Digital Commons Network^™

Spatial Partitioning Of A Battlefield Parallel Discrete-Event Simulation, Kenneth C. Bergman

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis describes a method for spatially partitioning a battlefield into units known as sectors to achieve speedup two ways: through the reduction of each battlefield object's next event search space, and lowering the amount of message-passing required. Each sector is responsible for tracking and controlling access to all objects within its boundaries. A distributed proximity detection algorithm employing boundary-crossing events is used to control player movement between sectors. Each object's state information is replicated in all sectors it has sensor capability for the minimum time required; -this ensures that each object's next event is properly determined based upon interactions …

Formalization And Transformation Of Informal Analysis Models Into Executive Refine™ Specifications, Mary M. Boom, Bradley D. Mallare

Theses and Dissertations

This research developed and implemented an automated technique for translating informal specifications into formal, executable specifications. A unified Abstract Model (UAM) was developed to combine the information contained in Entity Relationship, State Transition, and Data Flow Models into a concise, object-based representation. The UAM forms the basis for defining a formal language, the Object Modeling Language (OML), used to capture the information contained in the UAM. By using OML, we were able to develop an automated translation process to convert informal specifications into executable, formal specifications. The Software Refinery Development Environment enabled us to easily develop a parser that translates …

Version And Transaction Management In Osmagic: An Object-Oriented Database Implementation Of The Magic Vlsi Layout Design Tool, Gary M. Lightner

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this thesis was to study the feasibility of using an object-oriented database management system to provide the functionality and performance needed to support a complex computer-aided design tool. We do this by modifying OSMagic, a prototype system of the Magic very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuit design tool implemented on the ObjectStore object- oriented database management system. OSMagic was changed to support three different interfaces to ObjectStore and to work in a networking environment. We then designed and examined the use of version and transaction management models as a means of addressing the weaknesses of the prototype …

An Enhanced User Interface For The Saber Wargame, Donald R. Moore

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is part of an on-going effort by the Air Force Institute of Technology to develop a computer-based, theater-level wargame for the Air Force Wargaming Center at Maxwell AFB, AL. The wargame, Saber, is intended to augment the education the students receive at the Air War College and the Air Command and Staff College in the employment of air and ground power. This thesis documents the integrated design and implementation of the two components of the Saber user interface: the pre-processor and the post-processor. Although previous thesis students designed and implemented substantial portions of the user interface, a fully …

Creating And Manipulating A Domain-Specific Formal Object Base To Support A Domain-Oriented Application Composition System, Mary Anne Randour

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated technology which enables sophisticated users to specify, generate, and maintain application software in domain-oriented terms. To realize this new technology, a development environment, called Architect, was designed and implemented. Using canonical formal specifications of domain objects, Architect rapidly composes these specifications into a software application and executes a prototype of that application as a means to demonstrate is correctness before any programming language specific code is generated. This thesis investigated populating and manipulating the formal object base required by Architect. This object base is built using a domain- specific language (DSL) which serves as an interface between …

A Synthetic Environment Flight Simulator: The Afit Virtual Cockpit, John C. Switzer

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis describes the design and implementation of a part of the Virtual Cockpit: a synthetic environment, distributed network flight simulator. The goal of the project was to prove the concept that this type of flight simulator could fill the gap between high-end, very expensive flight simulators and low-end game quality flight simulators. Discussed are: object-oriented design techniques, multi-processor utilization, the flight dynamics model, synthetic environment technology, the frame-rate vs. realism issue, and the interfaces to a realistic joystick and throttle.

Design Recovery For Software Library Population, Chester A. Wright Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis research investigated design recovery as a means of populating a reuse library. The targeted library was part of the Automatic Programming Technologies for Avionics Systems (APTAS). APTAS uses a knowledge base of forms, to present questions to a user, and rules, to select the forms to present and choose existing library modules to use in composing a new system. The approach applied the reengineering model developed by Eric Byrne to accomplish planning for the project, expanded the renovation phase of this model to cover the actual design recovery, and applied the expanded model to populating the library. Using …

Formalizing, Validating, And Verifying Real-Time System Requirements With Reacto And Vhdl, Frank C. Young

Theses and Dissertations

We develop a methodology for formalizing, verifying, and validating the requirements specification of real-time systems based on a graphical and formal hierarchical Finite State Machine (FSM) language Reacto. We define a means to quantify time and express real-time constraints in Reacto and a transformation from Reacto to the Very High Speed Integrated Circuit (VHSIC) hardware Description Language (VHDL). Reacto's high level abstractions, graphical nature, and theorem prover produce efficient, accurate, and easily understood specifications. We use VHDL's event driven simulation capability, concurrency, and temporal operators to thoroughly examine temporal dependencies between the state machine transitions, and to increase simulation power …

An Object-Oriented Computer Aided Design Program For Traditional Control Systems Analysis, Wayne E. Bell

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is a continuation of the ICECAP-PC research project conducted under Prof. Gary B. Lamont at the Air Force Institute of Technology. It is an ongoing development of a public domain Computer Aided Design package for Control Engineering and Digital Signal Processing students, faculty and practitioners with a special emphasis on education. This investigation begins with the software maintenance task of restructuring, debugging, and testing the functional version of ICECAP-PC 9.0. The continuous, traditional portions are then ported to a new object-oriented program structure which is the primary focus of this effort. New interactive graphics capabilities are then added …

Face Recognition With Neural Networks, Dennis L. Krepp

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated neural networks for face verification and classification. The research concentrated on developing a neural network based feature extractor and/or classifier to perform authorized user verification in a realistic work environment. Recognition accuracy, system assumptions, training time, and execution time were analyzed to determine the feasibility of a neural network approach. Data was collected using a camcorder and two segmentation schemes: manual segmentation and motion-based, automatic segmentation. Data consisted of over 2000. 32x32 pixel, 8 bit gray scale images of 52 subjects; each subject had two to ten days worth of images collected. Several training and test sets …

Detection Of Spoofing, Jamming, Or Failure Of A Global Positioning System (Gps), Juan R. Vasquez

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force has equipped its aircraft with avionic systems such as Global Positioning System (GPS) and Inertial Guidance Systems (INS) capable of providing accurate navigation solutions. The aircrews flying these aircraft require a system that can either survive the hostile environments encountered in combat or notify the aircrew that their performance has been significantly degraded. This research focuses on failure detection and isolation techniques using an extended Kalman filter and generalized likelihood ratios using matched filters. Analysis is conducted using a Kalman filter development package known as the Multimode Simulation for Optimal Filter Evaluation (MSOFE). Both a large order …

Real Image Visual Display System, James R. Brandt

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates a technique for improving the perception of three-dimensionality in images generated by a Silicon Graphics workstation. The technique involves using a spherical mirror into which the graphics from the CRT are projected. A real image of the graphic is formed by the mirror and it appears to be floating at the image plane. The three-dimensional effect is improved by adding reflections or shadows of the displayed object. Additionally, a method of using real objects with computer generated shadows and computer generated objects with real shadows is investigated. This is done in an effort to quantify how far …

Recurrent Neural Networks For Radar Target Identification, Eric T. Kouba

Theses and Dissertations

A real-time recurrent learning algorithm was applied to a five class radar target identification problem. The wideband radar was assumed to measure both kinematic (tracking information expressed as estimated aspect angles) and high range resolution data from a single, isolated aircraft. The aspect angles (azimuth and elevation) of the aircraft relative to the radar were assumed to be constantly chancing. This created temporal sequences of high range resolution radar signatures that changed as the aspect angles changed. These sequences were used as input features to a recurrent neural network for three radar target identification test cases. The first test case …

An Assessment Of Software Safety As Applied To The Department Of Defense Software Development Process, Peter W. Colan, Robert W. Prouhet

Theses and Dissertations

This research analyzed the relationships between the DOD software development process, system safety requirements, and current structured software safety analysis techniques. The current state of software safety was assessed within the aerospace industry and DOD, and a training program for DOD System Safety Managers was developed. A telephone survey was conducted to gather information on current software safety analysis techniques and methodologies. Personal interviews were conducted with Aeronautical System Center System Safety Managers to gather data on job perception and perceived training needs. The results of the study indicate that the DOD guidance and policy documents needed to implement and …

Automated Logistics Information Systems: A Case Study, James E. Hogue

Theses and Dissertations

A change within the Air Force has shifted management responsibilities within the logistics community. Formerly diverse functions have come under the purview of a single manager-the Logistics Group Commander-who has inherited information systems that may riot be able to provide consolidated information for informed and accurate decision making. The purpose of this thesis was to describe the current and potential ability for three logistics information management systems to share data: Standard Base Supply System, Consolidated Aircraft Management System, and On-Line Vehicle Information Management System. A systems model was synthesized from the literature review to determine what components of a system …

Integrated Diagnostic Expert System Model (Idesm): A Model For The Conversion Of Fault Isolation Procedures Into An Integrated Diagnostic Expert System, Robert J. Lacey, Glen D. Steemson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to develop a model to convert existing hardcopy maintenance manual fault isolation procedures into electronic format and to partially automate the fault isolation process. A comprehensive model was developed which comprised four major components: user interface, expert system submodel, hypermedia submodel, and a submodel integration shell. Using this model, the F 15E nose landing gear fault isolation procedures were transformed into a rule based expert system. An existing hypermedia information base was expanded and subsequently integrated with the expert system to form the prototype application. The prototype was evaluated by engineering and maintenance personnel …

The Adaptation Of The Sei's Capability Maturity Model To The Air Force Software Acquisition Management Process, William G. Dickerhoff Jr., William J. Sommers

Theses and Dissertations

This study develops an Air Force Software Acquisition Maturity Framework (SAMF) by adapting the Software Engineering Institute's (SEI) capability Maturity Model (CMM) to the Air Force software acquisition process. The SAMFs purpose is to provide the Air Force Materiel Command's product centers and program off ices with criterion to assess their software acquisition maturity in a similar fashion as the SEI's CMM provides companies a benchmark to measure their organization's software production maturity. The research was accomplished through a combination of information gathering techniques and data analysis. A literature search of documentation, both within and external to the Department of …

An Improved Characterization Of 1-Step Recoverable Embeddings: Rings In Hypercubes, Junlin Liu, Thomas J. Sager, Bruce M. Mcmillin

Computer Science Technical Reports

An embedding is said to be 1-step recoverable if any single fault in the embedding can be recovered in one reconfiguration step. In this paper we present a heuristic approach to construct such 1-step recoverable embeddings. We show that to embed a k (even) length ring in ad-cube, where 6 < = k < = 3/4 2d and d < = 3, our scheme will guarantee finding a 1-step recoverable embedding, provided such an embedding exists. Compared to other previously proposed schemes, our scheme achieves much better results. A sufficient condition for the non-existence of 1-step recoverable embeddings for embedding rings of length > 3/4 2d in d-cubes is also given.

On Elastic Nets And Correspondence In Motion With Homogeneous Deformation, Anupam Joshi, Chia-Hoang Lee

Department of Computer Science Technical Reports

No abstract provided.

Optimal Parametric Search Algorithms In Trees I: Tree Partitioning, Greg N. Frederickson

Department of Computer Science Technical Reports

No abstract provided.

Computing Specificity, Ronald Loui, J. Norman, K. Stiefvater, A. Merrill, A. Costello, J. Olson

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

This note reports on an effort to implement a version of Poole's rule for specificity. Relatively, efficient implementation relies on correcting and improving a pruning lemma of Simari-Loui [92]. This in turn requires revision of Poole's specificity concept. The resulting system is a usable knowledge representation system with first-order-language and defeasible reasoning. Sample input and output are included in an appendix. It is a good candidate for multiple inheritance applications; it is useful for planning, but limited by the underlying search for plans.

On-Line Serial And Parallel String Searching, Alberto Apostolico

Department of Computer Science Technical Reports

No abstract provided.

Character Recognition Using String Matching, Xiaozhi Ye

Theses

To handle noisy and distorted pattern is the use of similarity or distance measures. A similarity or distance measure can be defined between a representation of an unknown pattern and a representation of a prototype pattern. Recognition of the unknown pattern can be carried out on the basis of the maximum-similarity or minimum distance criterion (Bunke 1990) This approach is proposed to recognize the noisy or distorted character image. In this work, a directly string representation of the pattern ( prototype as well as unknown input) using the histogram method, a decision procedure for classification is the well known Levenshtein …

Domain Analysis Within The Gensif Framework, Heiko Thimm

Theses

The GenSIF framework which is targeted towards very large, distributed, and complex software systems recently has been proposed to accomplish a form of systems engineering and systems development in which the issue of systems integration is considered from the beginning on.

One of the components of GenSIF is domain analysis. Domain analysis leads to the design of a domain model. The specific needs GenSIF has in that area were investigated with an emphasis on domain modeling. Main points addressed in that investigation were the issue regarding the relevant information for the domain modeling process and the required type of domain …

Design And Implementation Of Two Text Recognition Algorithms, Madhumathi Yendamuri

Theses

This report presents two algorithms for text recognition. One is a neural-based orthogonal vector with pseudo-inverse approach for pattern recognition. A method to generate N orthogonal vectors for an N-neuron network is also presented. This approach converges the input to the corresponding orthogonal vector representing the prototype vector. This approach can restore an image to the original image and thus has error recovery capacility. Also, the concept of sub-networking is applied to this approach to enhance the memory capacity of the neural network. This concept drastically increases the memory capacity of the network and also causes a reduction of the …

Fault-Tolerant Distributed Deadlock Detection / Resolution, Pei-Yu Liu, Bruce M. Mcmillin

Computer Science Technical Reports

The problem of deadlock detection in a distributed system has been extensively studied in the past few years. Many algorithms on distributed deadlock detection have been proposed under the assumption that the processors and communication in the system are fault-free. However, in an unreliable distributed system, faulty processors may prevent a deadlock detection algorithm from properly detecting deadlocks. Few of the algorithms proposed in the literature address the issue of handling process failures in a distributed system. This paper proposes a fault-tolerant distributed deadlock detection algorithm which integrates a priority-based probe algorithm with a PMC-based diagnosis model. This algorithm detects …

Modeling Contacts In A Physically Based Simulation, William J. Bouma, George Vanĕček

Department of Computer Science Technical Reports

No abstract provided.

Relaxing Synchronization In Distributed Simulated Annealing, Chul-Eui Hong, Bruce M. Mcmillin

Computer Science Technical Reports

Simulated annealing is an attractive, but expensive, heuristic for approximating the solution to combinatorial optimization problems. Since simulated annealing is a general purpose method, it can be applied to the broad range of NP-complete problems such as the traveling salesman problem, graph theory, and cell placement with a careful control of the cooling schedule.

Attempts to parallelize simulated annealing, particularly on distributed memory multicomputers, are hampered by the algorithm’s requirement of a globally consistent system state. In a multicomputer, maintaining the global state S involves explicit message traffic and is a critical performance bottleneck. One way to mitigate this bottleneck …

A Process-Learning Pid Controller Algorithm Utilizing An On-Line Iterative Improvement Technique, Ryan Rosandich, Ralph W. Wilkerson

Computer Science Technical Reports

Three iterative improvement algorithms are presented for the determination of process controller gains. An offline algorithm is developed and tested as a basis for comparison, and a simple on-line algorithm is developed as an incremental step toward the final algorithm, proportional on-line iterative improvement. The algorithms are based on an Artificial Neural Network learning method, and this method is compared with other control optimization techniques. The performance of each of the algorithms was experimentally evaluated in numerous realistically simulated process control situations consisting of flow, level, and temperature control loops with various values of dead-time and process noise. The experimental …

Process And Policy: Resource-Bounded Non-Demonstrative Reasoning, Ronald P. Loui

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

This paper investigates the appropriateness of formal dialectics as a basis for non-monotonic and defeasible reasoning that takes computational limits seriously. Rules that can come into conflict should be regarded as policies, which are inputs to deliberative processes. Dialectical protocols are appropriate for such deliberations when resources are bounded and search is serial. AI, it is claimed here, is now perfectly positioned to correct many misconceptions about reasoning that have resulted from mathematical logic's enormous success in this century: among them (1) that all reasons are demonstrative, (2) that rational belief is constrained, not constructed, (3) that process and disputation …