Digital Commons Network^™

Computerized Data Acquisition In Experimental Applications, Jay A. Meyer

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This thesis project was intended to provide the University of Central Florida Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Sciences Department with computerized data acquisition (CDA) capabilities. The data acquisition system has been designed for use in laboratory instruction and research experimentation. The development of the CDA system began in the spring of 1987. This development included the acquisition of system hardware and the design of software. The expertise required to carry out this project was obtained by many hours of laboratory experience. This experience was gained not only in university laboratories but also in international studies at the Euratom laboratory in Italy. …

Object-Oriented Development Techniques For Real-Time Software Systems: A Case Study, Thomas S. Seldenright

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Great improvements have been made in computer technology over the last forty years. Today, systems are being developed to solve complex problems that were previously thought to be out of the reach of computer solutions. Unfortunately, advances in software development techniques have been outpaced by the advances made in hardware development techniques. In recent years, effort has been made to formalize software development techniques suitable for real-time systems. This paper presents an object-oriented approach to realtime systems development. The object-oriented development approach is applied to a real-time case study problem. The case study involves controlling the speed of a toy …

Design Of A Systolic Architecture To Implement Graphic Transforms, Aimee A. Murray

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The graphics generator hardware is an important component of flight-training simulators. The function of this hardware is to generate 3D perspective images at rates of 30 frames per second to produce realistic out-ofwindow scenes viewed by the crew under training. Within most graphics generator hardware are array processors which achieve high computation throughput necessary to generate real-time processing. The function of the array processors is to transform, clip, rotate and perspective project the data base into screen coordinates for use by the graphic generator. A FIMD (few instructions multiple data) systolic architecture is proposed to achieve high computational throughput that …

Dynamic Performance-Based Student Model For An Intelligent Simulation Training System, Jenifer M. Sargeant

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Student modeling has been the subject of research since the mid-1970's. A student model is an evolving description of what the student knows about the subject domain. Much of the previous research has concentrated on evaluating a student in performing cognitive tasks. The Intelligent Simulation Training System (ISTS) applies the techniques of Artificial Intelligence, Intelligent Tutoring Systems and Expert Systems to simulation-based training. The ISTS Student Model is unique in that it evaluates the student in performance-based tasks. It monitors and records the student's ability to maintain relationships between objects in space and time. The scope of this research was …

Efficient Algorithms For The Fixed Charge Problem, Ahmad Abdulah Moreb

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The main thrust of this research is to develop four solution procedures for the Fixed Charge Problem. All are based on approximating the fixed charge component by strictly polygonal linear components. The first procedure uses the functions technique to approximate the fixed charge; then linear programming with the restricted-basisentry technique is used to arrive at the final solution. Although this method starts with an approximated version of the fixed charge component, it arrives at an exact value to the objective function without the need for re-evaluating the objective function. The other three solution procedures are based on approximating the fixed …

A Comparison Of Two Microcomputer Continuous Simulation Languages, Amy Brannon Kirkland

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Until the early 1980s, most digital simulation models of reasonably complex systems required the use of a mainframe for a solution to be obtained in a timely manner. Recently, the declining prices of computer memory, operating systems, and modern hardware have supported the implementation of large simulation packages on smaller machines. Today, tremendous improvements in the performance of microcomputers have provided the simulationist with a completely personalized, less expensive computing environment. Operating within a microcomputer environment, the simulationist must choose a suitable computer language. Often, user familiarity dictates the selection of a language, while other factors such as ease of …

Comparison Of Graphical Design Methodologies, Pamela Stark Woodard

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The recent development of the Ada language by the Department of Defense and its required use within the Department of Defense for the development of embedded software systems has resulted in a need for better methods to represent Ada software designs. Graphical design techniques have long been used as software design and documentation aids. The use of graphical techniques to illustrate an Ada design can provide a clear, concise means to describe a complex software system. The purpose of this paper is to investigate several software design methodologies which incorporate graphical design notations. The specific software methodologies examined in detail …

The Feasibility Analysis Of Cooling A Residential Space Using An Underground Air Pipe Coupled With An Air Chimney, Nam Ky Trinh

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the thermal and economic feasibility of using an earth-cooled air system of residential space cooling. A residential building located in Orlando, Florida was modeled to determine the sensible cooling load for various design factors. A parametric study was conducted to determine the effects of the following: inside set temperature, infiltration rate, and overall heat transfer coefficient of the walls and roof. The inside set temperature had the greatest impact on the cooling energy load, followed by the infiltration rate and the overall heat transfer coefficient of the walls and roof.

Two load conditions were examined to determine …

Utilizing Object-Oriented Design To Reduce The Effort Expended On The Maintenance Phase Of A Software Project, Susan Muriel Storma

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Due to poor software design, software products typically incur substantial cost overruns during the maintenance phase of the life cycle. Use of modern software engineering principles (e.g., information hiding and abstraction) can i mprove the design of a product and, hence, reduce the effort associated with the maintenance phase of a product. Object-oriented design (OOD) is a tool which embodies these software engineering principles. This paper first presents the concepts of 00D and how it is used. A design example involving a programmable temperature controller is presented utilizing 00D and is then compared to a top-down design approach. Conclusions are …

An Adaptive Multi-Scene Correlation Algorithm, Paul E. Vogt

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Digital scene matching algorithms have been used in both military and commercial image processing systems for years. The trend toward using multiple sensors in military imaging systems has generated anew interest in real time techniques to accomplish sensor fusion tasks such as field of view alignment. This thesis analyzes methods presently in use and introduces a novel algorithm that improves scene correlation performance. The focus of the new technique is in the segmentation area, where significant features are extracted from background and clutter. These performance improvements are especially helpful when the scene contains excessive noise and or lacks detail, a …

Numerical Analysis Of The Resonant States Of Quantum Wells And Superlattice Devices, Alan Gilbert Whittaker

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is concerned with the development of a numerical model to describe the resonant states associated with quantum well and superlattice devices. A numerical method is described where the time-independent Schrodinger equation is represented as a series of simultaneous algebraic equations using the finite-element method. The eigenvalues for these equations are then found using a Sturm sequence, and the eigenfunctions subsequently calculated using a reverse iteration method containing orthogonality constraints. Simulations of specific devices are presented and compared with experimental results and good correlation is observed.

An Overview Of Machine Vision, Juan C. Telchi

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this paper is to examine new ideas and other useful information on the most recent advances in the robotic vision field. A visual system model was introduced and the basic components of this model were explained. The principal areas in robotic vision were researched. This included two dimension and three dimension vision sensors. Industrial applications and future developments of machine vision systems were addressed. A survey was done to summarize the vision system market and the robot market share worldwide.

Finite Element Analysis Of A Glass Fiber Inclusion, Jeffery R. Southland

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This analysis investigates the micromechanical behavior of a fiber-reinforced composite. Two realistic deviations from the typical set of simplifying assumptions are considered: nonhomogeneous matrix properties and imperfect fiber/matrix bonds. The stress effects due to a soft matrix interlayer at the fiber interface and the loss of a portion of the fiber/matrix interface bond are examined. The analysis is performed with the ANSYS finite element program. The effects of higher order shape functions and different mesh densities are studied. The final results are compared to a previous analysis performed at Florida Technological University (now University of Central Florida) which utilized a …

Polar Spectrum Coding, Daniel Harris Chapman

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Polar Spectrum Coding is a novel speech coding algorithm for narrowband voice communications. A polar Fourier transform of the signal is computed, and the magnitude and phase of the speech spectrum is encoded for transmission. The correlation between frames of speech signals is exploited to minimize the transmission rate required for intelligible speech. At the receiver, the encoded words are decoded and the spectrum reconstructed. An inverse Fourier transform is performed, and the result is the reconstructed speech waveform. Polar Spectrum Coding theory is explained. The sensitivities of various parameters on performance are explored, and performance in the presence of …

Analysis Of Phase Noise In Phase Lock Loop, Diane Marie Pavik

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This research report presents an introduction into phase lock loops (PLL) with a major emphasis on calculating phase noise in frequency synthesizers. A PLL model that incorporates the major sources of noise is presented for the purpose of design analysis. The model can be used to analyze second and fifth order PLLs which allows the accurate calculation of phase noise as a function of independent variable design parameters. The stability of PLLs is also analyzed to show the effects of a marginally stable system on the resultant phase noise. Developing an accurate PLL model which accounts for the major sources …

Gapp Instruction Simulator, Ronald P. Bauman

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A need was recognized for the development of a hardware independent simulator for the Geometric Arithmetic Parallel Processor, or GAPP. This simulator would allow the user to test algorithms targeted to GAPP systems using readily available personnel computers. The development of the simulation, a GAPP Instruction Simulator, or GIS, is the basis of this research report. This report includes a discussion of earlier parallel processors of similar type to the GAPP, a discussion of the GAPP's operation and instructions, and illustrations of GAPP applications. The report focuses on the GAPP Instruction Simulator with a discussion of its operation and a …

Axisymmetric Wave Propagation In A Finite Linear Elastic Cylinder, Brian D. Johnson

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This work addresses the linear elastic analysis of axisymmetric wave propagation in a finite elastic cylinder. The waves are generated by the Fast Triaxial Device (FTRXD), which fails soil specimens at very rapid rates. The very short duration of the triaxial tests requires the consideration of wave phenomena in the analysis of the test results.

The soil specimens are modeled as linear elastic cylinders which are compressed in the axial direction. The resulting axisymmetric waves are analyzed with the wave equations which are cast in finite difference form, allowing the solution of displacements and stresses throughout the cylinder as a …

Idiosyncratic Item Selection Effects: Do They Produce The Incongruity Effect?/, Susan E. Haynes

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the recall of subject-generated and experimenter-provided target words as a function of whether or not the encoding cue was congruous or incongruous. Previous research has established that, for experimenter-provided items, congruous targets are recalled better than incongruous targets. However, in the case of self-generated targets, some researchers have reported a reversal of this effect ("the incongruity effect") while others have not. The subjects were 55 undergraduate psychology students from the University of Central Florida.

In the experimenter-provided condition, subjects received congruous and incongruous question stems with the target word written in directly below the question. In the …

Leader Sex And Task Orientation: An Information Processing Perspective, Thomas Arthur Buhr

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The role of leadership and its effect on small group function and efficiency has led to a wealth of research data. Of particular importance to the real world outside the laboratory and the classroom are the leadership variables of sex and task orientation. In the last two decades, women have assumed more leadership positions in the business and political world than at any other time in the past (White, De Sanctis & Crino, 1981). In addition, there has been a call to examine the many different ways a leader can approach the group to accomplish a task (Fiedler, 1978). Two …

Utilization Of Ambulatory Services By The Health Maintenance Organization Of Florida, Thomas Harold Hansen

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The utilization of ambulatory services by the health maintenance organization of Florida (HMO), independent practice association (IPA) model, was compared to a fee-for-service population. Each randomly selected group consisted of 250 patients being cared for by the same providers, at the same clinic, during the calendar year 1986. Demographic and clinical data was gathered from the office charts. Frequencies were evaluated by the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and t-tests were run to substantiate variance at the 0.05 level of confidence. The HMO group is a younger population (t = 0.017), and the males are responsible for the increased …

Applications Of Lattice Filters To Quadrature Mirror Filter Banks, Gregory R. Jaspers

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Presented is a method for designing and implementing lattice filters to be used in Quadrature Mirror Filter (QMF) Banks. Quadrature Mirror Filter Banks find use in applications where a signal must be spilt into subbands operated on then reconstructed in the output. Because of their structure, lattice filters do this very well and allow perfect reconstruction, even when the lattice coefficients must be quantized. In this paper QMF's and Lattice Filters are derived and analyzed. Application of the lattice filter is presented along with a design program and example of its use to implement a QMF. The computer aided design …

Mandate For Fear Appeal Research: A Clearer Perspective, Elizabeth Cheney Michel

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The fear appeal is one of the most prevalent types of persuasion evident in society. A great percentage of advertising bases its success on "an appeal calculated to elicit anxiety on the part of the listener" (Miller, 1963, p. 117). Children have been reared on its admonitions. Nearly every American is by now familiar with the Surgeon General's Warning. The recent AIDS epidemic has prompted a highly consequential use of this appeal. If the effectuality of everyday fear persuasions can be left to chance, choice, or Mother Nature, this last lethal onslaught demands immediate attention from the communication community. An …

Evaluation Of Inversion Uab1, A Bithorax-Complex Mutant, Gerhild Rathmann Packert

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

An Ada Simulator For The Structured Functional Simulation Of A Digital Signal Processing System, Christopher Paul Roney

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A behavioral-level simulator designed for FIRST, a silicon compilation system for digital signal processing, is implemented in the Ada* programming language. The simulator accepts as input a digital signal processing system description written for the FIRST ([ast Implementation of aealtime ~ignal transforms) silicon compiler, and provides an interactive post-processing signal trace facility. The simulator is a time-driven simulator which contains a FIRST description language parser, a subset of the FIRST primitives, and the capacity for maintaining a full history of all signals in the system. The primitives in the FIRST description language are common to digital signal processing systems (e.g., …

Evaluation Perception Of Training Effectiveness Of U.S. Marines As Influenced By Experience And Demographic Variables, Sharon K. Wolford

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This research evaluates the Headquarters United States Marine Corps method of conducting analysis surveys to obtain information on perception of training effectiveness. Independent variables of rank, time in service, time in grade, time in MOS, location, and MOS held were considered to see if they have a significant effect on how a Marine perceives the effectiveness of his "formal school training before assignment to billet." Multiple regression analysis was performed with time in MOS, rank, time in grade, and time in service as independent variables. Regression data revealed that no significant relationship exists between these independent variables and the training …

Learning Curve Model For Interrupted Production, Behzad Zarkoob

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Traditionally the learning curve technique has been applied to the case of continuous production. In such cases the cost par unit declines by a constant or staged percentage due to the learning phenomenon. Although this technique has been an important management tool to predict cost and productivity, there are other factors that wil~ affect the learning curves and its forecasts. One of these factors is "forgetfulness," which is caused by program interruptions for a significant period of time. It is expected that due to the interruption a relearning process may have to take place. The objective of this report is …

The Effects Of A Twelve-Week Cardiac Rehabilitation Program On Patients With Severe Left Ventricular Dysfunction As Evaluated By First-Pass Radionuclide Angiography, Ronald Lee Dudash

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Lansim: A Simulation Package For Estimating Performance Characteristics Of A Class Of Local Area Networks, Gregory Charles Buchner

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT During recent years, the trends in computer resource organization have seen the replacement of the traditional mainframe computers and their timesharing terminals with individual desktop workstations. These workstations can offer more computational power than the mainframes of less than a decade ago. With this distribution of processing from the more traditional mainframe computer comes the need to share peripheral resources among these desktop workstations. These include items such as file systems, tape drives, printers, plotters, and graphics display devices. A common way to share these among the multi-computer environment is to provide a transparent gateway that allows each workstation …

Display Peripheral For A Flight Simulator Using A Three-Dimensional Computer-Controlled Motor Driven Model, Kenneth Randall Flowers

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The flight simulator display peripheral, described herein, provides the visual aide necessary for observation of effects due to operator responses for any aircraft simulator which prohibits the observers from occupying space within the cockpit of the simulator.

This display peripheral is provided by a three-dimensional, computer-controlled, motor-driven model which duplicates the angular movements generated by the aircraft simulator by moving a model aircraft mounted within a clear plastic ball.

The display utilizes a Motorola 68000 educational computer board to translate the three aircraft angles. pitch, yaw and roll received from the aircraft simulator via an RS-232C compatible serial asynchronous communication …

American Opinion Of The Soviet/Vatican Struggle 1917-1933, Jeffrey P. Begeal

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.