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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 19 records

Filtering Interpolators for Image Comparison Algorithms

Comparing two or more images, either by differencing or ratioing, is important to many remote sensing problems. Because the pixel sample points for the images are (almost) always separated by some nonzero shift, a resampling, or interpolation, process must be performed if one image is to be accurately compared to another. Considered in Fourier space, an interpolator acts as a filter that attenuates some frequencies (usually high) of the image. Thus, when the shifted and unshifted images are compared, the former has been filtered, while the latter has not; the effect of this difference is called interpolation error. The key idea of this paper is to apply a filter to the unshifted image that matches the filtering effect of applying the interpolator to the shifted image, thereby drastically reducing interpolation error. The resulting interpolators, called filtering interpolators, are derived and discussed in detail elsewhere. Basic results will be given in this presentation.

Lucke, R. L.↗

NASA team algorithm for sea ice concentration retrieval from Defense Meteorological Satellite Program special sensor microwave imager - Comparison with Landsat satellite imagery

The present study describes the validation of the the NASA team algorithm for the determination of sea ice concentrations from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program special sensor microwave imager (SSM/I). A total of 28 cloud-free Landsat scenes were selected to permit validation of the passive microwave ice concentration algorithm for a range of ice concentrations and ice types. The sensitivity of the NASA team algorithm to the selection of locally and seasonally adjusted algorithm parameters is discussed. Mean absolute differences between SSM/I and Landsat ice concentrations are within 1 percent during fall using local and global tie points (standard deviations of the difference are +/-3.1 and +/-6.2 percent, respectively). In areas with greater amounts of nilas and young ice, the NASA team algorithm was found to underestimate ice concentrations by as much as 9 percent. It is inferred that the standard deviation between SSM/I and Landsat ice concentrations decreases from +/-7 to +/-5 percent with local tie points compared to the global ones for spring and fall.

Steffen, Konrad↗

Conductance Effects on Inner Magnetospheric Plasma Morphology: Model Comparisons with IMAGE EUV, MENA, and HENA Data

Modeling results of the inner magnetosphere showing the influence of the ionospheric conductance on the inner magnetospheric electric fields during the April 17, 2002 magnetic storm are presented. Kinetic plasma transport code results are analyzed in combination with observations of the inner magnetospheric plasma populations, in particular those from the IMAGE satellite. Qualitative and quantitative comparisons are made with the observations from EW, MENA, and HENA, covering the entire energy range simulated by the model (0 to 300 keV). The electric field description, and in particular the ionospheric conductance, is the only variable between the simulations. Results from the data-model comparisons are discussed, detailing the strengths and weaknesses of each conductance choice for each energy channel.

Liemohn, M.↗

A comparison of Image Quality Models and Metrics Predicting Object Detection

Many models and metrics for image quality predict image discriminability, the visibility of the difference between a pair of images. Some image quality applications, such as the quality of imaging radar displays, are concerned with object detection and recognition. Object detection involves looking for one of a large set of object sub-images in a large set of background images and has been approached from this general point of view. We find that discrimination models and metrics can predict the relative detectability of objects in different images, suggesting that these simpler models may be useful in some object detection and recognition applications. Here we compare three alternative measures of image discrimination, a multiple frequency channel model, a single filter model, and RMS error.

Rohaly, Ann Marie↗

A comparison of imaging methods for use in an array biosensor

An array biosensor has been developed which uses an actively-cooled, charge-coupled device (CCD) imager. In an effort to save money and space, a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera and photodiode were tested as replacements for the cooled CCD imager. Different concentrations of CY5 fluorescent dye in glycerol were imaged using the three different detection systems with the same imaging optics. Signal discrimination above noise was compared for each of the three systems.

Evaluation Studies↗

Comparison of Image Restoration Methods for Lunar Epithermal Neutron Emission Mapping

Orbital measurements of neutrons by the Lunar Exploring Neutron Detector (LEND) onboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter are being used to quantify the spatial distribution of near surface hydrogen (H). Inferred H concentration maps have low signal-to-noise (SN) and image restoration (IR) techniques are being studied to enhance results. A single-blind. two-phase study is described in which four teams of researchers independently developed image restoration techniques optimized for LEND data. Synthetic lunar epithermal neutron emission maps were derived from LEND simulations. These data were used as ground truth to determine the relative quantitative performance of the IR methods vs. a default denoising (smoothing) technique. We review and used factors influencing orbital remote sensing of neutrons emitted from the lunar surface to develop a database of synthetic "true" maps for performance evaluation. A prior independent training phase was implemented for each technique to assure methods were optimized before the blind trial. Method performance was determined using several regional root-mean-square error metrics specific to epithermal signals of interest. Results indicate unbiased IR methods realize only small signal gains in most of the tested metrics. This suggests other physically based modeling assumptions are required to produce appreciable signal gains in similar low SN IR applications.

McClanahan, T. P.↗

Titan: Evidence for seasonal change - A comparison of Hubble Space Telescope and Voyager images

A comparison of images of Titan obtained by the HST in August, 1990 with Voyager 1 and 2 images respectively obtained 10 and 9 years earlier has indicated a reversal of the seasonal hemispheric brightness asymmetry near 440 and 550 nm wavelengths; the northern hemisphere is in the more recent observations the brighter of the two, by about 10 percent. Titan's albedo pattern is therefore adequately explained by a seasonal model.

Caldwell, John↗

AXAF-1 High Resolution Assembly Image Model and Comparison with X-Ray Ground Test Image

The x-ray ground test of the AXAF-I High Resolution Mirror Assembly was completed in 1997 at the X-ray Calibration Facility at Marshall Space Flight Center. Mirror surface measurements by HDOS, alignment results from Kodak, and predicted gravity distortion in the horizontal test configuration are being used to model the x-ray test image. The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) image modeling serves as a cross check with Smithsonian Astrophysical observatory modeling. The MSFC image prediction software has evolved from the MSFC model of the x-ray test of the largest AXAF-I mirror pair in 1991. The MSFC image modeling software development is being assisted by the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The modeling process, modeling software, and image prediction will be discussed. The image prediction will be compared with the x-ray test results.

Zissa, David E.↗

A Comparison of Three Methods for Measuring Distortion in Optical Windows

It's important that imagery seen through large-area windows, such as those used on space vehicles, not be substantially distorted. Many approaches are described in the literature for measuring the distortion of an optical window, but most suffer from either poor resolution or processing difficulties. In this paper a new definition of distortion is presented, allowing accurate measurement using an optical interferometer. This new definition is shown to be equivalent to the definitions provided by the military and the standards organizations. In order to determine the advantages and disadvantages of this new approach, the distortion of an acrylic window is measured using three different methods: image comparison, moiré interferometry, and phase-shifting interferometry.

Interferometry↗

Fractal mapping of digitized images - Application to the topography of Arizona and comparisons with synthetic images

The concept of fractal mapping is introduced and applied to digitized topography of Arizona. It is shown that the fractal statistics satisfy the topography of the state to a good approximation. The fractal dimensions and roughness amplitudes from subregions are used to construct maps of these quantities. It is found that the fractal dimension of actual two-dimensional topography is not affected by the adding unity to the fractal dimension of one-dimensional topographic tracks. In addition, consideration is given to the production of fractal maps from synthetically derived topography.

Huang, J.↗

EOS workstation

This final report summarizes the work done from mid-1989 until January 1992 to develop a prototype set of tools for the analysis of EOS-type images. Such images are characterized by great multiplicity and quantity. A single 'snapshot' of EOS-type imagery may contain several hundred component images so that on a particular pixel, one finds multiple gray values. A prototype EOS-sensor, AVIRIS, has 224 gray values at each pixel. The work focused on the ability to utilize very large images and continuously roam through those images, zoom and be able to hold more than one black and white or color image, for example for stereo viewing or for image comparisons. A second focus was the utilization of so-called 'image cubes', where multiple images need to be co-registered and then jointly analyzed, viewed, and manipulated. The target computer platform that was selected was a high-performance graphics superworkstation, Stardent 3000. This particular platform offered many particular graphics tools such as the Application Visualization System (AVS) or Dore, but it missed availability of commercial third-party software for relational data bases, image processing, etc. The project was able to cope with these limitations and a phase-3 activity is currently being negotiated to port the software and enhance it for use with a novel graphics superworkstation to be introduced into the market in the Spring of 1993.

Leberl, Franz↗

The precision-processing subsystem for the Earth Resources Technology Satellite.

Description of the precision processor, a subsystem in the image-processing system for the Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS). This processor is a special-purpose image-measurement and printing system, designed to process user-selected bulk images to produce 1:1,000,000-scale film outputs and digital image data, presented in a Universal-Transverse-Mercator (UTM) projection. The system will remove geometric and radiometric errors introduced by the ERTS multispectral sensors and by the bulk-processor electron-beam recorder. The geometric transformations required for each input scene are determined by resection computations based on reseau measurements and image comparisons with a special ground-control base contained within the system; the images are then printed and digitized by electronic image-transfer techniques.

Chapelle, W. E.↗

Comparison of OVERFLOW Computational and Experimental Results for a Blunt Mars Entry Vehicle Concept During Supersonic Retropropulsion

Simulations of supersonic retropropulsion (SRP) flow over a Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) blunt-body vehicle were performed using the Overflow Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solver. Simulation conditions and geometry were designed to match specific test runs in the Descent System Study (DSS) testing campaign. The relative accuracy of simulation predictions are assessed by direct comparison to experimental data. Computational predictions of the SRP flowfield and bow shock shape are compared to experimental schlieren images. Comparisons of the model surface pressure environment are presented for unsteady and static discrete tap data as well as time-averaged Pressure-Sensitive Paint (PSP) data.

Supersonic Retropropulsion↗

Visibility of comet nuclei

Photography of the nucleus of comet Halley is the goal of several planned space missions. The nucleus of a comet is surrounded by a cloud of dust particles. If this cloud is optically thick, it will prevent observation of the nuclear surface. Broadband photometry of nine comets has been analyzed to determine the visibility of their nuclei. Only in the case of comet West near perihelion was the dust dense enough to interfere with imaging. Comparison of the visual brightness of the well-observed comets with that of Halley in 1910 leads to the conclusion that the nucleus of Halley can be imaged without significant obscuration by the dust.

Ney, E. P.↗

Evidence for precession of the R Aquarii jet

Several models of the R Aqr northeast jet have been proposed which attempt to explain the presence of shock excitation, resulting in a confusing picture of this nearest astrophysical jet. This paper compares observations of the jet in the R Aqr system with the HST's Faint Object Camera (FOC) and radio continuum images acquired with the VLA. The forbidden-O III jet structure is derived from restored FOC imagery, which has been convolved with an elliptical Gaussian of the same size as the restoring beam of the 6-cm VLA maps, allowing image comparison at the same spatial resolution. It is found that, at increasing distances from the central star, the forbidden O III emission knots that comprise the optical jet occur at systematically larger position angles when compared with corresponding features in the radio images. The angular separation of forbidden O III and radio continuum emission can be understood in terms of a shock formed when ejecta in the stream interacts with previously existing circumstellar material and subsequently cools by nebular line emission.

Hollis, J. M.↗