Digital Commons Network^™

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.

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 …

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 …

Use Of A Liquid Crystal Television For Spatial Frequency Analysis Of Incoherent Scenes, Michael A. Deschenes

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A liquid crystal spatial light modulator (SLM) was used as a programmable reticle in an optical system. The function of the SLM system was to perform a spatial frequency analysis on an incoherent input scene, by means of successive correlations over a set of spatial basis functions. Because of physical modulator characteristics, the basis function set available from the reticle was a set of DC-biased square waves, rather than the sinusoids used in a usual Fourier analysis. This led to the “even pulse train transform” being performed on the input images. Experimental examples of this frequency analysis are given for …

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 …

Implementation Of Inversion Algorithms In Reconfigurable Systolic Arrays, Haritini E. Andre

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Reducing the computing time of the matrix inversion has been a concern of many authors. The use of Systolic architectures containing orthogonally connected processing elements capable of few instructions multiple data have allowed for new algorithms to be implemented. Two algorithms are examined that rely on the triangularization methods for matrix inversion. One can be applied to the general non-singular matrix and the other to the symmetric matrix. The throughput in both implementation is revolutionized. The speed improvement over Liu and Young’s implementation of the symmetric matrix inversion is by a factor of three.

The throughput in both implementation is …

Implementation Of A 35 Ghz Microstrip Antenna System, Rachel S. Albritton

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Millimeter waves, corresponding to the frequency range 30 to 300 GHz, have characteristics which make them ideal for many applications. Antennas at these frequencies have the advantage of reduced size and weight and can be fabricated as an integral part of the system they are used in. Millimeter wave microstrip antennas have been extensively researched over the past decade. The purposed of this report was to build and test 35 GHz microstrip antennas as well as put into operation a high voltage klystron power supply, Micro-Now Model 756. The antennas were fabricated and tested in the lab and the results …

Intelligent Robots, Abol H. Moulavi

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

There is an increasing need for integrating sensory feedback into the robot system. This will provide better flexibility and will improve the capacity of the robot to reason and make decisions in real time.

This report discusses the current issues related to the development and application of intelligent robots. The report surveys the essential features of an intelligent robot. These features are sensing, off-line programming, task level programming, adaptive control and knowledge representation.

Such a robot should be knowledge driven. It should "know" about objects and work plans, this knowledge should provide the capability for the robot to handle uncertainty …

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 …

Frequency To Voltage Signal Conditioner Circuit Design, Pamela Ann Nelson

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The following report explains the design of a frequency to voltage converter circuit using a charge pump. In general, it may be considered a black box which accepts a 0 to 2 kHz frequency signal in, and outputs a 0 to 10 volt DC level.

An additional feature of this circuit is the detection of digital direction signal. A "logic high" direction signal will give 0 to 10 volts out; a "logic low" direction signal will give 0 to -10 volts.

A voltage regulator is also available to power an off-board frequency sensor.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

A Reconfigurable Orthogonal Systolic Array Implementation Of A Kalman Filter, Mark V. Bapst

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

An important part of optimal estimation technology, the Kalman filter is a computationally intensive application that has been limited either to non-real time realizations or to realizations that can afford vast amounts of mainframe hardware. The potential use of the Kalman filter theory could be greatly enhanced by a low cost, high performance machine capable of computing the recursive matrix equations in real time.

The use of pipelined parallel architectures allows the Kalman filter equations to be realized with much greater efficiency than previous implementations. A reconfigurable, few instruction, multiple data, orthogonal, pipelined, systolic array processor will be used to …

Electrical Testing Of Piezoelectric Transducers Applied To Accelerometer Design, Patrick L. Heron

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Piezoelectric transducers are, by nature, electromechanical devices. Methods historically used to characterize these transducers involve both electrical and mechanical measurements. The purpose of this paper is to propose a technique to characterize piezoids which will require electrical measurements only. Thus, characterization can be accomplished through the use of readily available calibrated electrical test equipment. This technique is based upon the assumption that some insight into the dynamic behavior of a piezoid can be implied by inspection of the transducer's static material properties. A necessary condition for the validity of the proposed technique is established. This test procedure is utilized in …

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 …

Interactive Video Based Training Systems, Roy H. Hightower

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The training community has focused considerable attention on interactive video technology which in recent years has become a popular method of delivery for training applications utilizing microcomputers. This paper identifies the classifications of interactive video and addresses the hardware, software and processes required to utilize the technology for training applications. The capabilities and limitations of the technology are discussed with respect to the various video devices which are utilized. The major advantages of interactive video identified include the capability to combine computer graphics with video; the ability to deliver realistic video simulation; and the ability to store, sort, and retrieve …

New Excitation Signal For High Quality Linear Predictive Coding Speech Synthesis, William Andrew Pearson

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to improve the quality of synthetic to attempt to speech by using the bes t excitation signal during Linear Predictive Coding (LPC) synthesis. This thesis examines the human speech system as a basis for our synthetic speech model. Then it closely examines LPC synthesis, including the mathematical details. One dominant factor in producing natural-sounding and intelligible speech is the excitation signal. For LPC synthesis the excitation signal must have a flat frequency spectrum. A train of impulses separated by the pitch period of the speech has been the standard excitation signal for voiced speech …

The Use Of A Portable Microcomputer As A Data Collection Tool To Support Integrated Simulation Support Environments: A Concept, James E. Wilkinson

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Advances in simulation methodology, and the computer support systems to implement these methodologies, have led to the development of integrated simulation support environments. These environments, or collection of software tools, seek to aid the analyst in developing models, data management and analysis, and data presentation.

While an integrated simulation environment provides a more organized structure for managing and performing simulation projects, and provides a database management structure for storing, manipulating, and analyzing data, they do not address the actual process of going out and obtaining the data. As a result, many of the common problems associated with poor problem and …

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 …

Study Of A Terrain Avoidance Algorithm To Be Used In Conjunction With The Lantirn Terrain Following System, Glenda C. Frazier

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This paper describes the development of a basic terrain avoidance algorithm which is proposed for use with the terrain following algorithm in the Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared System for Night (LANTIRN). The algorithms were modeled in a digital simulation in which an aircraft is flown over a single-obstacle three-dimensional terrain. Vertical acceleration and roll angle commands are generated in the simulation by the algorithms using terrain data collected from the modeled terrain following radar antenna scan. The response of the aircraft to these commands is determined, and the resulting trajectories over the terrain are displayed.

The development of …

Human Factors Compatibility Concerns In The Selection Of Display Technologies For Computer And Data Terminals, Francis C. Westerfield

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Human factors considerations are often overlooked in the selection of electronic computer displays. When cost is used as the only determining factor, the resulting product may not be commercially successful because of an inadequate display.

To help avoid this situation, designers and users should be aware of the various factors involved in proper display selection. These factors were developed by a synthesis of existing scientific and industrial literature on the subject and are explained in this paper.

The first factor is a basic knowledge of the structure, characteristics, and function of the human visual system. The theory of sight, anatomy …

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 …

A Study Of Self-Perceived Current And Desired Career Stages Of Federal Government Engineers And Public School Educators In The Central Florida Area, Dennis Stephan Duke

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the perceptions of public school educators and Federal Government engineers in the Central Florida area to determine their self-perceived current and desired career stages (Dalton, Thompson and Price, 1977). The influences of age, education and tenure variables on these perceptions and on the employee's preference for a technical or managerial career track were also examined. The rationale for the study is based upon findings in the literature which indicate that both occupations are experiencing motivation and retention problems caused by the requirement to leave classrooms or technical engineering positions and enter management ranks in order to gain …

The Nonpromotion Message's Affective Impact On Parents, Sandra Kaye Daves

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to investigate the nonpromotion message's affective impact on parents. An interview guide was developed to collect data on parents' reactions to several aspects of public schools: Elementary schools in general; Messages received from elementary schools; Current practices (nonpromotion) in schools; Parents' feelings as a result of their child being retained; Information about their family. Interviews were conducted with parents of 180 children who attended public schools. Ninety interviews were conducted with parents of children who had been retained in either second, third or fifth grade and 90 were conducted with parents of children who had been …

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 …

Feasibility Of Pulsed Air Operation In A Fixed Film Biological Reactor, Harry C. Pepper Iii

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

An investigation was made into pulsed air sparging in a downflow, fixed film biological reactor receiving domestic wastewater feed (primary effluent). The pulsed mode of aeration was compared to continuous flow or non-pulsed aeration based on BOD₅ and TSS removals. The reactor utilized 0.19 to 0.20 in. (ES) gravel media with a 5.5 ft. depth. Automatic backwashing was initiated by a high loss of head condition through a programmable controller. Average backwash water-volume as a percent of product water was, under stable operation, 16 to 18%.

The pilot plan was operated for a period of three and one-half months. …

Vision 87 75th Anniversary Membership Directory. 1987, St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church

Text Materials of Central Florida

A commemorative St. Luke's membership directory was published in 1987, in observance of the 75th Anniversary of the congregation that year. In addition to a brief history,recapturing some of the highlights of those 75 years, the directory contained a listing of congregational ministries and activities and photos of all the members at that time.