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At least 847 records · Page 47

Digital fringe reduction techniques applied to the measurement of three-dimensional transonic flow fields

A system for digital inteferogram evaluation based on an image-processing system connected to a host computer has been implemented. The system supports one- and two-dimensional interferogram evaluations. Interferograms are digitized, enhanced, and segmented. The fringe coordinates are extracted, and the fringes are represented as polygon data structures. Fringe numbering and fringe interpolation modules are implemented. The system supports editing and interactive features as well as graphic visualization. An application of the system to the evaluation of double exposure interferograms from the transonic flow field around a helicopter blade and the reconstruction of the 3-D flow field are given.

Becker, F.↗

Application of digital interferogram evaluation techniques to the measurement of 3-D flow fields

A system for digitally evaluating interferograms, based on an image processing system connected to a host computer, was implemented. The system supports one- and two-dimensional interferogram evaluations. Interferograms are digitized, enhanced, and then segmented. The fringe coordinates are extracted, and the fringes are represented as polygonal data structures. Fringe numbering and fringe interpolation modules are implemented. The system supports editing and interactive features, as well as graphic visualization. An application of the system to the evaluation of double exposure interferograms from the transonic flow field around a helicopter blade and the reconstruction of the three dimensional flow field is given.

Becker, Friedhelm↗

Development of a Self-Aligned Compact Focusing Schlieren System for NASA Test Facilities

A novel compact, inherently self-aligned focusing schlieren system is presented for use in experiments that require flow visualization. Unlike existing focusing schlieren systems that require a separate, and precisely aligned, source grid and cutoff grid to achieve sensitivity to density gradients, this system projects an image of a physical grid element onto a background and then reimages this projection back onto the physical grid element thereby achieving self-alignment. Further, unlike existing focusing schlieren systems where the image of the source grid is physically translated relative to the cutoff grid to achieve sensitivity to density gradients, a polarization prism in the system acts on the polarization state of the light of the projected grid element to provide sensitivity adjustment. By adjusting the position of the prism along the optical axis of the instrument, changes to the sensitivity can be realized. Since the outgoing and returning light used to project an image of the grid element are orthogonally polarized to one another, reflections from windows that may be present between the lens and background of the system can be eliminated. The system can also be implemented in test facilities where optical access is limited and/or exists on only one side. A discussion on different aspects of the development of this technology is provided, as are sample images from the system at the different stages of development. Images that demonstrate the ability to make on-the-fly adjustments to the instrument's field-of-view and working distance are also presented.

Brett F Bathel↗

Comparison between optical measurements and a numerical solution of the flow field within a transonic axial-flow compressor rotor

A comparison between numerical and experimental results is presented for the flowfield within a transonic axial-flow compressor rotor. The rotor was tested at design speed and a wide open throttle discharge condition. The relative tip Mach number was 1.4. A laser anemometer system was used to measure velocity and flow angle upstream, within, and downstream of the rotor. A holographic interferometer was used to visualize the rotor shock system near the tip. The computational procedure solves the full three-dimensional Euler equations using a time-marching technique. Shock location and shape determined from the two optical systems are compared. Calculated relative Mach number and flow angle contours, shock locations, and shock strength are compared to values measured with the laser anemometer.

Strazisar, A. J.↗

Bioinspired Engineering of Exploration Systems (BEES) - its Impact on Future Missions

This paper describes an overview of our "Bioinspired Engineering of Exploration Systems for Mars" ( "BEES for Mars") project. The BEES approach distills selected biologically inspired strategies utilizing motion cues/optic flow, bioinspired pattern recognition, biological visual and neural control systems, bioinspired sensing and communication techniques, and birds of prey inspired search and track algorithmic systems. Unique capabilities so enabled, provide potential solutions to future autonomous robotic space and planetary mission applications. With the first series of tests performed in September 2003, August 2004 and September 2004, we have demonstrated the BEES technologies at the El Mirage Dry Lakebed site in the Mojave Desert using Delta Wing experimental prototypes. We call these test flyers the "BEES flyer", since we are developing them as dedicated test platform for the newly developed bioinspired sensors, processors and algorithmic strategies. The Delta Wing offers a robust airframe that can sustain high G launches and offers ease of compact stowability and packaging along with scaling to small size and low ReynOld's number performance for a potential Mars deployment. Our approach to developing light weight, low power autonomous flight systems using concepts distilled from biology promises to enable new applications, of dual use to NASA and DoD needs. Small in size (0.5 -5 Kg) BEES Flyers are demonstrating capabilities for autonomous flight and sensor operability in Mars analog conditions. The BEES project team spans JPL, NASA Ames, Australian National University (ANU), Brigham Young University(BYU), DC Berkeiey, Analogic Computers Inc. and other institutions. The highlights from our recent flight demonstrations exhibiting new Mission enabling capabilities are described. Further, this paper describes two classes of potential new missions for Mars exploration: (1) the long range exploration missions, and (2) observation missions, for real time imaging of critical ephemeral phenomena, that can be enabled by use of BEES flyers. For example, such flyers can serve as a powerful black-box for critical descent and landing data and enablers for improved science missions complementing and supplementing the existing assets like landers and rovers by providing valuable exploration and quick extended low-altitude aerial coverage of the sites of interest by imaging them and distributing instruments to them. Imaging done by orbiters allows broad surface coverage at limited spatial resolution. Low altitude air-borne exploration of Mars offers a means for imaging large areas, perhaps up to several hundred kilometers, quickly and efficiently, providing a close-up birds-eye view of the planetary terrain and close-up approach to constrained difficult areas like canyons and craters. A novel approach to low-mass yet highly capable flyers is enabled by small aircraft equipped using sensors and processors and algorithms developed using BEES technology. This project is focused towards showing the direct impact of blending the best of artificial intelligence attributes and bioinspiration to create a leap beyond existing capability for our future Missions.

navigation↗

Visual examination apparatus

An automated visual examination apparatus for measuring visual sensitivity and mapping blind spot location including a projection system for displaying to a patient a series of visual stimuli. A response switch enables him to indicate his reaction to the stimuli, and a recording system responsive to both the visual stimuli per se and the patient's response. The recording system thereby provides a correlated permanent record of both stimuli and response from which a substantive and readily apparent visual evaluation can be made.

Haines, R. F.↗

Visual/motion cue mismatch during a coordinated roll maneuver

The effect of a performance mismatch between the simulator visual and motion display systems on pilot performance while engaged in a compensatory tracking task, and the effect of a reduction in simulator motion scaling while maintaining constant visual scaling on pilot performance for this same task were investigated. A jet transport aircraft with motion in the roll and lateral simulator axes was used as a test vehicle for a computer simulation. The aircraft was disturbed by moderate levels of turbulence which resulted in flight path deviations in the roll and lateral axes. The task of the pilot was to maintain flight formation behind the aircraft in front of him as displayed by a video monitor located in the simulator cockpit. Experimental data consisting of pilot describing functions and pilot performance scores are presented and discussed as they relate to experimental evidence.

Shirachi, D. K.↗

Multiple Concurrent Visual-Motor Mappings: Implications for Models of Adaptation

Previous research on adaptation to visual-motor rearrangement suggests that the central nervous system represents accurately only 1 visual-motor mapping at a time. This idea was examined in 3 experiments where subjects tracked a moving target under repeated alternations between 2 initially interfering mappings (the 'normal' mapping characteristic of computer input devices and a 108' rotation of the normal mapping). Alternation between the 2 mappings led to significant reduction in error under the rotated mapping and significant reduction in the adaptation aftereffect ordinarily caused by switching between mappings. Color as a discriminative cue, interference versus decay in adaptation aftereffect, and intermanual transfer were also examined. The results reveal a capacity for multiple concurrent visual-motor mappings, possibly controlled by a parametric process near the motor output stage of processing.

Cunningham, H. A.↗

The S sub 10 /V/ unit of surface brightness

Some discrepancies in the use of the unit of zodiacal light measurements - S sub 10 (V), which is the equivalent number of tenth magnitude stars of solar spectral type per square degree - are discussed. It is suggested that: (1) the S sub 10 (V) unit be understood to represent 10th magnitude solar (G2V) stars per square degree at mean solar distance, (2) the V refers to the visual color in the UBV system defined by Johnson and Morgan (1953), (3) the apparent solar visual magnitude be taken as -26.73 and the B-V index as .63, (4) the solar spectral irradiance values of Labs and Neckel (1970) be used, and (5) when using Vega as a standard to obtain brightnesses in S sub 10 (V), +.04 be used as its magnitude at all wavelengths and the irradiance values of Hayes and Latham (1975) be used.

Sparrow, J. G.↗

A Lunar Surface Operations Simulator

The Lunar Surface Operations Simulator (LSOS) is being developed to support planning and design of space missions to return astronauts to the moon. Vehicles, habitats, dynamic and physical processes and related environment systems are modeled and simulated in LSOS to assist in the visualization and design optimization of systems for lunar surface operations. A parametric analysis tool and a data browser were also implemented to provide an intuitive interface to run multiple simulations and review their results. The simulator and parametric analysis capability are described in this paper.

Nayar, H.↗

STS-90 Day 10 Highlights

On this tenth day of the STS-90 mission, the flight crew, Cmdr. Richard A. Searfoss, Pilot Scott D. Altman, and Mission Specialists Richard M. Linnehan, Dafydd Rhys Williams and Kathryn P. Hire, and Payload Specialists Jay C. Buckey and James A. Pawelczyk have a relatively light day of scientific activity on board Columbia. The science crew of Mission Specialists Rick Linnehan and Dave Williams, along with Payload Specialists Jay Buckey and Jim Pawelczyk, continue investigations into how the human nervous system adapts to the weightlessness of space. All four serve as subjects in a vestibular experiment that uses an on-board rotating chair. The Visual and Vestibular Integration System (VVIS) correlates eye movements with balance. Developed by the European Space Agency, the chair stimulates the human balance system with both spinning and tilting sensations. Infrared video cameras observe and capture the eye movements that accompany the exercise.

Source record↗

Diagnostic accuracy of an ultrasonic multiple transducer cardiac imaging system

An ultrasonic multiple-transducer imaging system for intracardiac structure visualization is developed in order to simplify visualization of the human heart in vivo without radiation hazard or invasion of the body. Results of the evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of the devised system in a clinical setting for adult patients are presented and discussed. Criteria are presented for recognition of mitral valva prolapse, mitral stenosis, pericardial effusion, atrial septal defect, and left ventricular dyssynergy. The probable cause for false-positive and false-negative diagnoses is discussed. However, hypertrophic myopathy and congestive myopathy were unable to be detected. Since only qualitative criteria were used, it was not possible to differentiate patients with left ventricular volume overload from patients without cardiac pathology.

Popp, R. L.↗

NASA's Virtual Product Laboratory: An Overview

The Virtual Product Laboratory (VPL) developed by NASA's Commercial Remote Sensing Program at the John C. Stennis Space Center is a tool that enables simulation, design, and verification of remote sensing systems within a software (virtual) environment. The VPL can serve industry, government, and university communities by providing a means to conduct system trade studies, optimization, visual modeling, and data product simulations entirely in a virtual environment. The VPL can serve as a complete end-to-end simulation tool capable of producing system and subsystem performance characterizations, system optimization, and simulated data products or as a means of evaluating any one component of a remote sensing system. In this paper, we present an overview of the VPL capabilities. The VPL functional areas include Requirements, Design & Analysis, Simulation, Project Management, Knowledge Base, and Help. A description of each function along with the tools and techniques used to accomplish these functions will be provided. When possible, sample VPL displays and products will be used in the presentation.

Gasser, Jerry↗

Visual task analysis /VISTA/

Computer system VISTA, automatically plots selective PERT networks in order to develop accurate, standardized scheduling documentation as an essential element to project planning. This automation of plotting networks generates standardized networks due to a priority scheme adopted for calculating paths between events.

Burkes, T.↗

Visualization of smoke stack plume

System consists of ultraviolet vidicon tube, interference and color filters, ultraviolet telephoto lens, monitor, and waveform analyzer to extract information from video scene, stack plume viewed against sky. System will view SO2 and any other element which absorbs light at wavelength used.

Exton, R. J.↗

Shuttle avionics visual display

SAV-D system is composed of display description language (DDL) and its language processor. Language provides for the description of displays in terms of static and variable references for text, special symbols, lines, and circles. SAV-D permits use of high-order English-like language to describe complete displays with increased speed and ease of coding, debugging, and modification. It also allows one to specify static and variable attribute, such as location, flash, dash, character size, and intensity.

Yoshimura, A. A.↗