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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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NASA NTRS1975

Low-cost data analysis systems for processing multispectral scanner data

A research-oriented data analysis system was developed which is used for evaluating complex remote sensor systems and for development of techniques for application of remotely sensed data. Some modular hardware components were developed which may be added to one's existing facilities to establish a low-cost data analysis system for processing multispectral scanner data. Software modules which are compatible with small general purpose digital computers process and analyze remote sensor data, and convert it to information needed by users. The software modules are written in FORTRAN IV language for ease of transfer to other computer systems. The basic hardware and software system requirements are defined for some low-cost data analysis systems consisting of an image display system, a small general purpose digital computer, and an output recording device. The hardware modules consist of: a LANDSAT MSS data reformatting program; a series of spectral pattern recognition programs required to generate surface classification maps and tabular information; programs to convert computer generated maps from image space to a geographically referenced base; programs to extract data and irregularly shaped areas and to produce thematic maps of the designated areas; and programs to tabulate acreages of selected classification categories. Some off-the-shelf, inexpensive digital image display systems are described.

Whitley, S. L.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Absolute Position Encoders With Vertical Image Binning

Improved optoelectronic patternrecognition encoders that measure rotary and linear 1-dimensional positions at conversion rates (numbers of readings per unit time) exceeding 20 kHz have been invented. Heretofore, optoelectronic pattern-recognition absoluteposition encoders have been limited to conversion rates <15 Hz -- too low for emerging industrial applications in which conversion rates ranging from 1 kHz to as much as 100 kHz are required. The high conversion rates of the improved encoders are made possible, in part, by use of vertically compressible or binnable (as described below) scale patterns in combination with modified readout sequences of the image sensors [charge-coupled devices (CCDs)] used to read the scale patterns. The modified readout sequences and the processing of the images thus read out are amenable to implementation by use of modern, high-speed, ultra-compact microprocessors and digital signal processors or field-programmable gate arrays. This combination of improvements makes it possible to greatly increase conversion rates through substantial reductions in all three components of conversion time: exposure time, image-readout time, and image-processing time.

Leviton, Douglas B.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Autonomous attitude estimation via star sensing and pattern recognition

Results are reported on the development of an autonomous, onboard, near real time spacecraft attitude estimation technique. The approach uses CCD based star sensors to digitize relative star positions. Three microcomputers are envisioned, configured in parallel, to: (1) determine star image centroids and delete spurious images; (2) identify measured stars with stars in an onboard catalog and determine discrete attitude estimates; (3) integrate gyro rate measurements and determine optimal real time attitude estimates for use in the control system and for feedback to the star identification algorithm. Algorithms for the star identification are presented. The discrete attitude estimation algorithm recovers thermally varying interlock angles between two star sensors. The optimal state estimation process recovers rate gyro biases in addition to real time attitude estimates.

Junkins, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS2006

NASA Tech Briefs, March 2006

Topics covered include: Medical Signal-Conditioning and Data-Interface System; Instruments for Reading Direct-Marked Data-Matrix Symbols; Processing EOS MLS Level-2 Data; Ground Processing of Data From the Mars Exploration Rovers; Estimating Total Electron Content Using 1,000+ GPS Receivers; NASA Solar Array Demonstrates Commercial Potential; Improved Control of Charging Voltage for Li-Ion Battery; Programmable Pulse-Position-Modulation Encoder; Wavelength-Agile External-Cavity Diode Laser for DWDM; Pattern-Recognition Processor Using Holographic Photopolymer; Submicrosecond Power-Switching Test Circuit; Three-Function Logic Gate Controlled by Analog Voltage; Integrated System for Autonomous Science; Montage Version 3.0; Utilizing AI in Temporal, Spatial, and Resource Scheduling; Satellite Image Mosaic Engine; Architecture for Control of the K9 Rover; HFGMC Enhancement of MAC/GMC; Automated Activation and Deactivation of a System Under Test; Cleaning Carbon Nanotubes by Use of Mild Oxygen Plasmas; Generating Aromatics From CO2 on Mars or Natural Gas on Earth; Attaching Thermocouples by Peening or Crimping; Heat Treatment of Friction-Stir-Welded 7050 Aluminum Plates; Generating Breathable Air Through Dissociation of N2O; High-Performance Scanning Acousto-Ultrasonic System; Correction for Thermal EMFs in Thermocouple Feedthroughs; Using Quasiparticle Poisoning To Detect Photons; Estimating Resolution Lengths of Hybrid Turbulence Models; Education and Training Module in Alertness Management; Cargo-Positioning System for Next-Generation Spacecraft; Micro-Imagers for Spaceborne Cell-Growth Experiments; Holographic Solar Photon Thrusters; Plasma-Based Detector of Outer-Space Dust Particles; and Generation of Data-Rate Profiles of Ka-Band Deep-Space Links.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1990

Instrumentation and robotic image processing using top-down model control

A top-down image processing scheme is described. A three-dimensional model of a robotic working environment, with robot manipulators, workpieces, cameras, and on-the-scene visual enhancements is employed to control and direct the image processing, so that rapid, robust algorithms act in an efficient manner to continually update the model. Only the model parameters are communicated, so that savings in bandwidth are achieved. This image compression by modeling is especially important for control of space telerobotics. The background for this scheme lies in an hypothesis of human vision put forward by the senior author and colleagues almost 20 years ago - the Scanpath Theory. Evidence was obtained that repetitive sequences of saccadic eye movements, the scanpath, acted as the checking phase of visual pattern recognition. Further evidence was obtained that the scanpaths were apparently generated by a cognitive model and not directly by the visual image. This top-down theory of human vision was generalized in some sense to the frame in artificial intelligence. Another source of the concept arose from bioengineering instrumentation for measuring the pupil and eye movements with infrared video cameras and special-purpose hardware.

Stark, Lawrence↗
NASA NTRS1992

Recognizing Patterns In Log-Polar Coordinates

Log-Hough transform is basis of improved method for recognition of patterns - particularly, straight lines - in noisy images. Takes advantage of rotational and scale invariance of mapping from Cartesian to log-polar coordinates, and offers economy of representation and computation. Unification of iconic and Hough domains simplifies computations in recognition and eliminates erroneous quantization of slopes attributable to finite spacing of Cartesian coordinate grid of classical Hough transform. Equally efficient recognizing curves. Log-Hough transform more amenable to massively parallel computing architectures than traditional Cartesian Hough transform. "In-place" nature makes it possible to apply local pixel-neighborhood processing.

Weiman, Carl F. R.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Microcomputer-based programmable optical signal processor

A microcomputer-based real-time programmable optical signal processing system utilizing a magneto-optic spatial light modulator (MOSLM) and a liquid crystal light valve (LCLV) is described. This system can perform a myriad of complicated optical operations, such as image correlation, image subtraction, and matrix multiplication. Its important asserts are its programmability and the capability of real-time addressing. These are important for telerobotic vision in space automation applications. Design specifications and suggestions for practical implementation of the system are discussed. Some preliminary experimental demonstrations are conducted to demonstrate applications of the proposed system to image correlation for optical pattern recognition, image subtraction for lC chip inspection, and matrix multiplication for optical computing.

Yu, F. T. S.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Noncontact temperature pattern measuring device

This invention relates to a noncontact imagine pyrometer system for obtaining the true temperature image of a given substance in a contactless fashion without making assumptions about localized emissivity of the substance or the uniformity of the temperature distribution. Such a contactless temperature imaging system has particular application in the study and production of many materials where the physical contact required to make a conventional temperature measurement drastically effects or contaminates the physical process being observed. Two examples where accurate temperature profiles are of critical interest are: (1) the solid-liquid phase change interface in the production of electronic materials and (2) metastable materials in the undercooling region. The apparent novelty resides in the recognition that an active pyrometer system may be advantageously adapted to perform contactless temperature imaging so that an accurate temperature profile can be obtained.

Elleman, D. D.↗
NASA NTRS1993

An Application of a New Electromagnetic Sensor to Real-Time Monitoring of Fatigue Crack Growth in Thin Metal Plates

A major part of fracture mechanics is concerned with studying the initiation and propagation of fatigue cracks. This typically requires constant monitoring of crack growth during fatigue cycles which necessitates automation of the whole process. If the rate of crack growth can be determined the experimenter can vary externally controlled parameters such as load level, load cycle frequency and so on. Hence, knowledge of the precise location of the crack tip at any given time is very valuable. One technique currently available for measuring fatigue crack length is the DC potential drop method. The method, however, may be inaccurate if the direction of crack growth deviates considerably from what was assumed initially or the curvature of the crack becomes significant. Another approach is to digitize an optical image of the test specimen surface and then apply a pattern recognition technique to locate the crack tip, but this method is still under development. The present work is an initial study on applying eddy current-type probes to monitoring fatigue crack growth. The performance of two types of electromagnetic probes, a conventional eddy current probe and a newly developed self-nulling probe, was evaluated for the detection characteristics at and near the tips of fatigue cracks. The scan results show that the latter probe provides a very well defined local maximum in its output in the crack tip region suggesting the definite possibility of precisely locating the tip, while the former provides a somewhat ambiguous distribution of the sensor output in the same region. The paper is organized as follows: We start by reviewing the design and performance characteristics of the self-nulling probe and then describe the scan results which demonstrate the basic properties of the self-nulling probe. Next, we provide a brief description of the software developed for tracing a simulated crack and give a brief discussion of the main results of the test. The final section summarizes the major accomplishments of the present work and the elements of the future R&D needs.

Namkung, M.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Active Microwave Remote Sensing Observations of Weddell Sea Ice

Since July 1991, the European Space Agency's ERS-1 and ERS-2 satellites have acquired radar data of the Weddell Sea, Antarctica. The Active Microwave Instrument on board ERS has two modes; SAR and Scatterometer. Two receiving stations enable direct downlink and recording of high bit-rate, high resolution SAR image data of this region. When not in an imaging mode, when direct SAR downlink is not possible, or when a receiving station is inoperable, the latter mode allows normalized radar cross-section data to be acquired. These low bit-rate ERS scatterometer data are tape recorded, downlinked and processed off-line. Recent advances in image generation from Scatterometer backscatter measurements enable complementary medium-scale resolution images to be made during periods when SAR images cannot be acquired. Together, these combined C-band microwave image data have for the first time enabled uninterrupted night and day coverage of the Weddell Sea region at both high (25 m) and medium-scale (-20 km) resolutions. C-band ERS-1 radar data are analyzed in conjunction with field data from two simultaneous field experiments in 1992. Satellite radar signature data are compared with shipborne radar data to extract a regional and seasonal signature database for recognition of ice types in the images. Performance of automated sea-ice tracking algorithms is tested on Antarctic data to evaluate their success. Examples demonstrate that both winter and summer ice can be effectively tracked. The kinematics of the main ice zones within the Weddell Sea are illustrated, together with the complementary time-dependencies in their radar signatures. Time-series of satellite images are used to illustrate the development of the Weddell Sea ice cover from its austral summer minimum (February) to its winter maximum (September). The combination of time-dependent microwave signatures and ice dynamics tracking enable various drift regimes to be defined which relate closely to the circulation of the sea ice in response to current and wind forcing and iceberg barriers. These are closely related to continental-shelf or central basin regimes, in which tidal forcing or barotropic circulation patterns appear to influence the sea-ice motion, respectively. These regimes provide valuable information about the regions of most prolific ice growth and influence of ice conditions upon air-sea-ice exchange processes in the Weddell Sea.

Drinkwater, Mark R.↗
NASA NTRS1974

The utility of ERTS-1 data for applications in land use classification

A comprehensive study has been undertaken to determine the extent to which conventional image interpretation and computer-aided (spectral pattern recognition) analysis techniques using ERTS-1 data could be used to detect, identify (classify), locate, and measure current land use over large geographic areas. It can be concluded that most of the level 1 and 2 categories in the USGS Circular no. 671 can be detected in the Houston-Gulf Coast area using a combination of both techniques for analysis. These capabilities could be exercised over larger geographic areas, however, certain factors such as different vegetative cover, topography, etc. may have to be considered in other geographic regions. The best results in identification (classification), location, and measurement of level 1 and 2 type categories appear to be obtainable through automatic data processing of multispectral scanner computer compatible tapes.

Dornbach, J. E.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Real Time Intelligent Target Detection and Analysis with Machine Vision

We present an algorithm for detecting a specified set of targets for an Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) application. ATR involves processing images for detecting, classifying, and tracking targets embedded in a background scene. We address the problem of discriminating between targets and nontarget objects in a scene by evaluating 40x40 image blocks belonging to an image. Each image block is first projected onto a set of templates specifically designed to separate images of targets embedded in a typical background scene from those background images without targets. These filters are found using directed principal component analysis which maximally separates the two groups. The projected images are then clustered into one of n classes based on a minimum distance to a set of n cluster prototypes. These cluster prototypes have previously been identified using a modified clustering algorithm based on prior sensed data. Each projected image pattern is then fed into the associated cluster's trained neural network for classification. A detailed description of our algorithm will be given in this paper. We outline our methodology for designing the templates, describe our modified clustering algorithm, and provide details on the neural network classifiers. Evaluation of the overall algorithm demonstrates that our detection rates approach 96% with a false positive rate of less than 0.03%.

Howard, Ayanna↗
NASA NTRS1974

Automated thematic mapping and change detection of ERTS-A images

The author has identified the following significant results. A diffraction pattern analysis of MSS images led to the development of spatial signatures for farm land, urban areas and mountains. Four spatial features are employed to describe the spatial characteristics of image cells in the digital data. Three spectral features are combined with the spatial features to form a seven dimensional vector describing each cell. Then, the classification of the feature vectors is accomplished by using the maximum likelihood criterion. It was determined that the recognition accuracy with the maximum likelihood criterion depends on the statistics of the feature vectors. It was also determined that for a given geographic area the statistics of the classes remain invariable for a period of a month, but vary substantially between seasons. Three ERTS-1 images from the Phoenix, Arizona area were processed, and recognition rates between 85% and 100% were obtained for the terrain classes of desert, farms, mountains, and urban areas. To eliminate the need for training data, a new clustering algorithm has been developed. Seven ERTS-1 images from four test sites have been processed through the clustering algorithm, and high recognition rates have been achieved for all terrain classes.

Gramenopoulos, N.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Neural network post-processing of grayscale optical correlator

In this paper we present the use of a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) as a post-processor to assist the optical correlator to identify the objects and to reject false alarms. Image plane features near the correlation peaks are extracted and fed to the neural network for analysis. The approach is capable of handling large number of object variations and filter sets. Preliminary experimental results are presented and the performance is analyzed.

grayscale optical correlator↗
NASA NTRS2011

Tissue Photolithography

Tissue lithography will enable physicians and researchers to obtain macromolecules with high purity (greater than 90 percent) from desired cells in conventionally processed, clinical tissues by simply annotating the desired cells on a computer screen. After identifying the desired cells, a suitable lithography mask will be generated to protect the contents of the desired cells while allowing destruction of all undesired cells by irradiation with ultraviolet light. The DNA from the protected cells can be used in a number of downstream applications including DNA sequencing. The purity (i.e., macromolecules isolated form specific cell types) of such specimens will greatly enhance the value and information of downstream applications. In this method, the specific cells are isolated on a microscope slide using photolithography, which will be faster, more specific, and less expensive than current methods. It relies on the fact that many biological molecules such as DNA are photosensitive and can be destroyed by ultraviolet irradiation. Therefore, it is possible to protect the contents of desired cells, yet destroy undesired cells. This approach leverages the technologies of the microelectronics industry, which can make features smaller than 1 micrometer with photolithography. A variety of ways has been created to achieve identification of the desired cell, and also to designate the other cells for destruction. This can be accomplished through chrome masks, direct laser writing, and also active masking using dynamic arrays. Image recognition is envisioned as one method for identifying cell nuclei and cell membranes. The pathologist can identify the cells of interest using a microscopic computerized image of the slide, and appropriate custom software. In one of the approaches described in this work, the software converts the selection into a digital mask that can be fed into a direct laser writer, e.g. the Heidelberg DWL66. Such a machine uses a metalized glass plate (with chrome metallization) on which there is a thin layer of photoresist. The laser transfers the digital mask onto the photoresist by direct writing, with typical best resolution of 2 micrometers. The plate is then developed to remove the exposed photoresist, which leaves the exposed areas susceptible to chemical chrome etch. The etch removes the unprotected chrome. The rest of the photoresist is then removed, by either ultraviolet organic solvent or over-development. The remaining chrome pattern is quickly oxidized by atmospheric exposure (typically within 30 seconds). The ready chrome mask is now applied to the tissue slide and aligned manually, or using automatic software and pre-designed alignment marks. The slide plate sandwich is then exposed to UV to destroy the DNA of the unwanted cells. The slide and plate are separated and the slide is processed in a standard way to prepare for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and potential identification of cancer sequences.

Wade, Lawrence A.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Taming the Untamable: Making An Enceladus-Like Plume by Hypervelocity Oblique Impacts at the NASA Ames Vertical Gun Range (AVGR) Facility

Enceladus’ plume was extensively investigated by the Cassini-Huygens mission [1-4], giving information about the icy moon interior, and the existence of a plausibly inhabited global ocean. The plume is a mixture of gas, sub-micrometer to micrometer ice, and non-ice particles, expanding into space from vents in the Tiger Stripes region [5]. Collecting plume’s ice particles for signs of Life is a fundamental objective of future fly-by missions to Enceladus, and other icy moons, e.g., Europa, where icy plumes could exist. However, understanding particle collection on high-speed flybys through a plume environment is a challenging task. To address the above, in collaboration with the Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), we have been testing the collection of impact-generated ice grains from simulated ice plumes at the NASA Ames Vertical GunRange (AVGR) facility [e.g., 6-7].Of particular interest is the alteration of organic material in the particles during the high-speed collection process. Any such alteration could degrade the ability of instruments to detect biomarkers in the samples collected. An experimental and theoretical understanding of the organic alteration as a function of collection speed could be used to unravel these effects. Methods: Plumes of -170°C ice particles traveling at an initial speed of 2 – 3 km/s were created by shooting 3-mm hollow Aluminum (Al) projectiles (up to 6 km/s) at liquid-nitrogen-cooled ice targets of synthetic seawater (SSW). An Al witness foil is positioned to determine particle size, and ice particle impact speed is determined by high-speed video. The ice particles smash and sublimate on impact leaving salt residue, dents, and pits on the Al witness foil. We characterized Ice grains type, abundance, density, shape, and distribution caliper (Ferret)diameter via image pattern recognition analysis (ImageJ Software) of still camera photographs of the Al target. Results: Our hyper-velocity impact experiments generated an Enceladus plume analog with an ice particle mean diameter within the particle size distribution (i.e., 2 micrometers to 50 micrometers) as determined by Cassini’s multiple instruments [8]. Simulated impact speed ranged0.2 km/s to 1-2 km/s. The continued experimental production of high-velocity, micrometer-sized ice grains is underway at the AVGR. The relevance of ice particle generation is multifold, so are its applications. These include testing for fragmentation of molecular organics to interpret Cassini’s data (e.g., Cassini Data Analysis Program) and studies of forwarding contamination (a planetary protection issue).

Rosalba Bonaccorsi↗
NASA NTRS1991

Fuzzy set methods for object recognition in space applications

Progress on the following tasks is reported: (1) fuzzy set-based decision making methodologies; (2) feature calculation; (3) clustering for curve and surface fitting; and (4) acquisition of images. The general structure for networks based on fuzzy set connectives which are being used for information fusion and decision making in space applications is described. The structure and training techniques for such networks consisting of generalized means and gamma-operators are described. The use of other hybrid operators in multicriteria decision making is currently being examined. Numerous classical features on image regions such as gray level statistics, edge and curve primitives, texture measures from cooccurrance matrix, and size and shape parameters were implemented. Several fractal geometric features which may have a considerable impact on characterizing cluttered background, such as clouds, dense star patterns, or some planetary surfaces, were used. A new approach to a fuzzy C-shell algorithm is addressed. NASA personnel are in the process of acquiring suitable simulation data and hopefully videotaped actual shuttle imagery. Photographs have been digitized to use in the algorithms. Also, a model of the shuttle was assembled and a mechanism to orient this model in 3-D to digitize for experiments on pose estimation is being constructed.

Keller, James M.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Cluster Analysis of IRIS Spectroscopic Line Profiles and SDO/AIA EUV Emission in Observations and RMHD Simulations of the Solar Atmosphere

Spatially-resolved observations from the IRIS and SDO/AIA satellites, especially when coupled with realistic 3D RMHD simulations, are a powerful tool for analysis of processes in the solar chromosphere, transition region, and corona. However, the complexity of the data makes understanding the observations and modeling results difficult. In this work, we apply unsupervised clustering algorithms for analysis of observational and synthetic chromospheric Mg II h&k 2796Å&2803Å and transition region C II 1334Å&1335Å line profiles observed by IRIS, and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) emission observed by SDO/AIA, for various types of problems. The synthetic line profiles are computed for simulations of the quiescent solar atmosphere (using the StellarBox and RH1.5 codes). The K-Means clustering algorithm is applied, and the selection of an optimal number of clusters is supported by the average silhouette width technique. We discuss applications of the line profile clustering method to 1) visualization of computational and observational spectroscopic imaging data; 2) understanding of evolutionary trends and behavior patterns of quiet Sun emission and during solar flares; and 3) recognition of heating events and shock waves.

Sadykov, Viacheslav↗