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This document describes the content and organization of the Mariner 9 Mission Test Computer/Mission Test Video System microfiche library. This 775 card library is intended to supply the user with a complete record of the images received from Mars orbit during the Mariner 9 mission operations, from 15 Nov. 1971 to 1 Nov. 1972.
The Mariner 9 TV data that are now available from the National Space Science Data Center are described. Included are the mission test video system pictures, image processing laboratory/reduced data records, mosaics, and journal articles.
Some attempts to produce, with an AP/C analytical plotter, stereo models using Mariner 9 pictures are reported. The first attempt using geometrically uncorrected mission test video system (MTVS) imagery failed; the second, using corrected reduced data record (RDR) pictures also failed, probably because they were reconstructed through a vidicon display which introduces additional distortion. By using images obtained from RDR tape data through the Optronics Photowrite device, models were successfully obtained.
A preliminary albedo map of the Martian south polar region in stereographic projection was prepared mainly from mission test video system (MTVS) prints before rectified and gridded prints were received, but some adjustments were made to conform with a semi-controlled photomosaic. Wherever possible, use also was made of crater coordinates. Two versions of the map are presented: one with a coordinate grid overlay and one without it. The precision of the coordinates is generally within 1 deg in latitude and the corresponding are in longitude. The maps show both the albedo markings and, with subdued contrast, the craters and topographic features that are necessary to locate the former. The map covers the range of latitudes from - 65 deg to the south pole.
Techniques of video compression applicable to remotely piloted vehicles (RPVs) are investigated. One approach is to reduce the frame rate, the other is to reduce the number of bits per sample needed to represent static picture detail by means of digital video compression. Hadamard transforms of 8 x 8 subpictures, with adaptive and nonadaptive quantization of transform coefficients, were investigated for the latter technique. Tapes of typical RPV video, processed by Aeronautronic Ford to simulate four frame rates, were again processed by the Ames real-time video system to obtain a variety of compressions of each of the four frame rates.
The paper outlines an approach consisting of using analytical methods and empirical data to determine monitor size constraints based on the human operator's CRT viewing requirements in a context where panel space and volume considerations for the Space Shuttle aft cabin constrain the size of the monitor to be used. Two cases are examined: remote scene imaging and alphanumeric character display. The central parameter used to constrain monitor size is the ratio M/L where M is the monitor dimension and L the viewing distance. The study is restricted largely to 525 line video systems having an SNR of 32 db and bandwidth of 4.5 MHz. Degradation in these parameters would require changes in the empirically determined visual angle constants presented. The data and methods described are considered to apply to cases where operators are required to view via TV target objects which are well differentiated from the background and where the background is relatively sparse. It is also necessary to identify the critical target dimensions and cues.
Multidate Landsat imagery has been applied for crop identification purposes in Kern County, California. The county's arid climate provides complete sets of cloud-free imagery throughout the crop-growing season. Both manual and digital techniques are used to study the value of the data, and a semiautomated video system is used to extract densitometric data from Landsat transparencies. It is noted that temporal variations in single-date classification performance and increases in multidate performance are caused by the physiological and phenological differences between types of crops. These differences may be used to introduce crop calendar data into satellite crop surveys.
The gravity dependence of circumnutational activity in the sunflower hypocotyl is investigated under conditions of simulated weightlessness. Seedling cultures of the sunflower Helianthus annuus were placed four days after planting in clinostats rotating at a rate of 1.0 rpm in the horizontal or somersaulting configurations, and plant movements around their growth axes were recorded in infrared light by a time-lapse closed-circuit video system. The amplitudes and mean cycle durations of the plant nutations in the horizontal and tumbling clinostats are observed to be 20% and 72%, and 32% and 74%, respectively, of the values observed in stationary plants; extrapolations to a state of zero g by the imposition of small centripetal forces on horizontally clinostated plants also indicate some nutational motion in the absence of gravity. It is concluded that the results are incompatible with the model of Israelsson and Johnsson (1967) of geotropic response with overshoot for sunflower circumnutation; however, results of the Spacelab 1 mission experiment are needed to unambiguously define the role of gravitation.
Spectral analyses of optical images of the ocean surface, obtained by a digital video system, are presented and compared with wave data measured simultaneously by the JPL Waverider-mounted laser slope meter. The image analyses, which incorporate several new ideas, provide two-dimensional wave number spectra of slope, covering wavelengths from 10 cm to 10 m. These slope spectra are converted to wave height spectra by a new technique which includes the effects of sky radiance gradients. Space-time spectra are also presented for waves whose frequencies are less than 2 Hz. The JPL slope frequency spectra are compared with image wave number spectra which have been converted to frequency spectra by use of the gravity wave dispersion relation. Results of comparisons between the frequency spectra obtained from the two different measurements show reasonable agreement for frequencies less than 3 Hz.
A microcomputer-video system was used to measure both spatial and temporal variations of two dimensional fluid flow velocity fields. The system utilizes two methods: the first method is the traditional one in which tracers are introduced into the fluid and their position compared at two closely spaced times; and the second method involves scattering coherent light in the fluid and obtaining motion by analyzing the multiple exposed speckle pattern recorded on photographic film.
Silicon crystal growth monitored by new video system reduces operator stress and improves conditions for observation and control of growing process. System optics produce greater magnification vertically than horizontally, so entire meniscus and melt is viewed with high resolution in both width and height dimensions.
A dual-channel video system mounted on a stabilized two-axis gimbal system (mounted on the pallet) with associated optics and data handling electronics described the low light flux observations are required for: (1) investigating ionospheric transport processes by observing Mg+ ions; (2) supporting magnetospheric electron bounce experiments; (3) measuring electron cross sections for selected atmospheric species; (4) detecting small particle contamination; and (5) studying natural auroras.
The atmospheric emission photometric imaging (AEPI) consists of a dual channel, low light level video system with a filter wheel to isolate the emissions of interest, mounted on a stabilized, two axis gimbal system for pointing and control. The objectives are to produce images of various atmospheric emissions to: investigate ionospheric transport processes; observe induced emissions from artificial particle injection; measure electron impact cross sections of atmospheric species; study natural aurora at high spatial and temporal resolutions and in the ultraviolet.
Data compression allows video signals to be transmitted economically on telephone circuits. Telephone lines transmit television signals to remote traffic-control center. Lines also carry command signals from center to TV camera and compressor at highway site. Video system with television cameras positioned at critical points on highways allows traffic controllers to determine visually, almost immediately, exact cause of traffic-flow disruption; e.g., accidents, breakdowns, or spills, almost immediately. Controllers can then dispatch appropriate emergency services and alert motorists to minimize traffic backups.
The atmospheric emission photometric imaging (AEPI) consists of a dual channel, low light level video system with a filter wheel to isolate the emissions of interest, mounted on a stabilized, two axis gimbal system for pointing and control. The objectives are to produce images of various atmospheric emissions to: investigate ionospheric transport processes; observe induced emissions from artificial particle injection; measure electron impact cross sections of atmospheric species; study natural aurora at high spatial and temporal resolutions and in the ultraviolet.
Combination of basic and advanced techniques yields new capability for inspection. In new technique, surface first inspected with fluorescent penetrant dye to reveal flaws. Ruby ball of known diameter placed near flaw having to be measured. Flaw and ball observed through magnifying video system that can "freeze" image.
Algorithm enables experimental robotic land vehicle to follow automatically route computed on basis of terrain-height-map data. Computer executing algorithm merges coarser global topographical data with finer local topographical data obtained through stereoscopic video system as vehicle moves along, then smoothes merged elevation map, interpolates map to evenly-horizontally-spaced grid points, and differentiates map to produce data on slopes and roughness for use in calculations of traversability and optimum route(s). Distance traveled minimized to extent possible consistent with avoidance of obstacles.
Digital technique for generation of slowly moving video image of sinusoidal grating avoids difficulty of transferring full image data from disk storage to image memory at conventional frame rates. Depends partly on trigonometric identity by which moving sinusoidal grating decomposed into two stationary patterns spatially and temporally modulated in quadrature. Makes motion appear smooth, even at speeds much less than one-tenth picture element per frame period. Applicable to digital video system in which image memory consists of at least 2 bits per picture element, and final brightness of picture element determined by contents of "lookup-table" memory programmed anew each frame period and indexed by coordinates of each picture element.