Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Retrieval algorithm”

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 919 records · Page 51

Root Cause Correlation Analysis of Software Failures via Orthogonal Defect Classification and Natural Language Processing

Systems theoretic process analysis (STPA) is becoming an increasingly popular technique to assess how complex digital software systems can fail. Rather than defining failures by their observable failure events, which may be sparse especially for safety rated nuclear digital instrumentation and control systems (DI&C), failures are defined as postulated unsafe actions under specific contextual conditions. This permits a top-down analysis of system hazards and identifies whether imposed constraints and requirements can sufficiently address undesirable hazards. However, STPA is a qualitative approach at identifying inadequacies in the development process and cannot currently be used to quantify unsafe action likelihoods for probabilistic risk assessment. Therefore, in this work, we examine the root causes of software failure and explore whether a consistent correlation can be linked to specific unsafe action classes. We implement Lbl2Vec, an unsupervised document classification and retrieval algorithm, on a database of 4,096 software defect reports acquired from various open-source software systems. By analyzing sentence structure, embedded labels, and word vectors, we show that certain defect types positively correlate to specific unsafe action classes over others. The correlations developed can be used to estimate the failure probability of safety intended DI&C systems which provides a licensing basis for nuclear plant modernization efforts.

22 - GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Improved Algorithms for Accurate Retrieval of UV - Visible Diffuse Attenuation Coefficients in Optically Complex, Inshore Waters

Photochemical processes driven by high-energy ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in inshore, estuarine, and coastal waters play an important role in global bio geochemical cycles and biological systems. A key to modeling photochemical processes in these optically complex waters is an accurate description of the vertical distribution of UVR in the water column which can be obtained using the diffuse attenuation coefficients of down welling irradiance (Kd()). The Sea UV Sea UVc algorithms (Fichot et al., 2008) can accurately retrieve Kd ( 320, 340, 380,412, 443 and 490 nm) in oceanic and coastal waters using multispectral remote sensing reflectances (Rrs(), Sea WiFS bands). However, SeaUVSeaUVc algorithms are currently not optimized for use in optically complex, inshore waters, where they tend to severely underestimate Kd(). Here, a new training data set of optical properties collected in optically complex, inshore waters was used to re-parameterize the published SeaUVSeaUVc algorithms, resulting in improved Kd() retrievals for turbid, estuarine waters. Although the updated SeaUVSeaUVc algorithms perform best in optically complex waters, the published SeaUVSeaUVc models still perform well in most coastal and oceanic waters. Therefore, we propose a composite set of SeaUVSeaUVc algorithms, optimized for Kd() retrieval in almost all marine systems, ranging from oceanic to inshore waters. The composite algorithm set can retrieve Kd from ocean color with good accuracy across this wide range of water types (e.g., within 13 mean relative error for Kd(340)). A validation step using three independent, in situ data sets indicates that the composite SeaUVSeaUVc can generate accurate Kd values from 320 490 nm using satellite imagery on a global scale. Taking advantage of the inherent benefits of our statistical methods, we pooled the validation data with the training set, obtaining an optimized composite model for estimating Kd() in UV wavelengths for almost all marine waters. This optimized composite set of SeaUVSeaUVc algorithms will provide the optical community with improved ability to quantify the role of solar UV radiation in photochemical and photobiological processes in the ocean.

UV↗

Phase Retrieval Using a Genetic Algorithm on the Systematic Image-Based Optical Alignment Testbed

NASA s Marshall Space Flight Center s Systematic Image-Based Optical Alignment (SIBOA) Testbed was developed to test phase retrieval algorithms and hardware techniques. Individuals working with the facility developed the idea of implementing phase retrieval by breaking the determination of the tip/tilt of each mirror apart from the piston motion (or translation) of each mirror. Presented in this report is an algorithm that determines the optimal phase correction associated only with the piston motion of the mirrors. A description of the Phase Retrieval problem is first presented. The Systematic Image-Based Optical Alignment (SIBOA) Testbeb is then described. A Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) is necessary to transfer the incoming wavefront (or estimate of phase error) into the spatial frequency domain to compare it with the image. A method for reducing the DFT to seven scalar/matrix multiplications is presented. A genetic algorithm is then used to search for the phase error. The results of this new algorithm on a test problem are presented.

Taylor, Jaime R.↗

Analysis of algorithms for the retrieval of rain-rate profiles from a spaceborne dual-wavelength radar

The ability to retrieve rain-rate profiles from a dual-wavelength spaceborne radar system operating at 13.6 and 35 GHz is analyzed. The fundamental problem of extracting either the attenuation and/or the reflectivity from the backscatter echo, which contains both contributions, is addressed. Three algorithms, the backscatter, the attenuation coefficient, and the dual-wavelength methods, are examined. These algorithms are tested using four rain-rate profiles derived from radar measurements. In particular, measured (true) values are compared with calculated (retrieved) rain rates applying the algorithms with superimposed uncertainties assuming a suggested spaceborne dual-wavelength radar system. Error values of rain rates are determined where these values reflect failure of the assumptions utilized in the derivation of the algorithms, rain backscatter noise, and instrument noise. It is concluded that no single technique gives rise to a panacea in the making of accurate rain measurements and that difficulties exist with each method.

Goldhirsh, Julius↗

Multi-Band Atmospheric Correction Algorithm for Ocean Color Retrievals

NASA's current Atmospheric Correction (AC) algorithm for ocean color utilizes two bands and their ratio in the Near Infrared (NIR) to estimate aerosol reflectance and aerosol type. The algorithm then extrapolates the spectral dependence of aerosol reflectance to the visible wavelengths based on modeled spectral dependence of the identified aerosol type. Future advanced ocean color sensors, such as the Ocean Color Instrument (OCI) that will be carried on the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, and ocean Ecosystem (PACE) satellite, will be capable of measuring the hyperspectral radiance from 340 to 890 nm at 5-nm spectral resolution and at 7 discrete Short-wave Infrared (SWIR) channels: 940, 1038,1250, 1378, 1615, 2130, and 2260 nm. To optimally employ this unprecedented instrument capability, we propose an improved AC algorithm that utilizes all atmospheric-window channels in the NIR to SWIR spectral range to reduce the uncertainty in the AC process. A theoretical uncertainty analysis of this, namely Multi-Band AC (MBAC), indicates that the algorithm can reduce the uncertainty in remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) retrievals of the ocean caused by sensor random noise. Furthermore, in optically complex waters, where the NIR signal is affected by contributions from highly-reflective turbid waters, the MBAC algorithm can be adaptively weighted to the strongly-absorbing SWIR channels to enable improved ocean color retrievals in coastal waters. We provide here a description of the algorithm and demonstrate the improved performance in ocean color retrievals, relative to the current NASA standard AC algorithm, through comparison with field measurements and assessment of propagated uncertainties in applying the MBAC algorithm to MODIS and simulated PACE OCI data.

PACE↗

Measuring Low-Order Aberrations in a Segmented Telescope

The in-focus PSF optimizer (IPO) is an algorithm for use in monitoring and controlling the alignment of the segments of a segmented-mirror astronomical telescope. IPO is so named because it computes wave-front aberrations of the telescope from digitized pointspread functions (PSFs) measured in infocus images. Inasmuch as distant astronomical objects that behave optically as point sources can typically be seen in almost any astronomical image, the main benefit afforded by IPO may be to enable maintenance of mirror-segment alignments without detracting from valuable scientific-observation time. IPO evolved from prescription-retrieval type algorithms. Prescription retrieval uses in-focus and out-of-focus PSFs to infer the state of an imaging optical system. The state, in this context, refers to the positions, orientations, and low-order figure errors of the optical elements in the system. Both prescription- retrieval and IPO use an iterative, nonlinear, least-squares optimizer to compute the optimal state parameters such that a digital computer-generated model image matches the digitized image acquired from the real system. The difference between IPO and prescription- retrieval algorithms is that IPO is specifically designed to utilize infocus images only. Although the restriction to in-focus images limits IPO to calculating only the lowest-order wave front aberrations, it also causes the resulting computation to take much less time because fewer degrees of freedom are included in the optimization process. In the prescription retrieval software developed at JPL, the model images are generated using the ray-trace/physical optics program, MACOS. IPO, on the other hand, uses a linear sensitivity matrix to compute the exit-pupil wave front from the system parameters; the wave front is then converted into a complex pupil field, which is then propagated to the image plane via a fast Fourier transform. This approach is computationally faster and requires less computer memory than is needed for prescription retrieval.

Ohara, Catherine↗

Retrieval of Ice Cloud Properties Using an Optimal Estimation Algorithm and MODIS Infrared Observations: 2. Retrieval Evaluation

An infrared-based optimal estimation (OE-IR) algorithm for retrieving ice cloud properties is evaluated. Specifically, the implementation of the algorithm with MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) observations is assessed in comparison with the operational retrieval products from MODIS on the Aqua satellite (MYD06), Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP), and the Imaging Infrared Radiometer (IIR); the latter two instruments fly on the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) satellite in the Afternoon Constellation (A-Train) with Aqua. The results show that OE-IR cloud optical thickness (tau) and effective radius (r(sub eff)) retrievals perform best for ice clouds having 0.5 < tau< 7 and r(sub eff) < 50microns. For global ice clouds, the averaged retrieval uncertainties of tau and r(sub eff) are 19% and 33%, respectively. For optically thick ice clouds with tau larger than 10, however, the tau and r(sub eff) retrieval uncertainties can exceed 30% and 50%, respectively. For ice cloud top height (h), the averaged global uncertainty is 0.48km. Relatively large h uncertainty (e.g., > 1km) occurs for tau < 0.5. Analysis of 1month of the OE-IR retrievals shows large tau and r(sub eff) uncertainties in storm track regions and the southern oceans where convective clouds are frequently observed, as well as in high-latitude regions where temperature differences between the surface and cloud top are more ambiguous. Generally, comparisons between the OE-IR and the operational products show consistent tau and h retrievals. However, obvious differences between the OE-IR and the MODIS Collection 6 r(sub eff) are found.

cloud optics↗

Classification of Aerosol Retrievals from Spaceborne Polarimetry Using a Multiparameter Algorithm

In this presentation, we demonstrate application of a new aerosol classification algorithm to retrievals from the POLDER-3 polarimter on the PARASOL spacecraft. Motivation and method: Since the development of global aerosol measurements by satellites and AERONET, classification of observed aerosols into several types (e.g., urban-industrial, biomass burning, mineral dust, maritime, and various subtypes or mixtures of these) has proven useful to: understanding aerosol sources, transformations, effects, and feedback mechanisms; improving accuracy of satellite retrievals and quantifying assessments of aerosol radiative impacts on climate.

Atmospheric Processes Clouds & Aerosols↗

An Algorithm for the Retrieval of 30-m Snow-Free Albedo from Landsat Surface Reflectance and MODIS BRDF

We present a new methodology to generate 30-m resolution land surface albedo using Landsat surface reflectance and anisotropy information from concurrent MODIS 500-m observations. Albedo information at fine spatial resolution is particularly useful for quantifying climate impacts associated with land use change and ecosystem disturbance. The derived white-sky and black-sky spectral albedos maybe used to estimate actual spectral albedos by taking into account the proportion of direct and diffuse solar radiation arriving at the ground. A further spectral-to-broadband conversion based on extensive radiative transfer simulations is applied to produce the broadband albedos at visible, near infrared, and shortwave regimes. The accuracy of this approach has been evaluated using 270 Landsat scenes covering six field stations supported by the SURFace RADiation Budget Network (SURFRAD) and Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Southern Great Plains (ARM/SGP) network. Comparison with field measurements shows that Landsat 30-m snow-free shortwave albedos from all seasons generally achieve an absolute accuracy of +/-0.02 - 0.05 for these validation sites during available clear days in 2003-2005,with a root mean square error less than 0.03 and a bias less than 0.02. This level of accuracy has been regarded as sufficient for driving global and regional climate models. The Landsat-based retrievals have also been compared to the operational 16-day MODIS albedo produced every 8-days from MODIS on Terra and Aqua (MCD43A). The Landsat albedo provides more detailed landscape texture, and achieves better agreement (correlation and dynamic range) with in-situ data at the validation stations, particularly when the stations include a heterogeneous mix of surface covers.

Shuai, Yanmin↗

Extending XBAER Algorithm to Aerosol and Cloud Condition

The retrieval of cloud optical properties for aerosol contaminated water cloud is challenging because of the complexity of physical processes in such situations. Conventionally, cloud optical data products are typically derived, ignoring the aerosol impacts on radiative transfer in the retrieval process. This is potentially a significant source of error. In this paper, the eXtensible Bremen Aerosol Retrieval (XBAER) algorithm has been optimized for the retrieval of aerosol/cloud properties for the aerosol contaminated cloud (ACC) scenarios. This version of XBAER delivers cloud optical thickness (COT) and cloud effective radius (CER) for ACCs and simultaneously retrieves aerosol optical thickness (AOT). The surface parameterization and aerosol types used in the standard XBAER algorithm have been adapted in this retrieval to account for the ACC conditions. Aerosol types in XBAER for the retrieval of ACC scenarios have been parameterized to comprise weak and strong absorptions. The comparisons of COT, CER, and AOT retrieved using this adapted XBAER algorithm and two new NASA algorithms show good agreements, especially for biomass burning aerosol. The correlation coefficients are >0.9 for AOT, ~0.8 for CER, and ~0.7 for COT. There is also a good agreement for dust plume contaminated cloud scene. The XBAER derived AOT values for dust aerosols are systematically smaller than the NASA retrieval, but both products have the same spatial distribution patterns. The comparison of COT retrieved using the adapted XBAER algorithm and that retrieved from ground-based microwave radiometer (MWR) measurements shows much better agreement for ACC conditions with high AOT.

satellite↗

Ice surface temperature retrieval from AVHRR, ATSR, and passive microwave satellite data: Algorithm development and application

During the second phase project year we have made progress in the development and refinement of surface temperature retrieval algorithms and in product generation. More specifically, we have accomplished the following: (1) acquired a new advanced very high resolution radiometer (AVHRR) data set for the Beaufort Sea area spanning an entire year; (2) acquired additional along-track scanning radiometer(ATSR) data for the Arctic and Antarctic now totalling over eight months; (3) refined our AVHRR Arctic and Antarctic ice surface temperature (IST) retrieval algorithm, including work specific to Greenland; (4) developed ATSR retrieval algorithms for the Arctic and Antarctic, including work specific to Greenland; (5) developed cloud masking procedures for both AVHRR and ATSR; (6) generated a two-week bi-polar global area coverage (GAC) set of composite images from which IST is being estimated; (7) investigated the effects of clouds and the atmosphere on passive microwave 'surface' temperature retrieval algorithms; and (8) generated surface temperatures for the Beaufort Sea data set, both from AVHRR and special sensor microwave imager (SSM/I).

Key, Jeff↗

Local and Regional Diurnal Variability of Aerosol Properties Retrieved by DSCOVR/EPIC UV Algorithm

The diurnal variability of aerosol optical depth retrieved from L1 point satellite radiance measurements closely matches surface observations. Seasonal variability of retrieved single scattering albedo is in good qualitative agreement with equivalent ground-based observations. EPIC aerosol products can be used in the qualitative and quantitative monitoring of extraordinary aerosol events resulting from wildfires and desert dust storms.

Aerosols, Absorption, Satellite retrieval↗

SSM/I Rain Retrievals Within a Unified All-Weather Ocean Algorithm

A new method for the physical retrieval of rain rates from satellite microwave radiometers is presented and compared to two other rainfall climatologies derived from satellites. The method is part of a unified ocean parameter retrieval algorithm that is based on the fundamental principles of radiative transfer. The algorithm simultaneously finds near-surface wind speed W, columnar water vapor V, columnar cloud liquid water L, rain rate R, and effective radiating temperature T(sub U) for the upwelling radiation. The performance of the algorithm in the absence of rain is discussed in Wentz, and this paper focuses on the rain component of the algorithm. A particular strength of the unified algorithm is its ability to 'orthogonalize' the retrievals so that there is minimum cross-talk between the retrieved parameters. For example, comparisons of the retrieved water vapor with radiosonde observations show that there is very little correlation between the water vapor retrieval error and rain rate. For rain rates from 1 to 15 mm/h, the rms difference between the retrieved water vapor and the radiosonde value is 5 mm. A novel feature of the rain retrieval method is a beamfilling correction that is based upon the ratio of the retrieved liquid water absorption coefficients at 37 GHz and 19.35 GHz. This ratio decreases by about 40% when heavy and light rain co-exist within the SSM/I footprint as compared to the case of uniform rain. This correction has the effect of increasing the rain rate when the spectral ratio of the absorption coefficients is small. Even with this beamfilling correction, tropical rainfall is still unrealistically low when the freezing level in the tropics (approx. 5 km) is used to specify the rain layer thickness. We restore realism by reducing the assumed averaged tropical rain layer thickness to 3 km, thereby accounting for the existence of warm rain processes in which the rain layer does not extend to the freezing level. Global rain rates are produced for the 1991 through 1994 period from observations taken by microwave radiometers (SSM/I) that are aboard two polar-orbiting satellites. We find that approximately 6% of the SSM/I observations detect measurable rain rates (R greater than 0.2 mm/h). Zonal averages of the rain rates show the peak at the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is quite narrow in meridional extent and varies from about 7 mm/day in the winter to a maximum 11 mm/day in the summer. Very low precipitation rates (less than 0.3 mm/day) are observed in those areas of subsidence influenced by the large semipermanent anticyclones. In general, these features are similar to those reported in previously published rain climatologies. However, significant differences do exists between our rain rates and those produced by Spencer. These differences seem to be related to non-precipitating cloud water.

Wentz, Frank J.↗

Time-Series Ratio Algorithm for Nisar Soil Moisture Retrieval

The NASA ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission is currently under development and will provide global L-band radar observations that will be helpful for various soil moisture applications. The final NISAR soil moisture product will have 200m spatial resolution with 12-day exact revisit time. A time-series ratio algorithm was implemented using NISAR simulated UAVSAR data collected during the SMAPVEX12 field experiment. In this paper, the performance of the time series ratio algorithm was assessed using in situ observations. Performance of the soil moisture retrieval algorithm was also assessed for dual polarization and quad-polarization observations modes.

Jeonghwan Park↗