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Full-Text Articles in Signal Processing

Real-Time Camera Tracking System Using Optical Flow Feature Points, Daniel D. Doyle, Alan L. Jennings, Jonathan T. Black Jul 2017

Real-Time Camera Tracking System Using Optical Flow Feature Points, Daniel D. Doyle, Alan L. Jennings, Jonathan T. Black

AFIT Patents

A new apparatus and method for tracking a moving object with a moving camera provides a real-time, narrow field-of-view, high resolution and on target image by combining commanded motion with an optical flow algorithm for deriving motion and classifying background. Commanded motion means that movement of the pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) unit is “commanded” by a computer, instead of being observed by the camera, so that the pan, tilt and zoom parameters are known, as opposed to having to be determined, significantly reducing the computational requirements for tracking a moving object. The present invention provides a single camera pan …


Pulse Shape Correlation For Laser Detection And Ranging (Ladar), Brian T. Deas Mar 2010

Pulse Shape Correlation For Laser Detection And Ranging (Ladar), Brian T. Deas

Theses and Dissertations

Radar systems provide an important remote sensing capability, and are crucial to the layered sensing vision; a concept of operation that aims to apply the right number of the right types of sensors, in the right places, at the right times for superior battle space situational awareness. The layered sensing vision poses a range of technical challenges, including radar, that are yet to be addressed. To address the radar-specific design challenges, the research community responded with waveform diversity; a relatively new field of study which aims reduce the cost of remote sensing while improving performance. Early work suggests that the …


Full-Wave Based Validation Of Stripline Field Applicator For Low Frequency Material Measurements, James H. Crane Ii Mar 2009

Full-Wave Based Validation Of Stripline Field Applicator For Low Frequency Material Measurements, James H. Crane Ii

Theses and Dissertations

This research presents the analysis and verification of a stripline designed by Air Force Research Laboratory for use in measuring the electrical properties of materials at low frequencies and high temperature. It is designed to operate in the TEM mode up to 4 Ghz and have a characteristic impedance of 50 ohms. A full wave base method is used to analyze the structure. The parallel plate waveguide dyadic Green's function is developed for a current immersed in a PEC parallel plate environment. It is used to formulate a pair of coupled electric field integral equations (CIE). These CIEs are solved …


Using Shadows To Detect Targets In Synthetic Aperture Radar Imagery, Brian P. Donnell Mar 2009

Using Shadows To Detect Targets In Synthetic Aperture Radar Imagery, Brian P. Donnell

Theses and Dissertations

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) can generate high resolution imagery of re- mote scenes by combining the phase information of multiple radar pulses along a given path. SAR based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) has the advantage over optical ISR that it can provide usable imagery in adverse weather or nighttime conditions. Certain radar frequencies can even result in foliage or limited soil penetration, enabling imagery to be created of objects of interest that would otherwise be hidden from optical surveillance systems. This thesis demonstrates the capability of locating stationary targets of interest based on the locations of their shadows and …


Forward Looking Radar: Interference Modelling, Characterization, And Suppression, James T. Caldwell Mar 2004

Forward Looking Radar: Interference Modelling, Characterization, And Suppression, James T. Caldwell

Theses and Dissertations

This research characterizes forward looking radar performance while noting differences with traditionally examined sidelooking radar. The target detection problem for forward looking radar is extremely difficult due to the severe, heterogeneous and range dependent ground clutter. Consequently, forward looking radar detection represents an important but overlooked topic because of the increased difficulty compared to sidelooking radar. This void must be filled since most fighter aircraft use forward looking radar, making this topic intensely interesting to the Air Force. After characterizing forward looking radar performance, basic radar concepts along with advanced adaptive interference suppression techniques improve the output Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR) …


Wavelet-Based Audio Embedding & Audio/Video Compression, Michael J. Mendenhall Mar 2001

Wavelet-Based Audio Embedding & Audio/Video Compression, Michael J. Mendenhall

Theses and Dissertations

With the decline in military spending, the United States relies heavily on state side support. Communications has never been more important. High-quality audio and video capabilities are a must. Watermarking, traditionally used for copyright protection, is used in a new and exciting way. An efficient wavelet-based watermarking technique embeds audio information into a video signal. Several highly effective compression techniques are applied to compress the resulting audio/video signal in an embedded fashion. This wavelet-based compression algorithm incorporates bit plane coding, first difference coding, and Huffman coding. To demonstrate the potential of this audio embedding audio/video compression system, an audio signal …


Bistatic Radar Cross Section (Rcs) Characterization Of Complex Objects, Robert L. Eigel Jr. Jun 1999

Bistatic Radar Cross Section (Rcs) Characterization Of Complex Objects, Robert L. Eigel Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This research addresses some phenomenological aspects of bistatic scattering from a complex object with an emphasis on specular, shadowing, dihedral, and cavity effects. Five targets are investigated for their simplicity and ability to highlight certain scattering phenomena. Direct measurements of scattered electromagnetic energy and simulation data is gathered for a frequency bandwidth of 6-18 GHz. Both ray tracing and scattering center approaches are used to describe the bistatic mechanisms. An appraisal of the effectiveness and utility of the monostatic-to-bistatic equivalence theorems (Kell's and Crispin's) and several commercial scattering prediction codes is also accomplished. Simulation data is generated from two different …


Low Grazing Angle Terrain Backscattering Coefficient Generator, William N. O'Connor Mar 1999

Low Grazing Angle Terrain Backscattering Coefficient Generator, William N. O'Connor

Theses and Dissertations

A near-horizon probabilistic terrain backscatter coefficient generator is introduced, combining modified sea-state curves with Weibull-type probability density functions. A total of nine terrain type classifications (soils & rocks, trees, grasses, shrubs, short vegetation, roads, urban areas, dry snow, and wet snow) are supported, for seven radar bands (L, S, C, X, Ku, Ka, and W), and both linear (HH, VV) and cross (HV, VH) polarizations. The Weibull functions are based on measured sigma and match the published data. The functions also provide a probabilistic nature to the generator. Modified sea state curves are used in place of the Weibull functions …


The Effect Of Registration Errors On Tracking In A Networked Radar System, Bradley J. Mortenson Mar 1999

The Effect Of Registration Errors On Tracking In A Networked Radar System, Bradley J. Mortenson

Theses and Dissertations

To successfully combine information from distributed radar sensors, it is essential that each sensor be correctly referenced in a global coordinate system. If there are biases in the reported position of these sensors, the reported target position will also be biased and the ensuing global estimate of the target position will be degraded. Furthermore, any biases in range or azimuth measurements of these sensors will likewise be reflected in the degradation of global estimate of target position. Registration is the process of ensuring that these errors do not result in the creation of an additional redundant target when only a …


Non Co-Operative Detection Of Lpi/Lpd Signals Via Cyclic Spectral Analysis, Andrew M. Gillman Mar 1999

Non Co-Operative Detection Of Lpi/Lpd Signals Via Cyclic Spectral Analysis, Andrew M. Gillman

Theses and Dissertations

This research proposes and evaluates a novel technique for detecting LPI/LPD communication signals using a digital receiver primarily designed to detect radar signals, such as a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) or an Electronic Support Measures (ESM) receiver. The proposed Cyclic Spectrum Analysis (CSA) receiver is a robust detector that takes advantage of the spectral correlation properties of second-order cyclostationary signals. A computationally efficient algorithm is used to estimate the Spectral Correlation Function (SCF). Using state-of-the-art FFT processing, it is expected that the proposed CSA receiver architecture could estimate the entire cyclic spectrum m approximately 0.6 ms. The estimate is then …


Terrain Backscattering Coefficient Generator, Ricardo Mediavilla Mar 1999

Terrain Backscattering Coefficient Generator, Ricardo Mediavilla

Theses and Dissertations

Using already available data, a backscattering coefficient generator (BCG) for several types of terrain and measurement conditions is developed. The types of terrain are: (1) soils and rocks, (2) trees, (3) grasses, (4) shrubs, (5) short vegetation, (6) roads, (7) urban areas, (8) dry snow, and (9) wet snow. These data sets typically cover incidence angles ranging between 0 and 80 degrees where 0 is normal to the terrain. Measurement conditions are defined by: (1) incidence angle, (2) wave polarizations configuration (HH, HV, or VV), and (3) radar band (L, C, S, X, Ku, Ka, or W). The BCG output …


Trade-Off Analysis Of Communications Capabilities Of Inter-Satellite Links, Andrew J. Feltman Mar 1999

Trade-Off Analysis Of Communications Capabilities Of Inter-Satellite Links, Andrew J. Feltman

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis designs, develops, and uses software Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) to analyze the communications capabilities of Radio Frequency (RF) Inter-Satellite Links (ISLs). The GUIs are geared towards analyzing the proposed ISLs of the Discoverer II program, but are general enough to permit analysis of any free-space RF ISLs. Discoverer II is a demonstration program of low-earth orbiting satellites and is primarily focused on satellite-based sensor technology. This thesis shows RF ISLs can meet the program requirement to broadcast the sensor data back to CONUS in near-real-time. The GUIs operate in real-time and explore trade-offs in the communications capability by …


An Empirical Prediction Model Of The Performance Impacts Of Material Tolerances In Frequency Selective Surfaces Using The Monte Carlo Method, Matthew D. Craig Mar 1999

An Empirical Prediction Model Of The Performance Impacts Of Material Tolerances In Frequency Selective Surfaces Using The Monte Carlo Method, Matthew D. Craig

Theses and Dissertations

Standard computational tools predicting frequency selective surface (FSS) performance model periodic structures as an infinite-by-infinite array of perfectly placed elements with perfect, identical dimensions, and with dielectric layers of uniform thickness and material composition. These models do not address perturbations caused by manufacturing tolerances of elements and dielectric layers, nor do they address edge effects caused by finite-by-finite dimensional arrays. The Monte Carlo Method was used to determine the effects of random variations in element dimension, placement, dielectric thickness, and dielectric material on FSS performance. A full-factorial experimental design was applied, and eight hundred twenty-five unique finite arrays of elements …


Antenna Gain Enhancement Using A Photonic Band Gap Reflector, Karl C. Schloer Mar 1999

Antenna Gain Enhancement Using A Photonic Band Gap Reflector, Karl C. Schloer

Theses and Dissertations

Scientists have long known that periodic structures can filter electromagnetic (EM) waves. In the last decade, extension of one- and two-dimensionally periodic structures into a third periodic dimension has produced photonic band gap (PBG) structures. A PBG structure is characterized by its omnidirectional stop band at a set of frequencies determined by the structure's periodicity and permittivity. In the present research, we investigate such a structure as an antenna reflector. We aim to develop a modeling approach that provides accurate computations of PBG behavior without relying on massively parallel processing. We also construct and measure the bulk reflection and transmission …


Application Of The Finite Element Method To The Scattering Of A Two-Dimensional, Semi-Infinite Periodic Structure, Perry N. Villanueva Mar 1999

Application Of The Finite Element Method To The Scattering Of A Two-Dimensional, Semi-Infinite Periodic Structure, Perry N. Villanueva

Theses and Dissertations

Infinite periodic structures have been studied heavily because of their efficient filtering capabilities. They generally exhibit sharp frequency roll-offs at the frequency band of interest. In the RF region of the electromagnetic spectrum, periodic structures find applications such as radomes and photonic bandgap materials. Most studies have been done with infinitely periodic arrays because it is convenient to collapse an infinite array into one representative period using Floquet Analysis. Truncating an infinite array introduces an edge and invalidates Floquet analysis over the entire array. This thesis formulates a Finite Element Method (FEM) solution of a semi-infinite periodic array consisting of …


A Climatology-Based Model For Long-Term Prediction Of Radar Beam Refraction, Todd S. Pittman Mar 1999

A Climatology-Based Model For Long-Term Prediction Of Radar Beam Refraction, Todd S. Pittman

Theses and Dissertations

The National Air Intelligence Center, WPAFB, OH, needs more accurate predictions of radar beam refraction. A new mode was developed for this thesis replacing the standard atmosphere approach with raytracing and climatology. Usually a microwave radio beam bends towards the earth with a radius of curvature greater than the earth's surface. However, seasonal and climatic variations influence the bending, and at times create temperature or moisture inversions that redirect the energy along the earth's surface leaving radio holes where there is no coverage. This model uses iterative raytracing to determine the most direct path from radar to target through the …


Modulation Of Electrostatic Microelectromechanical Mirrors Using A Cmos Controller, Paul C. Rounsavall Mar 1999

Modulation Of Electrostatic Microelectromechanical Mirrors Using A Cmos Controller, Paul C. Rounsavall

Theses and Dissertations

Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) is a rapidly growing technology that lends itself particularly well to optical applications. An example of an optical MEMS device is the piston-action mirror that modulates the phase of reflected light. The phase of reflected light can be varied using thermal or electrostatic actuation to control the position of the mirror. In previous research, a modulation method to control thermally actuated mirrors was developed. This thesis presents the development, implementation, fabrication, and testing of a complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) controller capable of directly interfacing between a digital system, such as a computer, and an electrostatically actuated …


Loop Gain Estimation For Adaptive Control, Jamey P. Sillence Mar 1999

Loop Gain Estimation For Adaptive Control, Jamey P. Sillence

Theses and Dissertations

The identification of a linear discrete-time control system's loop gain is addressed. The classical Kalman filter theory for state estimation in linear control systems is extended, and the control system's loop gain and state are jointly estimated. A rigorous analysis of the measurement situation under consideration yields explicit formulae for the loop gain's unbiased estimate and estimation error's covariance.


Ultra-Wideband Tem Horns, Transient Arrays And Exponential Curves: A Fdtd Look, Troy S. Utton Mar 1999

Ultra-Wideband Tem Horns, Transient Arrays And Exponential Curves: A Fdtd Look, Troy S. Utton

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates the possibility of applying exponentially curved conducting plates to single-element Transverse Electromagnetic (TEM) horns and their transient arrays to enhance the UWB characteristics already experienced by these radiators. The first part of this study demonstrates the Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method's ability to duplicate experimental data, and establishes the baseline models used throughout the remainder of the research. The baseline models consist of the typical flat-triangle shaped conducting plates. The exponential taper models incorporate the exponential curves in the height, the width, and both the height and width directions. One, two- and four-element baseline configurations are compared to …


An Integrated Synthetic Aperture Radar/Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System For Target Geolocation Improvement, Brian J. Young Mar 1999

An Integrated Synthetic Aperture Radar/Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System For Target Geolocation Improvement, Brian J. Young

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores a potential integration technique to fuse information from an inertial navigation system (INS) and global positioning system (GPS) with synthetic aperture radar target measurements. Using Kalman filtering techniques, an INSIGPS/SAR integrated system was simulated in a single Kalman filter to analyze the SAR target geolocation accuracy benefits. Three different GPS receiver models were used in the integrated system: stand-alone (SGPS), differential (DGPS), and carrier-phase differential GPS (CPGPS). Each of these GPS models were integrated with a common INSISAR combination to determine the target geolocation accuarcy improvements due only to GPS receiver type. Thesis results show that SAR …


Development Of A 4-Bit Parallel Analog-To-Digital Converter And A Four- Quadrant Double-Balanced Mixer Using Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor Technology, Scott F. Jokerst Dec 1993

Development Of A 4-Bit Parallel Analog-To-Digital Converter And A Four- Quadrant Double-Balanced Mixer Using Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor Technology, Scott F. Jokerst

Theses and Dissertations

A 4-bit parallel analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a four- quadrant double-balanced mixer were designed and simulated using heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) technology to test the dc and high-frequency characteristics of HBTs. HSPICE simulations of small-scale components and the large-scale ADC operated within expected ranges. The ADC implemented with the Rockwell HBT model operated at a sampling rate of over 1 GHz, and the Fellows model also operated at a 1 GHz sampling rate. The mixer produced an intermediate frequency (IF) signal using radio frequency (RF) and local oscillator (LO) inputs. The circuit produced a +9 dB power gain with less …