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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 559 records · Page 31

Tse computers

Tse computers have the potential of operating four or five orders of magnitude faster than present digital computers. The computers of the new design use binary images as their basic computational entity. The word 'tse' is the transliteration of the Chinese word for 'pictograph character.' Tse computers are large collections of devices that perform logical operations on binary images. The operations on binary images are to be performed over the entire image simultaneously.

Strong, J. P., III↗

Automated Scoring of Morphological Changes in Images of Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate

Recent advances in characterization techniques that generate large datasets of material microstructure images require robust, automated image-processing. We applied an unsupervised anomaly detection method called feature anomaly detection system (FADS) to automatically detect and quantify microstructure changes in images of the explosive pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) aged at various temperatures. We demonstrated the FADS approach on two-dimensional images extracted from computed tomography scans, but the same technique can be readily applied to other imaging modalities. FADS calculates anomaly scores on the basis of differences in filter activations of nominal and test data in pretrained convolutional neural networks. The FADS scores successfully differentiated between pristine PETN and PETN aged at a temperature where material coarsening occurred. Morphological metric analysis of segmented images verified observed trends in FADS scores as a function of aging temperature and aging time, specifically by calculating volume fractions, specific boundary lengths, two-point correlation functions, and local thicknesses. Here, the FADS technique has two important advantages compared to traditional morphological analysis: First, it uses grayscale images as input, rather than images that are segmented to separate the appropriate phases; and second, FADS scores capture any type of changes among image sets, rather than requiring prior knowledge or selection of a relevant set of metrics.

Accelerated aging↗

Dynamic radionuclide determination of regional left ventricular wall motion using a new digital imaging device

In 47 men with arteriographically defined coronary artery disease comparative studies of left ventricular ejection fraction and segmental wall motion were made with radionuclide data obtained from the image intensifier camera computer system and with contrast cineventriculography. The radionuclide data was digitized and the images corresponding to left ventricular end-diastole and end-systole were identified from the left ventricular time-activity curve. The left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic images were subtracted to form a silhouette difference image which described wall motion of the anterior and inferior left ventricular segments. The image intensifier camera allows manipulation of dynamically acquired radionuclide data because of the high count rate and consequently improved resolution of the left ventricular image.

Steele, P.↗

Artificial neural network classification using a minimal training set - Comparison to conventional supervised classification

Recent research has shown an artificial neural network (ANN) to be capable of pattern recognition and the classification of image data. This paper examines the potential for the application of neural network computing to satellite image processing. A second objective is to provide a preliminary comparison and ANN classification. An artificial neural network can be trained to do land-cover classification of satellite imagery using selected sites representative of each class in a manner similar to conventional supervised classification. One of the major problems associated with recognition and classifications of pattern from remotely sensed data is the time and cost of developing a set of training sites. This reseach compares the use of an ANN back propagation classification procedure with a conventional supervised maximum likelihood classification procedure using a minimal training set. When using a minimal training set, the neural network is able to provide a land-cover classification superior to the classification derived from the conventional classification procedure. This research is the foundation for developing application parameters for further prototyping of software and hardware implementations for artificial neural networks in satellite image and geographic information processing.

Hepner, George F.↗

On the rate at which comets split

We use time-resolved charge-coupled device (CCD) images to assess the frequency of splitting of comets. When blinked on a computer, the CCD images provide relatively high and uniform sensitivity to comoving companions. We find that 3 comets are split in a sample of 49, and estimate that the cometary splitting rate is S approximately 0.01 per year per comet or larger. This large rate suggests that splitting may be an important destructive process for the cometary nuclei.

Chen, Jun↗

Mars Rover imaging systems and directional filtering

Computer literature searches were carried out at Duke University and NASA Langley Research Center. The purpose is to enhance personal knowledge based on the technical problems of pattern recognition and image understanding which must be solved for the Mars Rover and Sample Return Mission. Intensive study effort of a large collection of relevant literature resulted in a compilation of all important documents in one place. Furthermore, the documents are being classified into: Mars Rover; computer vision (theory); imaging systems; pattern recognition methodologies; and other smart techniques (AI, neural networks, fuzzy logic, etc).

Wang, Paul P.↗

Lensless Particle Image Velocimetry

The application of lensless imaging to particle image velocimetry (PIV) is demonstrated. Lensless PIV eliminates the need for imaging lenses to measure flow fields near a surface. Only the camera sensor, a thin mask, and computations are required to image particles in a flow field and to compute the velocity field. The small form factor could enable embedded sensors for near-wall measurements. Flow field measurements are obtained simultaneously for a lensless system and lens-based 2D PIV system, and several different reconstruction techniques are demonstrated. The reconstructed particle images and computed velocity fields compare well for both a uniform and shear flow. The potential for stereo and 3D volumetric PIV with a single camera sensor is demonstrated through different image reconstruction approaches.

Lensless imaging↗

Creation of Anatomically Accurate Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Solid Models from Medical Images

Most surgical instrumentation and implants used in the world today are designed with sophisticated Computer-Aided Design (CAD)/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software. This software automates the mechanical development of a product from its conceptual design through manufacturing. CAD software also provides a means of manipulating solid models prior to Finite Element Modeling (FEM). Few surgical products are designed in conjunction with accurate CAD models of human anatomy because of the difficulty with which these models are created. We have developed a novel technique that creates anatomically accurate, patient specific CAD solids from medical images in a matter of minutes.

Stewart, John E.↗

Unsupervised spatial clustering with spectral discrimination

The development of a computer program is reported for extracting features from remotely sensed data presented in digital image form. This computer program requires no human supervision or prejudgment and operates unassisted on the raw digital data. A condensed general background is included on remote sensing of earth features and a short synopsis on some of the most commonly used types of feature extraction techniques. Results obtained from the unsupervised feature extraction computer program along with a description and listing of the computer program are presented.

Jayroe, R. R., Jr.↗

Earth Resources Technology Satellite: Non-US standard catalog No. N-13

To provide dissemination of information regarding the availability of Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS) imagery, a Non-U.S. Standard Catalog is published on a monthly schedule. The catalogs identify imagery which has been processed and input to the data files during the preceding month. The Non-U.S. Standard Catalog includes imagery covering all areas except that of the United States, Hawaii, and Alaska. Imagery adjacent to the Continental U.S. and Alaska borders will normally appear in the U.S. Standard Catalog. As a supplement to these catalogs, an inventory of ERTS imagery on 16 millimeter microfilm is available. The catalogs consist of four parts: (1) annotated maps which graphically depict the geographic areas covered by the imagery listed in the current catalog, (2) a computer-generated listing organized by observation identification number (ID) with pertinent information for each image, (3) a computer listing of observations organized by longitude and latitude, and (4) observations which have had changes made in their catalog information since the original entry in the data base.

Source record↗

Earth Resources Technology Satellite: US standard catalog No. U-12

To provide dissemination of information regarding the availability of Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS) imagery, a U.S. Standard Catalog is published on a monthly schedule. The catalogs identify imagery which has been processed and input to the data files during the preceding month. The U.S. Standard Catalog includes imagery covering the Continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. As a supplement to these catalogs, an inventory of ERTS imagery on 16 millimeter microfilm is available. The catalogs consist of four parts: (1) annotated maps which graphically depict the geographic areas covered by the imagery listed in the current catalog, (2) a computer-generated listing organized by observation identification number (D) with pertinent information on each image, (3) a computer listing of observations organized by longitude and latitude, and (4) observations which have had changes made in their catalog information since the original entry in the data base.

Source record↗

Large-scale structure effects on the gravitational lens image positions and time delay

We compute the fluctuations in gravitational lens image positions and time delay caused by large-scale structure correlations. We show that these fluctuations can be expressed as a simple integral over the density power spectrum. Using the Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) normalization we find that positions of objects at cosmological distances are expected to deviate from their true positions by few arcminutes. These deflections are not directly observable. The positions of the images relative to one another fluctuate by a few percent of the relative separation, implying that one does not expect multiple images to be produced by large-scale structure. Nevertheless, the fluctuations are larger than the observational errors on the positions and affect reconstructions of the lens potential. The time delay fluctuations have a geometrical and a gravitational contribution. Both are much larger than the expected time delay from the primary lens, but partially cancel each other. We find that large-scale structure weakly affects the time delay and time delay measurements can be used as a probe of the distance scale in the universe.

Seljak, Uros↗

Use of agents to implement an integrated computing environment

Integrated Product and Process Development (IPPD) embodies the simultaneous application to both system and quality engineering methods throughout an iterative design process. The use of IPPD results in the time-conscious, cost-saving development of engineering systems. To implement IPPD, a Decision-Based Design perspective is encapsulated in an approach that focuses on the role of the human designer in product development. The approach has two parts and is outlined in this paper. First, an architecture, called DREAMS, is being developed that facilitates design from a decision-based perspective. Second, a supporting computing infrastructure, called IMAGE, is being designed. Agents are used to implement the overall infrastructure on the computer. Successful agent utilization requires that they be made of three components: the resource, the model, and the wrap. Current work is focused on the development of generalized agent schemes and associated demonstration projects. When in place, the technology independent computing infrastructure will aid the designer in systematically generating knowledge used to facilitate decision-making.

Hale, Mark A.↗

Scaling deep learning for material imaging with a pseudo 3D model for domain transfer

The recent introduction of deep learning methods for image processing has greatly advanced the characterization of materials using three-dimensional (3D) X-ray imaging techniques. However, deep learning models often have difficulty performing consistently across images owing to unavoidable variations in imaging conditions, which create inconsistencies even for the same material. As a result, networks must frequently be retrained for new datasets, limiting their applicability and generalization. Thus, it is critical to reduce the variations between images to enable a single model to process multiple datasets. Herein, we introduce P3T-Net, a pseudo-3D domain transfer network that transfers diverse 3D images into a uniform domain before processing using deep learning models. Remarkably, P3T-Net enables the reuse of previously trained networks for processing new images and considerably reduces the computational cost of transferring 3D images across domains. These unique capabilities were demonstrated in the following scenarios: (i) image enhancement of fast scans for geological rock and hydrogen fuel cells, (ii) enhancement of images to match the quality of multi-source imaging for lithium-ion batteries, (iii) accurate segmentation of images captured under different conditions, and (iv) tera-scale 3D transfer (10 11 voxels) on a single GPU. Overall, the proposed approach addresses cross-domain inconsistencies across various materials and conditions, thereby enabling more robust and generalizable deep learning solutions for a wide range of material imaging tasks.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Digital enhancement of computerized axial tomograms

A systematic evaluation was conducted of certain digital image enhancement techniques performed in image space. Three types of images were used, computer generated phantoms, tomograms of a synthetic phantom, and axial tomograms of human anatomy containing images of lesions, artificially introduced into the tomograms. Several types of smoothing, sharpening, and histogram modification were explored. It was concluded that the most useful enhancement techniques are a selective smoothing of singular picture elements, combined with contrast manipulation. The most useful tool in applying these techniques is the gray-scale histogram.

Roberts, E., Jr.↗

Design and calibration of a vacuum compatible scanning tunneling microscope

A vacuum compatible scanning tunneling microscope was designed and built, capable of imaging solid surfaces with atomic resolution. The single piezoelectric tube design is compact, and makes use of sample mounting stubs standard to a commercially available surface analysis system. Image collection and display is computer controlled, allowing storage of images for further analysis. Calibration results from atomic scale images are presented.

Abel, Phillip B.↗

Real time quantitative imaging for semiconductor crystal growth, control and characterization

A quantitative real time image processing system has been developed which can be software-reconfigured for semiconductor processing and characterization tasks. In thermal imager mode, 2D temperature distributions of semiconductor melt surfaces (900-1600 C) can be obtained with temperature and spatial resolutions better than 0.5 C and 0.5 mm, respectively, as demonstrated by analysis of melt surface thermal distributions. Temporal and spatial image processing techniques and multitasking computational capabilities convert such thermal imaging into a multimode sensor for crystal growth control. A second configuration of the image processing engine in conjunction with bright and dark field transmission optics is used to nonintrusively determine the microdistribution of free charge carriers and submicron sized crystalline defects in semiconductors. The IR absorption characteristics of wafers are determined with 10-micron spatial resolution and, after calibration, are converted into charge carrier density.

Wargo, Michael J.↗

A Qualitative Investigation of Selected Infrared Flow Visualization Image Processing Techniques

The deployment and integration of high-sensitivity infrared cameras in a transonic wind tunnel testenvironment has resulted in a unique capability to image aerodynamic phenomena in real-time. Multi-camera infrared flow visualization data systems are now routinely utilized at the NASA Ames Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel. The small flow-induced temperature gradients on the surface of the wind tunnel test article coupled with the high bit-depth of the infrared camera sensor makes the processing of the image data critically important. An image processing routine must enhance features of interest with minimal artifacts. Additionally, the production wind tunnel test environment demands that these processed images are made available in a real-time, automatic fashion. Therefore, any image processing routine must be computationally economical and enhance the image data with minimal input from a human operator. The following seeks to qualitatively explore selected image processing techniques by assessing their effectiveness to resolve flow features on a wind tunnel test article. A multi-scale contrast enhancement technique is discussed as well as a new implementation of a multi-scale, non-interpolated adaptive histogram equalization. Finally, a novel method is introduced that demonstrates the ability to resolve flow features imaged on bare-steel test articles possessing low emissivity.This method makes use of dynamic mode decomposition and discrete-time filtering to separate the background reflections that dominate low emissivity surfaces from the aerodynamic driven surface temperature gradients.This process will be shown to resolve the onset of boundary layer transition on a bare metal wing as well as identify and resolve hidden features in the image data. While the implementation of this technique is very preliminary it demonstrates the potential to extend the application of infrared flow-visualization within the wind tunnel test environment.

Image Processeing↗