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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 109 records · Page 6

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2024

Hot, cold, or just right? An infrared biometric sensor to improve occupant comfort and reduce overcooling in buildings via closed-loop control

To improve occupant comfort and save energy in buildings, we have developed a closed-loop air conditioning (AC) sensor-controller that predicts occupant thermal sensation from the thermographic measurement of skin temperature distribution, then uses this information to reduce overcooling (cooling-energy overuse that discomforts occupants) by regulating AC output. Taking measures to protect privacy, it combines thermal-infrared (TIR) and color (visible spectrum) cameras with machine vision to measure the skin-surface temperature profile. Since the human thermoregulation system uses skin blood flow to maintain thermoneutrality, the distribution of skin temperature can be used to predict warm, neutral, and cool thermal states. We conducted a series of human-subject thermal-sensation trials in cold-to-hot environments, measuring skin temperatures and recording thermal sensation votes. We then trained random-forest classification machine-learning models (classifiers) to estimate thermal sensation from skin temperatures or skin-temperature differences. The estimated thermal sensation was input to a proportional integral (PI) control algorithm for the AC, targeting a sensation level between neutral and warm. Our sensor-controller includes a sensor assembly, server software, and client software. The server software orients the cameras and transmits images to the client software, which in turn assesses occupant skin temperature distribution, estimates occupant thermal sensation, and controls AC operation. A demonstration conducted in a conference room in an office building near Houston, TX showed that our system reduced overcooling, decreasing AC load by 42% when the room was occupied while improving occupant comfort (fraction of “comfortable” votes) by 15 percentage points.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

NASA NTRS1990

A vision-based telerobotic control station

A telerobotic control station is described. In it, a machine vision system measures the position, orientation, and configuration of a user's hand. A robotic manipulator mirrors the status of the hand. This concept has two benefits: control actions are intuitive and easily learned, and the workstation requires little volume or mass.

Tillotson, Brian↗

NASA NTRS1988

Some examples of image warping for low vision prosthesis

NASA has developed an image processor, the Programmable Remapper, for certain functions in machine vision. The Remapper performs a highly arbitrary geometric warping of an image at video rate. It might ultimately be shrunk to a size and cost that could allow its use in a low-vision prosthesis. Coordinate warpings have been developed for retinitis pigmentosa (tunnel vision) and for maculapathy (loss of central field) that are intended to make best use of the patient's remaining viable retina. The rationales and mathematics are presented for some warpings that we will try in clinical studies using the Remapper's prototype.

Juday, Richard D.↗

DOE OSTI2023

CRADA Number NFE-19-07847 with MantaPoole Technologies (CRADA Final Report)

As the world becomes more automated, smart and autonomous systems that utilize advanced 3D machine vision are becoming ever more prevalent. To function autonomously, these smart machines need to be able to identify the “what” and “where” of their application by capturing color and depth information. The color information provides the needed contrast information to identify the “what” of a scene while the depth information allows the smart machine to identify “where” an object in a 3D environment is. To capture both the color and depth information using only a single sensor, MantaPoole Technologies (MPT) is developing a new type of 3D light field camera. The approach leverages MPT’s active micro-optics technology which when aligned and placed over an imaging detector are designed to act as an advanced optical filter that controls the direction of light that reaches the underlying pixels.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

NASA NTRS1985

Image gathering and processing - Information and fidelity

In this paper we formulate and use information and fidelity criteria to assess image gathering and processing, combining optical design with image-forming and edge-detection algorithms. The optical design of the image-gathering system revolves around the relationship among sampling passband, spatial response, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Our formulations of information, fidelity, and optimal (Wiener) restoration account for the insufficient sampling (i.e., aliasing) common in image gathering as well as for the blurring and noise that conventional formulations account for. Performance analyses and simulations for ordinary optical-design constraints and random scences indicate that (1) different image-forming algorithms prefer different optical designs; (2) informationally optimized designs maximize the robustness of optimal image restorations and lead to the highest-spatial-frequency channel (relative to the sampling passband) for which edge detection is reliable (if the SNR is sufficiently high); and (3) combining the informationally optimized design with a 3 by 3 lateral-inhibitory image-plane-processing algorithm leads to a spatial-response shape that approximates the optimal edge-detection response of (Marr's model of) human vision and thus reduces the data preprocessing and transmission required for machine vision.

Huck, F. O.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Sensory Interactive Teleoperator Robotic Grasping

As the technological world strives for efficiency, the need for economical equipment that increases operator proficiency in minimal time is fundamental. This system links a CCD camera, a controller and a robotic arm to a computer vision system to provide an alternative method of image analysis. The machine vision system which was employed possesses software tools for acquiring and analyzing images which are received through a CCD camera. After feature extraction on the object in the image was performed, information about the object's location, orientation and distance from the robotic gripper is sent to the robot controller so that the robot can manipulate the object.

Alark, Keli↗

NASA NTRS1992

Vision-based stereo ranging as an optimal control problem

The recent interest in the use of machine vision for flight vehicle guidance is motivated by the need to automate the nap-of-the-earth flight regime of helicopters. Vision-based stereo ranging problem is cast as an optimal control problem in this paper. A quadratic performance index consisting of the integral of the error between observed image irradiances and those predicted by a Pade approximation of the correspondence hypothesis is then used to define an optimization problem. The necessary conditions for optimality yield a set of linear two-point boundary-value problems. These two-point boundary-value problems are solved in feedback form using a version of the backward sweep method. Application of the ranging algorithm is illustrated using a laboratory image pair.

Menon, P. K. A.↗

DOE OSTI2023

Extrusion parameter control optimization for DIW 3D printing using image analysis techniques

Material extrusion is a well-recognized facet of additive manufacturing that involves the fabrication of parts through the deposition of structural material from an extrusion head from a bulk supply. In the subdivision of Direct Ink Writing (DIW) additive manufacturing, challenges arise when the structural material is flowable, synchronous extrusion control and tool movement becomes critical for achieving high-quality parts with low defect populations. DIW techniques are most used in laboratory settings using expensive custom instruments and may require specialized 3D slicing software. Here, in this study, the fabrication of an inexpensive, consumer-friendly progressive cavity pump dispensing system is detailed, in which can create high-quality parts by executing G-code commands produced from a commercial slicing software. The precision and repeatability of the movement-synchronized material extrusion is demonstrated through a series of optimization schemes, entailing the alteration of various control parameters, which directly affect the extrusion properties demonstrated during a print. In situ diagnostics were implemented to evaluate the results of the established optimization experiment. Using a machine vision technique, images of the optimization prints are processed. Following this, a supervised machine learning model was trained to autonomously judge whether or not the extrusion parameters produced a passing or failing result. The machine learning scheme serves as a preliminary benchmark for future layer-by-layer evaluation of more complex DIW parts. The construction of the printer and development of in situ characterization capabilities demonstrates the ability for this printer to create high-fidelity DIW parts for a fraction of the price of other systems.

42 ENGINEERING↗

NASA NTRS1997

A Low-Power High-Speed Smart Sensor Design for Space Exploration Missions

A low-power high-speed smart sensor system based on a large format active pixel sensor (APS) integrated with a programmable neural processor for space exploration missions is presented. The concept of building an advanced smart sensing system is demonstrated by a system-level microchip design that is composed with an APS sensor, a programmable neural processor, and an embedded microprocessor in a SOI CMOS technology. This ultra-fast smart sensor system-on-a-chip design mimics what is inherent in biological vision systems. Moreover, it is programmable and capable of performing ultra-fast machine vision processing in all levels such as image acquisition, image fusion, image analysis, scene interpretation, and control functions. The system provides about one tera-operation-per-second computing power which is a two order-of-magnitude increase over that of state-of-the-art microcomputers. Its high performance is due to massively parallel computing structures, high data throughput rates, fast learning capabilities, and advanced VLSI system-on-a-chip implementation.

Fang, Wai-Chi↗

NASA NTRS2014

Vision Algorithm for the Solar Aspect System of the HEROES Mission

This work covers the design and test of a machine vision algorithm for generating high-accuracy pitch and yaw pointing solutions relative to the sun for the High Energy Replicated Optics to Explore the Sun (HEROES) mission. It describes how images were constructed by focusing an image of the sun onto a plate printed with a pattern of small fiducial markers. Images of this plate were processed in real time to determine relative position of the balloon payload to the sun. The algorithm is broken into four problems: circle detection, fiducial detection, fiducial identification, and image registration. Circle detection is handled by an "Average Intersection" method, fiducial detection by a matched filter approach, identification with an ad-hoc method based on the spacing between fiducials, and image registration with a simple least squares fit. Performance is verified on a combination of artificially generated images, test data recorded on the ground, and images from the 2013 flight

Solar Aspect↗

NASA NTRS2014

Vision Algorithm for the Solar Aspect System of the HEROES Mission

This work covers the design and test of a machine vision algorithm for generating high-accuracy pitch and yaw pointing solutions relative to the sun for the High Energy Replicated Optics to Explore the Sun (HEROES) mission. It describes how images were constructed by focusing an image of the sun onto a plate printed with a pattern of small fiducial markers. Images of this plate were processed in real time to determine relative position of the balloon payload to the sun. The algorithm is broken into four problems: circle detection, fiducial detection, fiducial identification, and image registration. Circle detection is handled by an Average Intersection method, fiducial detection by a matched filter approach, identification with an ad-hoc method based on the spacing between fiducials, and image registration with a simple least squares fit. Performance is verified on a combination of artificially generated images, test data recorded on the ground, and images from the 2013 flight.

HEROES↗

NASA NTRS1989

Three-Dimensional Robotic Vision System

Stereoscopy and motion provide clues to outlines of objects. Digital image-processing system acts as "intelligent" automatic machine-vision system by processing views from stereoscopic television cameras into three-dimensional coordinates of moving object in view. Epipolar-line technique used to find corresponding points in stereoscopic views. Robotic vision system analyzes views from two television cameras to detect rigid three-dimensional objects and reconstruct numerically in terms of coordinates of corner points. Stereoscopy and effects of motion on two images complement each other in providing image-analyzing subsystem with clues to natures and locations of principal features.

Nguyen, Thinh V.↗

NASA NTRS1999

A Low-Power High-Speed Smart Sensor Design for Space Exploration Missions

In this paper, an ultra-fast low-power smart vision system-on-a-chip design is proposed to provide effective solutions for real time machine vision applications by taking advantages of advances in integrated sensing/processing designs, electronic neural networks, advanced microprocessors, and sub-micron VLSI systemns-on-a-chip (SOAC) technology.

space↗

NASA NTRS2014

Vision Algorithm for the Solar Aspect System of the High Energy Replicated Optics to Explore the Sun Mission

This work covers the design and test of a machine vision algorithm for generating high- accuracy pitch and yaw pointing solutions relative to the sun on a high altitude balloon. It describes how images were constructed by focusing an image of the sun onto a plate printed with a pattern of small cross-shaped fiducial markers. Images of this plate taken with an off-the-shelf camera were processed to determine relative position of the balloon payload to the sun. The algorithm is broken into four problems: circle detection, fiducial detection, fiducial identification, and image registration. Circle detection is handled by an "Average Intersection" method, fiducial detection by a matched filter approach, and identification with an ad-hoc method based on the spacing between fiducials. Performance is verified on real test data where possible, but otherwise uses artificially generated data. Pointing knowledge is ultimately verified to meet the 20 arcsecond requirement.

0000000↗

DOE OSTI2026

Developing a Deep Learning-Computer Vision Framework to Monitor Avian Interactions with Solar Energy Facility Infrastructure (Final Technical Report)

The project addressed an inability to monitor avian interactions with photovoltaic (PV) solar energy facilities necessary for understanding PV solar impacts on birds. In the project, machine-vision technology that continuously monitors avian activities at PV solar facilities was developed. The technology includes four machine-learning (ML) models, each of which accomplishes a specific task in detecting birds and classifying their activities in live or recorded videos—detecting and tracking moving objects, differentiating birds from other objects, detecting bird collisions with solar panels, and classifying non-collision bird activities around PV facilities. Major project outcomes include adoption by two of DOE SETO’s SolWEB projects, providing novel observational data on birds to promote co-location of PV solar development and habitat conservation, known as ecovoltaics.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2024

Abrasive Waterjet Machining

The abrasive waterjet machining process was introduced in the 1980s as a new cutting tool; the process has the ability to cut almost any material. Currently, the AWJ process is used in many world-class factories, producing parts for use in daily life. A description of this process and its influencing parameters are first presented in this paper, along with process models for the AWJ tool itself and also for the jet–material interaction. The AWJ material removal process occurs through the high-velocity impact of abrasive particles, whose tips micromachine the material at the microscopic scale, with no thermal or mechanical adverse effects. The macro-characteristics of the cut surface, such as its taper, trailback, and waviness, are discussed, along with methods of improving the geometrical accuracy of the cut parts using these attributes. For example, dynamic angular compensation is used to correct for the taper and undercut in shape cutting. The surface finish is controlled by the cutting speed, hydraulic, and abrasive parameters using software and process models built into the controllers of CNC machines. In addition to shape cutting, edge trimming is presented, with a focus on the carbon fiber composites used in aircraft and automotive structures, where special AWJ tools and manipulators are used. Examples of the precision cutting of microelectronic and solar cell parts are discussed to describe the special techniques that are used, such as machine vision and vacuum-assist, which have been found to be essential to the integrity and accuracy of cut parts. The use of the AWJ machining process was extended to other applications, such as drilling, boring, milling, turning, and surface modification, which are presented in this paper as actual industrial applications. To demonstrate the versatility of the AWJ machining process, the data in this paper were selected to cover a wide range of materials, such as metal, glass, composites, and ceramics, and also a wide range of thicknesses, from 1 mm to 600 mm. The trends of Industry 4.0 and 5.0, AI, and IoT are also presented.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2025

Spectral kernel machines with electrically tunable photodetectors

Spectral machine vision collects spectral and spatial information as three-dimensional hypercubes and digitally processes them, which causes a data bottleneck, limiting power efficiency, frame rate, and spectral-spatial resolution. This work introduces spectral kernel machines (SKMs) to overcome these bottlenecks. SKM directly compresses spectral analysis through the output photocurrent and learns from example objects to identify and classify new samples in a "sniff-and-seek" mode. We experimentally demonstrated SKMs with electrically tunable bipolar black phosphorus-molybdenum disulfide (bP-MoS2) photodiodes in the near- and mid-infrared band and silicon photoconductors in the visible band, performing versatile intelligent tasks from chemometrics to semiconductor metrology. This architecture consumed substantially less power and was more than an order of magnitude faster than existing solutions for hyperspectral image analysis, defining an intelligent imaging and sensing paradigm with intriguing possibilities.

Zhang, Dehui↗

NASA NTRS1990

Algorithms and architectures for robot vision

The scope of the current work is to develop practical sensing implementations for robots operating in complex, partially unstructured environments. A focus in this work is to develop object models and estimation techniques which are specific to requirements of robot locomotion, approach and avoidance, and grasp and manipulation. Such problems have to date received limited attention in either computer or human vision - in essence, asking not only how perception is in general modeled, but also what is the functional purpose of its underlying representations. As in the past, researchers are drawing on ideas from both the psychological and machine vision literature. Of particular interest is the development 3-D shape and motion estimates for complex objects when given only partial and uncertain information and when such information is incrementally accrued over time. Current studies consider the use of surface motion, contour, and texture information, with the longer range goal of developing a fused sensing strategy based on these sources and others.

Schenker, Paul S.↗