Engineering Commons^™

Motion And Intrusion Detection Using A Pyroelectric Detector, Randy R. Fields

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this paper is to describe a device that passively detects the presence of a warm-bodied object in a specified area. The detecting device used is a pyroelectric detector with an integral optical filter. By focusing infrared radiation generated by the object onto the detector, the resulting temperature change is converted to a voltage and then amplified. Modulation of the incoming radiation is accomplished by a rotating disk whose speed of rotation is dynamically controlled by a microprocessor. The resulting detector response is filtered and converted to a DC level. The signal is then passed through an analog-to-digital …

Design For Conversion Of Ucf's Supersonic Wind Tunnel To A Wind Tunnel With Hypersonic Capability, Huseyin S. Sivasligil

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A supersonic wind tunnel, currently in existence at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida, is examined to determine feasibility for conversion to a wind tunnel with hypersonic capability. Computational data are presented, and the determination is made that the existing wind tunnel can be converted if alterations and additions are made. These changes include replacement of the existing two dimensional nozzle with a two dimensional nozzle specifically designed for operation at Mach number 7, and the addition of a vacuum tank and heater. The use of an axisymmetric nozzle design is recommended for conversion to Mach numbers higher …

Experimental Verification Of Laser Speckle Power Spectral Density, Christopher T. Chiles

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The dependence of laser speckle power spectral density on the autocorrelation of the aperture pupil function was verified using a charge injection device (CID) camera. Speckle patterns acquired by the CID array were processed to compute the power spectral density (PSD). Three aperture shapes were studied. There was good agreement between the theoretical and experimental power spectral density shapes, and the cutoff frequencies agreed within five percent error.

Implementing Path Control, English Motion Commands And Off Line Programming On Minimover-5 Robot, Mark S. Chen

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

According to Alan L. Porter and Frederick A. Rossini (1987), 50,000 robots are expected to be installed by year 2000. This increasing number of robots to be used in industry has lead to the need for skilled robot operators and programmers. However, to train this specific class of personnel using an industrial robot as a training tool can be expensive and dangerous due to the possibility of robot accidents. Therefore, in order to provide a safe, inexpensive, and effective training tool, the use of the Mini-Mover-5 educational robot is proposed. The MiniMover-5 has only a primitive programming capability. A use-friendly …

Diffraction Modelling For Saw Devices On Anisotropic Substrates, Melanie A. Roberts

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents two approaches to solving the diffraction problem for SAW devices on anisotropic substrates. Diffraction is a nonlinear second-order effect which alters SAW performance, and some of the difficulty in predicting the actual effect is the anisotropy of acoustic materials, which makes the Fresnel Integral solution non-trivial. An accurate model for diffraction effects will allow compensation to be made without iterations in expensive and time consuming fabrication and testing processes, especially since it is difficult to isolate diffraction from other second-order effects. Of the two methods of modelling, one is a Fresnel Integral evaluation approach, and the other …

Remote Data Acquisition And Error Analysis Of The Scattering Parameters Of Quartz Crystal Devices, Sallie Layton Douglas

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A two-port device can be described by the incident and reflected voltages at each port. The parameters used in this description are known as scattering parameters. Accurate measurement of the values are thus important in device evaluation and network design. Limitations arise with the measurement capability of the equipment. In order to reduce these limitations, the data acquisition is controlled remotely by a computer program. The program also offers an error correction analysis of the measurement results. The measurement setup and basic approach are discussed as well as the techniques of normalization and calibration of each scattering parameter. The computer …

Image Reconstruction After Transform Coding Using Relative Entropy And Maximum Entropy, John S. Bodenschatz

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Presented are two new methods based on entropy for reconstructing images compressed with the Discrete Cosine transform. One method is based upon a sequential implementation of the Minimum Relative Entropy Principle; the other is based upon the Maximum Entropy Principle. These will be compared with each other and with the conventional method employing the Inverse Discrete Cosine transform. Chapter 2 describes the traditional use of the Discrete Cosine transform for image compression. Chapter 3 explains the theory and implementation of the entropy-based reconstructions. It introduces a fast algorithm for the Maximum Entropy Principle. Chapter 4 compares the numerical performance of …

Implementation Of A Parallel Ynet Architecture, Julie Nadeau Leblanc

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A simulation of an alternate implementation of a redundant busing network based on the Teradata Ynet architecture is presented. An overview of the Teradata DBC/1012 data base parallel processing computer including the Ynet, an active logic busing network, is given. Other multiprocessor busing networks are examined and compared to the standard Ynet and the alternate Ynet.

In the standard Ynet system, two networks, called Ynets, process message packets concurrently. When one of the Ynet paths fails, the system is reset. The remaining Ynet path restarts using the previously interrupted packets and processing continues without the aid of the failed Ynet. …

Analysis Of Flexible Pavement On The Basis Of Deflection Basins, Dinesh M. Kamath

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The pavement at research park called Research Parkway and Discovery Drive was found Deteriorated within two years of the construction. The need to evaluate the extent of the damage and the estimate of remaining life of pavement initiate the research study. The analysis presented in this report is based on the measurements of the surface deflections and the layered elastic theory. The life expectancy of the pavement can be estimated by the amount of pavement deflection developed within the pavement system. The parameters used in the analysis are the applied load, material of the pavement components and environmental effects. Trial …

A New Relative Entropy Based Method For Probability Mass Function Estimation, William A. Marinelli

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Presented is a new algorithm for implementing the Relative Entropy method for estimating the probability density function of a process. The Relative Entropy principle can also be used to estimate the power spectrum of a random process as presented in Appendix A.

Chapter 2 presents the current method of pdf estimation using the Relative Entropy method. In this method a set of Lagrange multipliers are solved for simultaneously. The new algorithm, discussed in Chapter 3, presents a new, efficient method for solving for one Lagrange multiplier at a time, iteratively. The procedure presented allows one to estimate the probability density …

A Simulation Study Of A Limited Sensing Random Access Algorithm For A Local Area Network With Voice Users, Robert M. Spillers

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this work is to evaluate the perfonnance of a limited sensing random access algorithm in a local area network with voice users. Random access algorithms have proven to be very efficient in local area network environments with data users. However, in contrast to data packets, voice packets cannot be allowed to experience long delays, because of the requirement that a voice "data stream" must be played out at the receiver. If a voice packet does exceed its established maximum delay, it is discarded. This simulation study finds the number of voice users that a network can support, …

Speech Signal Representation Through Digital Signal Processing Techniques, Debbie A. Kravchuk

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This paper addresses several different signal processing methods for representing speech signals. Some of the techniques that are discussed include time domain coding which uses pulse-code, differential, or delta modulating methods. Also presented are frequency domain techniques such as sub-band coding and adaptive transform coding. In addition, this paper will discuss representing speech signals through source coding techniques via vocoders. A comparison of these different signal representation methods is included.

Spectral Shaping For The Hearing Impaired, Brian D. Mclean

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Presented is a method for shaping the audio spectrum in order to improve speech intelligibility for the hearing impaired. Audiological data is used to design a finite impulse response (FIR) digital filter using the frequency sampling method. Cubic spline interpolation is used to generate any number of frequency samples from the limited number available from audiological data. The computer aided design procedure presented allows the filter designer to specify hearing threshold levels and threshold of discomfort levels at audiogram frequencies. The algorithm uses cubic spline interpolation to generate a smooth curve of gain versus frequency. Next, root-mean-square (RMS) error is …

Design And Analysis Of A Voice Band Qpsk Modem, John F. Doud

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this paper is to design and construct a modem using the Quadrature Phase Shift Key digital modulation technique. The modem is designed to transmit information over a telephone line at the rate of 1200 bits per second subject to noise and imperfect channel response in the form of magnitude and delay distortion. The device is constructed using CMOS logic to minimize power consumption. To analyze the design with respect to the above constraints, it was necessary to build a pseudorandom bit sequence generator and correlator, a variable magnitude white noise generator and a digital error detector/indicator.

An Experimental And Theoretical Analysis Of A Laser Beam Propagating Through Multiple Phase Screens, Arthur R. Weeks

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

An experimental and a theoretical analysis for a laser beam propagating through multiple phase screens was performed. The theoretical analysis showed that the statistics for the intensity fluctuations, which can be predicted by the HK and the I-K distributions, could be derived from a multiplicative process using statistical distributions derived from Gaussian statistics. For the single phase screen experiment, the experimental normalized moments were compared with the normalized moments of both the HK and I-K distributions . In addition, the intensity data was lowpass filtered to yield moments that are predicted by the gamma distribution. The single phase screen data …

Tessellation For Computer Image Generation, Michael J. Panzitta

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Of the vast number of algorithms used in modem computer image generation, most rely upon data bases comprised of polygons. This constraint on the image generation system becomes a severe impediment when curved objects must be modeled and displayed with an acceptable level of speed and accuracy. A technique is needed which provides a means of modeling curved surfaces, storing them in a data base, and displaying them using existing algorithms.

Tessellation is one method of achieving such goals. A curved object is represented by some characteristic geometry of the object's surface, such as points and tangent vectors. A set …

Applications Of Artificial Intelligence In Military Training Simulation, Igor V. Golovcsenko

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This report is a survey of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology contributions to military training. It provides an overview of military training simulation and a review of instructional problems and challenges which can be addressed by AI. The survey includes current as well as potential applications of AI, with particular emphasis on design and system integration issues. Applications include knowledge and skills training in strategic planning and decision making, tactical warfare operations, electronics maintenance and repair, as well as computer-aided design of training systems. The report describes research contributions in the application of AI technology to the training world, and it …

Computer Simulation Of Dynamic Systems, Charles G. Smith

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Computer simulation of a control system is a valuable tool in design or performance evaluation. This is especially true when non-linear elements cannot be ignored and must be included within the model. A general purpose block diagram oriented simulation program will be developed which can utilize continuous, discrete and non-linear building blocks. The software tool will be demonstrated by means of an example.

Effect Of Manufacturing Tolerances On The Number Of Load Carrying Fasteners In A Joint Subjected To A Shear Load: A Statistical Approach, Larry John Borkowski

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Within the elastic range, the number of load-carrying fasteners in an interchangeable manufactured joint subjected to a shear load is dependent upon the following characteristics: 1. Material properties of the constituent parts in the shear joint. 2. Geometry of the shear joint. 3. Manufacturing tolerances of the constituent parts in the shear joint. 4. Number of fasteners in the shear joint. 5. Preload on the fasteners in the joint. 6. Static coefficient of friction between the joint surfaces. Neglecting the effects of preload and friction, the number of load-carrying fasteners is determined for a theoretical bolted joint design as a …

The Design Of A Processing Element For The Systolic Array Implementation Of A Kalman Filter, John P. Condorodis

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The Kalman filter is an important component of optimal estimation theory. It has applications in a wide range of high performance control systems including navigational, fire control, and targeting systems. The Kalman filter, however, has not been utilized to its full potential due to the limitations of its inherent computational intensiveness which requires "off-line" processing or allows only low bandwidth real-time applications.

The recent advances in VLSI circuit technology have created the opportunity to design algorithms and data structures for direct implementation in integrated circuits. A systolic architecture is a concept which allows the construction of massively parallel systems in …

Ada Tools For The Description And Simulation Of Digital Signal Processing Systems, Mark D. Happel

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

While specialized hardware description languages allow for maximum capability and efficiency in a design automation system, the use of a general purpose language in the same role can make the system more available or more available or more practical for a larger set of users. This project demonstrates the use of ADA* for the description and simulation of small digital signal processing systems. Building on conventions and primitives proposed by Denyer and Renshaw, a simple subsystem was described in ADA and then tested with a small simulator also written in ADA.

* ADA is a trademark of the United States …

The Creation Of An Expert System For Teaching Piano Lessons, Carol Chew

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Combining the arts with science and technology has had many beneficial results. Computers and music have been connected for many years. Computers have been used in music composition, electronic keyboards, music publishing and digital sound processing. Artificial intelligence has been used in creating expert systems for training people in various fields. An attempt will be made to tie together expert systems for training with current computerized music technology.

This research report proposes that an expert system be developed to teach piano lessons. The fields of music and artificial intelligence will be drawn upon in developing this expert system structure. While …

Influence Of Bromide Upon Trihalomethane Formation And Speciation, Thomas J. Christ

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the influence of bromide-ion concentrations upon trihalomethane (THM) formation and speciation. There is some speculation that bromide will increase the amount of THMs on a mass and/or molar basis. Previous research had indicated that bromide will affect the speciation to form the more brominated forms of THMs, but the extent of this speciation has not been clearly defined. Speciation is important when evaluating THM removal processes. The brominated species may require activated carbon for removal as opposed to air stripping for removal of the volatile species (chloroform).

To investigate the role of bromide ion, a half-fractional, factorial …

A 24-Hour Rainfall Distribution And Peak Rate Factors For Use In Southwest Florida, Geoffrey S. Dendy

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The objectives of this research were to derive a design 24-hour duration rainfall distribution for use in southwest Florida, and peak rate factors for use in the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) unit hydrograph method for two watersheds, also in the southwest Florida area. The rainfall distribution is derived by applying a least squares polynomial curve fitting technique to National Weather Service hourly rainfall data collected in the study area. The screening criteria for data included in the curve fitting procedure are: storm duration of 18 to 26 hours, at least three inches of rainfall volume, and peak intensity period falling …

Applications Of Simulation And Animation In Facilities Planning And Design, William Joseph Mattingly

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Recent developments of simulation software have made computer simulation and animation popular system problem-solving techniques. One field that has many potential applications for computer simulation and animation is in the area of facilities planning and design. The purpose of this paper is to provide the facilities planner with information to assist in determining when, why, how and what simulation software should be implemented to solve facilities planning and design problems. Also, the usefulness of simulation and animation to the facilities planner is evaluated and areas for improving software for future application in facilities planning and design are identified. TO assist …

Edge Direction Confidence Estimation For Improvement Of Hough Accumulation, Eric J. Grajales

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The Hough transform silhouette identification method requires a consistency of edge direction in the identification of similar silhouettes. Many gradient operators used in Hough preprocessing require a thresholding and a non-maxima suppression routine to aid the localization process. These routines may delete edges or cause edge fragmentation. These anomalies degrade the Hough performance due to the lack of accurate silhouette extraction, and reduce the correct localization in the Hough accumulator. Noise or sampling errors can be removed by several enhancement routines presented. They are mean, median, symmetric nearest neighbor, hi pass, and low pass filters.

An edge detection process is …

Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum Communication Simulation System, Mark D. Patz

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this work is to develop a fast, dynamic, and menu driven direct sequence spread spectrum communication simulation system for the Digital Equipment Corporation's VAX VMS line of computers. This software breaks the system down into two sections, the transmitter and the receiver. Each of the blocks that comprise the system is user definable in order to program the desired conditions. The input data and spreading data located within the transmitter are generated by a maximal length sequence generator, up to the tenth order. Encoding of the data is achieved by using an (n,k) cyclic code. A level …

Single Element Controlled Oscillator, Miguel A. Muniz

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Oscillator circuits play an important role in the electronics world. The Single Resistance Controlled Oscillator (SRCO) consists of an active stage, a bridge tee feedback network and the control element. The oscillation frequency will change as the control element is adjusted because the point of maximum gain at zero phase shift has been changed. Furthermore, the amplitude should remain constant. In practice, however, it does not. An analysis of the SRCO indicates that the amplitude increase is due to the effect of the pole introduced by the operational amplifier. This paper introduces a compensation that extends the useful range of …

Investigation Of Electrical Properties Of Earth Materials By Ground Penetrating Radar, Bishar S. Tannous

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Research was conducted at the University of Central Florida between September 1983 and July 1985 utilizing Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to determine values of dielectric constants of common earth materials and to establish a correlation between the dielectric constant of a material and its moisture content. GPR was also used on a concrete pavement to determine the dielectric constant of a concrete mix and to explore the possibilities of evaluating a concrete pavement by detecting embedded anomalies.

The earth materials selected for the purpose of this research were sandy soils, clayey soils and limestone aggregates. A model PVC tank supported …

The Design And Implementation Of An Interdigitated Directional Coupler For Use In Microwave Mixers, Golnaz Pourparviz

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to present a design for a balanced microwave mixer, operating in the X-band region(S-12 GHZ). The major emphasis of this work is on the coupling structure of the mixer. A 3-db interdigitated Lange coupler is designed, fabricated, and tested. The design obtained through numerical procedures is compared with that obtained with the TOUCHSTONE CAD package. A brief comparison between this coupler and other commonly used couplers is also presented. The diode circuitry of the mixer is discussed in detail, focusing mainly on the operation of the Schottky barrier diode, and finally a total layout …