resolutions ranging from mm/pixel to that of the highest resolution orbital images available for Mars.

Phillips, M. S.↗

Real-time detection and data acquisition system for the left ventricular outline

The paper describes the design and capabilities of a computer-interfaced angiocardiographic automated border recognizer for real-time detection and data acquisition regarding the left ventricular outline. The contour detection is based on a thresholding technique that uses an analog comparator to compare the video signal with a constant reference level, which can be used satisfactorily only if the brightness level is roughly constant along a ventricular border. The use of dynamic reference level is described for achieving a marked improvement by having the reference level dynamically adjusted according to local brightness levels on a line-to-line basis. Also discussed are the features of the computer interface designed and implemented for the real-time on-line storage of the obtained border coordinates. Results to date indicate that the system provides an accurate left ventricular contour even in pictures with relatively low contrast. Application of the threshold detection technique to echocardiography is briefly discussed.

Reiber, J. H. C.↗

Development of Standards for Nondestructive Evaluation of COPVs Used in Aerospace Applications

Composite OverWrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs) are currently accepted by NASA based on design and qualification requirements and generally not verified by NDE for the following reasons: (1) Manufactures and end users generally do not have experience and validated quantitative methods of detecting flaws and defects of concern (1-a) If detected, the flaws are not adequately quantified and it is unclear how they may contribute to degradation in mechanical response (1-b) Carbon-epoxy COPVs also extremely sensitive to impact damage and impacts may be below the visible detection threshold (2) If damage is detected, this generally results in rejection since the effect on mechanical response is generally not known (3) NDE response has not generally been fully characterized, probability of detection (POD) established, and processes validated for evaluation of vessel condition as manufactured and delivered.

Waller, Jess M.↗

Detection and Modeling of High-Dimensional Thresholds for Fault Detection and Diagnosis

Many Fault Detection and Diagnosis (FDD) systems use discrete models for detection and reasoning. To obtain categorical values like oil pressure too high, analog sensor values need to be discretized using a suitablethreshold. Time series of analog and discrete sensor readings are processed and discretized as they come in. This task isusually performed by the wrapper code'' of the FDD system, together with signal preprocessing and filtering. In practice,selecting the right threshold is very difficult, because it heavily influences the quality of diagnosis. If a threshold causesthe alarm trigger even in nominal situations, false alarms will be the consequence. On the other hand, if threshold settingdoes not trigger in case of an off-nominal condition, important alarms might be missed, potentially causing hazardoussituations. In this paper, we will in detail describe the underlying statistical modeling techniques and algorithm as well as the Bayesian method for selecting the most likely shape and its parameters. Our approach will be illustrated by several examples from the Aerospace domain.

Computer Systems↗

The Design of Optical Sensor for the Pinhole/Occulter Facility

Three optical sight sensor systems were designed, built and tested. Two optical lines of sight sensor system are capable of measuring the absolute pointing angle to the sun. The system is for use with the Pinhole/Occulter Facility (P/OF), a solar hard x ray experiment to be flown from Space Shuttle or Space Station. The sensor consists of a pinhole camera with two pairs of perpendicularly mounted linear photodiode arrays to detect the intensity distribution of the solar image produced by the pinhole, track and hold circuitry for data reduction, an analog to digital converter, and a microcomputer. The deflection of the image center is calculated from these data using an approximation for the solar image. A second system consists of a pinhole camera with a pair of perpendicularly mounted linear photodiode arrays, amplification circuitry, threshold detection circuitry, and a microcomputer board. The deflection of the image is calculated by knowing the position of each pixel of the photodiode array and merely counting the pixel numbers until threshold is surpassed. A third optical sensor system is capable of measuring the internal vibration of the P/OF between the mask and base. The system consists of a white light source, a mirror and a pair of perpendicularly mounted linear photodiode arrays to detect the intensity distribution of the solar image produced by the mirror, amplification circuitry, threshold detection circuitry, and a microcomputer board. The deflection of the image and hence the vibration of the structure is calculated by knowing the position of each pixel of the photodiode array and merely counting the pixel numbers until threshold is surpassed.

Greene, Michael E.↗

Redundancy management of multiple inertial systems for Space Shuttle.

Failure detection and isolation techniques are developed for application to off-the-shelf type four-gimbaled inertial measurement units such as the KT-70 or Carousel IV. By using simulated boost and entry shuttle trajectories with specific gimbaled IMU models, failure detection thresholds are developed based upon red-line life dependent requirements and warning thresholds are given within the red-line thresholds based upon expected worst case IMU performance. Using these trajectories, established trajectory thresholds, and multiple IMU models, various failure detection and isolation techniques are evaluated for application in both powered and unpowered flight phases. The adequacy of off-the-shelf systems for both attitude and velocity detection methods is evaluated and recommendations for shuttle application are made.

Dove, D. W.↗

Failure management of multiple gimbal inertial systems for space shuttle

A failure detection and isolation technique for use with four gimbaled inertial measurement units (IMU) is presented. By using simulated boost and entry shuttle trajectories with specific gimbaled IMU models, failure detection thresholds are developed based on red-line life dependent requirements and warning thresholds within the red-line thresholds based on expected worst case IMU performance. Using these trajectories, established trajectory threshold, and multiple IMU models, various failure detection and isolation techniques are evaluated for application in both powered and unpowered flight phases. The adequacy of the systems for both attitude and velocity detection methods is evaluated and recommendations for space shuttle applications are made.

Dove, D. W.↗

The terrestrial gravitational wave environment from known sources

The objective of this project was to produce a gravitational wave spectral line list of all known binary stars producing expected strain amplitudes at Earth in excess of h = 10 (exp -21), or gravitational wave fluxes in excess of F = 10 (exp -12) erg cm(exp -2) s(exp -1). These strain and flux limits lie above the anticipated detection thresholds for space-borne laser interferometers capable of detecting gravitational radiation in the 10 micron Hz to 1 Hz frequency range. The source list was intended to provide frequency (including each harmonic), amplitude and phase (for each polarization and harmonic), and celestial coordinates for each system, lacking only the orientation of the principal polarization axis with respect to the pole of the coordinate system, and the sign of the source phase and frequency (or, equivalently, of the sense of rotation of the strain tensor with time) from providing a complete source description. Such a spectral line list would lay essential groundwork for high-sensitivity, low-frequency searches for gravitational radiation.

Webbink, Ronald F.↗

On the detection of other planetary systems by astrometric techniques

A quantitative method for astrometrically detecting perturbations induced in a star's motion by the presence of a planetary object is described. A periodogram is defined, wherein signals observed from a star show exactly periodic variations, which can be extracted from observational data using purely statistical methods. A detection threshold is defined for the frequency of occurrence of some detectable signal, e.g., the Nyquist frequency. Possible effects of a stellar orbital eccentricity and multiple companions are discussed, noting that assumption of a circular orbit assures the spectral purity of the signal described. The periodogram technique was applied to 12 yr of astrometric data from the U.S. Naval Observatory for three stars with low mass stellar companions. Periodic perturbations were confirmed. A comparison of the accuracy of different astrometric systems shows that the detection accuracy of a system is determined by the measurement accuracy and the number of observations, although the detection efficiency can be maximized by minimizing the number of data points for the case when observational errors are proportional to the square root of the number of data points. It is suggested that a space-based astrometric telescope is best suited to take advantage of the method.

Black, D. C.↗

Differential detection of Gaussian MSK in a mobile radio environment

Minimum shift keying with Gaussian shaped transmit pulses is a strong candidate for a modulation technique that satisfies the stringent out-of-band radiated power requirements of the mobil radio application. Numerous studies and field experiments have been conducted by the Japanese on urban and suburban mobile radio channels with systems employing Gaussian minimum-shift keying (GMSK) transmission and differentially coherent reception. A comprehensive analytical treatment is presented of the performance of such systems emphasizing the important trade-offs among the various system design parameters such as transmit and receiver filter bandwidths and detection threshold level. It is shown that two-bit differential detection of GMSK is capable of offering far superior performance to the more conventional one-bit detection method both in the presence of an additive Gaussian noise background and Rician fading.

Simon, M. K.↗

Quantitative subpixel spectral detection of targets in multispectral images

The conditions that affect the spectral detection of target materials at the subpixel scale are examined. Two levels of spectral mixture analysis for determining threshold detection limits of target materials in a spectral mixture are presented, the cases where the target is detected as: (1) a component of a spectral mixture (continuum threshold analysis) and (2) residuals (residual threshold analysis). The results of these two analyses are compared under various measurement conditions. The examples illustrate the general approach that can be used for evaluating the spectral detectability of terrestrial and planetary targets at the subpixel scale.

Sabol, Donald E., Jr.↗

Vertex potentials evoked during auditory signal detection - Relation to decision criteria

Vertex potentials were recorded from eight subjects performing in an auditory threshold detection task with rating scale responses. The amplitudes and latencies of both the N1 and the late positive (P3) components were found to vary systematically with the criterion level of the decision. These changes in the waveshape of the N1 component were comparable to those produced by varying the signal intensity in a passive condition, but the late positive component in the active task was not similarly related to the passively evoked P2 component. It was suggested that the N1 and P3 components represent distinctive aspects of the decision process, with N1 signifying the quantity of signal information received and P3 reflecting the certainty of the decision based upon that information.

Squires, K. C.↗