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Cost/Schedule Control Systems Criteria: A Reference Guide To C/Scsc Information, Erik G. Cummings, Kirk A. Schneider Sep 1992

Cost/Schedule Control Systems Criteria: A Reference Guide To C/Scsc Information, Erik G. Cummings, Kirk A. Schneider

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis effort provides a valuable tool for contract performance measurement (CPM) analysts to use both while attending formalized Cost/Schedule Control Systems Criteria (C/SCSC) training, and while on the job. Research indicated a large amount of written material existed on contract performance measurement and the more specific topic of C/SCSC, yet this information was hidden in a wide array of unindexed professional journals, master's thesis, and texts. Further, while many professions have a reference guide of annotated bibliographies, CPM had none. Through an extensive literature review using several search and retrieval methods, the authors were able to amass a bibliography …

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Nasa And Logistics-A Match For The 21st Century, Stephan P. Brady, Jay R. Jennings Sep 1992

Nasa And Logistics-A Match For The 21st Century, Stephan P. Brady, Jay R. Jennings

Theses and Dissertations

This research evaluated current NASA organizational and logistical strategy processes to compare them with current academic theory and make recommendations to improve the processes. Various strategy theories were explored, resulting in a model synthesizing the various elements. The organizational, cultural, and political environment surrounding NASA was studied. Personal interviews were conducted and various NASA strategic plans and other documents were analyzed. From these activities emerged six recommendations: (1) Create a formal strategy process for NASA logistics (and NASA), (2) Tie logistics strategies directly to organizational strategies/goals, (3) Get logisticians from different functions/programs/centers to crossflow information, (4) Identify redundancies in logistics …

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The Effects Of Iconic Presentation On Individuals, Ellen T. Barber, Elizabeth C. Dunn Sep 1992

The Effects Of Iconic Presentation On Individuals, Ellen T. Barber, Elizabeth C. Dunn

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated whether individuals interpreted iconic graphs differently than traditional graphs. A literature review revealed a lack of current research concerning iconic graphs. Using guidelines previously created for high-integrity graphics, a timed, pretest-posttest experiment was developed to compare the impressions rendered by both traditional and iconic graphs to determine whether men and women interpret the two types of graphs in the same way. It was also used to determine whether traditional bar graphs or iconic graphs were preferred by the subjects. Ninety-nine subjects, all employees of the Royal Australian Air Force/ United States Air Force, or defense contractors, were …

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Defining Contract Terms, Michael J. Cushing, Mary R. Spalding Sep 1992

Defining Contract Terms, Michael J. Cushing, Mary R. Spalding

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research effort was to develop consensus definitions for fifty-one (51) contracting-terms. This was accomplished by developing a synthesized definition for each term based on a review of the available published literature, subjecting the synthesized definitions to expert scrutiny via a survey distributed to recognized contracting professionals, and amending the literature-based definitions as indicated by the survey responses. Using this approach, consensus was achieved on all but one term. The consensus definitions developed in this way are recommended for inclusion in a comprehensive dictionary of contracting terminology, to be comprised of the results of this and other …

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An Analysis Of Acquisition Logistics Within The National Aeronautics And Space Administration, Brian J. Babin, Roger W. Jerney Sep 1992

An Analysis Of Acquisition Logistics Within The National Aeronautics And Space Administration, Brian J. Babin, Roger W. Jerney

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to review past actions and assess current plans for establishing more integrated logistics management in NASA. The focus of this study was acquisition logistics, the beginning of the ILS process. This study includes a historical review of acquisition logistics in NASA's major space programs as well as a review of numerous acquisition logistics models. Logistics managers from the Space Shuttle and Space Station Freedom programs were interviewed, surveyed, and observed to provide evidence of the degree to which these two programs are meeting or have met the objectives of the acquisition logistics model selected …

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Graphic Representation In Managerial Decision Making: The Effect Of Scale Break On The Dependent Axis, Clark R. Carvalho, Michael D. Mcmillan Sep 1992

Graphic Representation In Managerial Decision Making: The Effect Of Scale Break On The Dependent Axis, Clark R. Carvalho, Michael D. Mcmillan

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated whether a scale break on the dependent axis a affects a decision maker's interpretation of the data presented in the graph. A literature search revealed criteria for constructing high integrity graphs and formatting scale breaks. An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of a scale break on the dependent axis. Graphs following the criteria for high integrity graphs were presented to the control group, while graphs following the criteria for high integrity graphs, with the exception of the scale break, were presented to the experimental group. Using a parametric two-sample t test and a non-parametric Rank …

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An Analysis Of Joint Ventures Between The United States And The Commonwealth Of Independent States, Brian P. Davis, Daniel L. Demott Sep 1992

An Analysis Of Joint Ventures Between The United States And The Commonwealth Of Independent States, Brian P. Davis, Daniel L. Demott

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop insights for those who wish to engage in joint ventures with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Over the last 70 years, joint ventures with the West have been scarce in the USSR. With the dissolution of the USSR, opportunities for commerce have greatly improved. Most Western countries are seeking to take advantage of the natural resources and untapped consumer market in the CIS. Consequently, companies wanting to engage in commercial endeavors will need current information on the different financial, cultural, organizational, and logistical issues that are peculiar to the CIS. This …

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A Feasibility Study On Consolidating Air Force Cost Reduction Programs, Joseph H. Donohoe, Mark A. Hobson Sep 1992

A Feasibility Study On Consolidating Air Force Cost Reduction Programs, Joseph H. Donohoe, Mark A. Hobson

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the possibility of consolidating available manufacturing cost savings programs into one concise effort with common ground rules and regulations. The current manufacturing cost savings program include the Industrial Modernization Incentive Program (IMIP), the Manufacturing Technology Program (MANTECH), and the Value Engineering Program (VE). A literature search revealed that there are problems associated with each of these cost savings programs. A case study was conducted on the B-2 System Program Office's effort to consolidate cost savings programs into one common effort. This case study revealed that there were positive benefits in reducing cost after consolidation. A survey of …

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Range Scheduling Automation For The Air Force Satellite Control Network: A Case Study In Computer System Development, Donald J. Aitken, Steven C. Bishop Sep 1992

Range Scheduling Automation For The Air Force Satellite Control Network: A Case Study In Computer System Development, Donald J. Aitken, Steven C. Bishop

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored the factors influencing divergent outcomes of two computer system development efforts which were undertaken to fulfill the same requirement for computer automation of a manual resource scheduling process. The first project employed the traditional waterfall approach to system development, but resulted in user rejection and cancellation after considerable resources and effort had been expended. The second project employed prototyping and both the process and the product were well received by the users and ultimately produced an operational system. Analysis yielded eight contributory factors to the failure of the first effort. Three of these were related to the …

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An Analysis Of Contracting Actions By United States Based Department Of Defense Organizations To Support Operations Desert Shield And Desert Storm, Kathleen E. Killen, Gavin P. Wilson Sep 1992

An Analysis Of Contracting Actions By United States Based Department Of Defense Organizations To Support Operations Desert Shield And Desert Storm, Kathleen E. Killen, Gavin P. Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

This study assembled the experiences of the contracting professionals who supported Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm from their continental United States based Department of Defense offices. The results of the study show that these professionals actively supported the conflict just as much as the contingency contracting officers who were deployed to the Middle East. No major differences in contracting methods appeared among the different agencies studied. However, the study does suggest that certain regulations should be considered for changes or waivers that go into effect during military contingencies. Also, there are specific training requirements that contracting professionals should receive …

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Comparison Of Four-Cursor Buttons Vs Joystick To Access Computerized Technical Information From An Integrated Maintenance Information System, Gerald E. Streff, Robert H. Gundel Sep 1992

Comparison Of Four-Cursor Buttons Vs Joystick To Access Computerized Technical Information From An Integrated Maintenance Information System, Gerald E. Streff, Robert H. Gundel

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to evaluate the use of four-cursor buttons versus a joystick device to present technical order information on a portable maintenance aid computer for aircraft technicians in a maintenance environment. Studies to date have verified the superiority of computer-presented technical orders when compared to current paper-based systems; this research investigated the effectiveness of these computer-based systems when technicians used a joystick or four-cursor button to display desired technical information. A comparison was made as to technician performance using a portable maintenance aid at the 4950th Test Wing, WPAFB OH. A total of thirty-two maintenance technicians …

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An Assessment Of Afit Sys200, 'Acquisition Planning And Analysis', As A Broadening Course Under Apdp, Daryl J. Hauck, Charles A. Manship Sep 1992

An Assessment Of Afit Sys200, 'Acquisition Planning And Analysis', As A Broadening Course Under Apdp, Daryl J. Hauck, Charles A. Manship

Theses and Dissertations

This study assessed AFIT's SYS200 course, 'Acquisition Planning and Analysis,' to determine whether it serves adequately as a broadening course under the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP). APDP certification requires persons in eight acquisition functional disciplines (Acquisition Logistics, Systems R and D/ Engineering, Program Management, etc.) to complete SYS200. Three complementary measures (assessing knowledge, self- efficacy, and a supervisor assessment) were used to determine whether SYS200 conveyed its curriculum effectively to members of all functional disciplines. The results showed that SYS200 attendance produced substantial increases in acquisition-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and supervisor assessments for all functional disciplines. In all three measures, …

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Public Space Launch Acquisition: A Comparative Case Study, Kenneth R. Leeson, Lee W. Rosen Sep 1992

Public Space Launch Acquisition: A Comparative Case Study, Kenneth R. Leeson, Lee W. Rosen

Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzes three commonly practiced approaches to Government acquisition of space launch services. These approaches are employed by The U.S. Air Force, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization. The literature review provides a comprehensive overview of the commercial space launch industry and details critical perspectives on commercial, launch. Launch contracts which were representative of each organization's acquisition procedures were investigated and evaluated along several critical issues and elements of the space launch acquisition process. These issues included payload characteristics, government oversight, contractor incentives, insurance, liability and cost. The critical issues and elements were …

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Pollution Prevention, An Investment Decision Model To Assess Financial Feasibility For Application To Air Force Processes, Debra S. Rankin, Clare R. Mendelsohn Sep 1992

Pollution Prevention, An Investment Decision Model To Assess Financial Feasibility For Application To Air Force Processes, Debra S. Rankin, Clare R. Mendelsohn

Theses and Dissertations

This research develops a Pollution Prevention Investment Decision Model (PPIDM) to evaluate the financial feasibility of pollution prevention alternatives. The PPIDM provides managers with simple, systematic, and flexible guidelines for making accurate and expedient decisions when considering pollution prevention alternatives. The model illustrates that a comprehensive analysis is not always necessary. The PPIDM gives managers the flexibility to adjust the economic feasibility criteria based on top management's perceptions of the political environment. When top management places a very high value on political considerations, economic criteria is insignificant and the project may be implemented immediately without further analysis. The PPIDM takes …

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Offsets In Weapon System Sales: A Case Study Of The Korean Fighter Program, Deborah L. Kremer, Bill Sain Sep 1992

Offsets In Weapon System Sales: A Case Study Of The Korean Fighter Program, Deborah L. Kremer, Bill Sain

Theses and Dissertations

This study sought to develop a framework of factors which impact the success of offset agreements. These agreements have impacts on the U.S. defense industrial base, employment, the balance of trade, and the ability of the U.S. to protect its technology. Consequently, their study is important. A framework of twenty-two factors was developed through an extensive literature review and then tested against the offset proposals in the Korean Fighter Program (KFP). In the KFP case study, only one of the factors, high visibility of the product, appeared to differentiate between the two proposals and have an impact on the final …

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A Methodology For Project Selection Using Economic Analysis And The Analytic Hierarchy Process, Jeffrey L. Battin, Thomas J. Bender Sep 1992

A Methodology For Project Selection Using Economic Analysis And The Analytic Hierarchy Process, Jeffrey L. Battin, Thomas J. Bender

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the applicability of a multiple criterion decision making method, known as the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) , to economic analysis decisions involving project selection. Through a survey of the literature and current practices, it was determined that qualitative criteria were not adequately represented in a typical economic analysis of projects. Several MCDM methods were examined and the AHP was found to be the most promising technique to rate projects on a ratio scale. Two types of project selection problems, those involving nonmutually exclusive alternatives and those involving mutually exclusive alternatives, were examined. It was determined that the …

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An Investigation Of Integrated Weapon System Management Implementation Issues, Scott A. Dalrymple, Lester F. Pietraszuk Sep 1992

An Investigation Of Integrated Weapon System Management Implementation Issues, Scott A. Dalrymple, Lester F. Pietraszuk

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated Integrated Weapon System Management implementation issues. Five functional areas were examined: Contracting, Engineering, Financial management, Program Management, and Test Management. Data was collected through interviews. The most significant lessons learned were to establish a direct chain of command and to use TQM principles. Program business practices were changed by increasing Product Center/ALC interaction and implementing a single joint CCB. Program personnel obtained useful guidance from other IWSM programs and from the information products distributed by HQ AFMC. Communication improvements included increased teleconference capability and establishment of a Local Area Network. Cultural differences between centers, insufficient initial guidance, …

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An Analysis Of Contract Cost Overruns And Their Impacts, Brian D. Wilson Sep 1992

An Analysis Of Contract Cost Overruns And Their Impacts, Brian D. Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the tendency of major program DoD contracts, once in an overrun status, to remain in that status and in many cases, further deteriorate. In these times of budgetary constraints, it is important that government program managers and other key decision makers understand the ramifications of contract overruns especially early in a program's life. The overruns on the A-12 program, for instance, could have possibly been predicted much earlier and the program cancellation avoided if only the program manager had understood the implications of significant cost overruns early in the life of the program.

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Development And Application Of A Methodology For Evaluating Type Ii Expired Shelf Life Hazardous Material Generation In The United States Air Force, Jennifer Putz Sep 1992

Development And Application Of A Methodology For Evaluating Type Ii Expired Shelf Life Hazardous Material Generation In The United States Air Force, Jennifer Putz

Theses and Dissertations

The Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, Air Force Directive 19-4, and the Air Force Pollution Prevention Plan require installations to reduce the amounts of hazardous waste generated. To meet the requirements set forth in these documents, each waste stream containing a hazardous waste needs to be identified and characterized for changes in policies or procedures that would reduce the hazardous waste generated. This research develops a methodology to determine the amount of materials with a type II shelf life that is disposed of as hazardous waste because the shelf life expired while the material was in base supply storage. This …

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The Davis-Bacon Act: Cost Impact On The Air Force, Raymond Carpenter Sep 1992

The Davis-Bacon Act: Cost Impact On The Air Force, Raymond Carpenter

Theses and Dissertations

This study was performed to determine what cost impact, if any, the Davis-Bacon Act has on the cost of Air Force construction contracts. The Davis- Bacon Act is a federal labor statute requiring the payment of pre-established wages to workers employed under Federally funded construction projects. The research found that contract award prices could be approximately 22% lower if the payment of these wages were not required. This estimate was made based on the results of a survey of bidders competing for award of construction contracts issued by bases within the former Strategic Air Command. Additional findings and survey response …

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Intra-Theater Mobilization: Guidance, Process, And Tools, Christopher S. Cummins Sep 1992

Intra-Theater Mobilization: Guidance, Process, And Tools, Christopher S. Cummins

Theses and Dissertations

The study investigated the process of USAF unit level mobilization for movement within a theater of operations. Virtually all of the guidance and organization for unit level mobilization within the USAF is focused on inter- theater movement. Consequently, while the need for theater mobility is real, USAF units may not be well grounded in the procedures and techniques necessary to move successfully. The purpose of the study was to describe the essential process of unit level mobilization and determine the differences from inter- theater mobilizations. In addition, the available tools for accomplishing the tasks of mobilization within a theater of …

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The Application Of Function Points To Predict Source Lines Of Code For Software Development, Garland S. Henderson Sep 1992

The Application Of Function Points To Predict Source Lines Of Code For Software Development, Garland S. Henderson

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the results of using function point analysis-based estimates to predict source lines of code (SLOC) for software development projects. The majority of software cost and effort estimating parametric tools are categorized as SLOC-based, meaning SLOC is the primary input. Early in a program, an accurate estimate of SLOC is difficult to project. Function points, another parametric software estimating tool, bases software cost and effort estimates on the functionality of a system. This functionality is described by documents available early in a program. Using a modeling methodology, the research focuses on function point's ability to accurately estimate SLOC …

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A Study Of Configuration Management At Headquarters Logistics Command (Royal Australian Air Force), John F. Turner Sep 1992

A Study Of Configuration Management At Headquarters Logistics Command (Royal Australian Air Force), John F. Turner

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to provide insight into configuration management at the Royal Australian Air Force's Headquarters Logistics Command (HQLC) by determining whether current configuration management practices have any impact on HQLC's ability to meet its mission of providing logistics support. The research begins with a review of RAAF configuration management policy and procedures as applicable to in-service systems or technical equipment. A case study is used to investigate problems associated with inadequate configuration management being experienced by one HQLC engineering section, and to identify subsequent effects on engineering logistics capability. The case study results are used to …

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Estimating The Operating And Support Cost Difference Between Royal Australian Air Force C-130e And C-130h Hercules Aircraft, Terrence J. Sidey Sep 1992

Estimating The Operating And Support Cost Difference Between Royal Australian Air Force C-130e And C-130h Hercules Aircraft, Terrence J. Sidey

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the operating and support cost (O & S cost) of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-130E and C-130H aircraft. The purpose was twofold: to provide information about the relative O & S cost of the RAAF's old and "new" C-130 aircraft; and to increase knowledge and understanding of aircraft O & S costing within the RAAF. Preliminary research indicated that RAAF O & S costing was rudimentary and that suitable O & S data would be difficult to obtain. Accordingly, an analogous O & S cost system -- the U.S. Air Force (USAF) SABLE cost model and …

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The Development Of A Performance Measurement Concept For The Royal Australian Air Force, David R. Mcdonald Sep 1992

The Development Of A Performance Measurement Concept For The Royal Australian Air Force, David R. Mcdonald

Theses and Dissertations

he Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) needed to develop performance measurements (PMs) to support its Program Management and Budgeting (PMB) System. This research assessed the use of the concepts of the Theory of Constraints (TOC) to develop those PMs. The literature indicated that: traditional accounting PMs were not always suitable in an environment of continuous improvement; Activity Based Costing did not provide the required measures; and non-financial PMs were supplanting the older measures. Further, governments faced unique problems in developing PMs, particularly in defining the outcomes to be measured. Using the Critical Theory and Action Research methodologies, and a case …

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An Environmental Audit Management Plan For The Royal Australian Air Force, Warren L. Lear Sep 1992

An Environmental Audit Management Plan For The Royal Australian Air Force, Warren L. Lear

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to develop an Environmental Audit Management Plan (EAMP) tailored to meet the specific requirements of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The research also examined the resources which would be required to introduce the proposed EAMP into the RAAF. The literature on environmental compliance auditing identifies a number of essential characteristics required for an effective environmental auditing program. These characteristics, in conjunction with the USEPA design guidelines for the development of audit programs for government agencies, were used to guide the development of the RAAF EAMP. Information on Australian environmental legislation, DOD/RAAF policies and …

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The Detection And Correlation Modeling Of Rayleigh Distributed Radar Signals, Alan L. Buterbaugh Sep 1992

The Detection And Correlation Modeling Of Rayleigh Distributed Radar Signals, Alan L. Buterbaugh

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis provides a method for determining the detection of partially correlated Rayleigh distributed radar returns by a pulsed search radar. The receiver consists of a quadrature demodulator receiver, followed by a square law envelope detector and a linear post-detection integrator. In addition, a technique for determining the pulse-to-pulse correlation of a complex target is given using inverse Fourier transforms of the target scattering centers. An AIM-9 missile is used to illustrate how the partially correlated detection techniques and the pulse-to-pulse correlation predictions can be used to determine the probability of detection. The Detection and Correlation Modeling of Rayleigh Distributed …

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Autonomous Face Segmentation, Kevin P. Gay Sep 1992

Autonomous Face Segmentation, Kevin P. Gay

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to implement an autonomous face segmentor as the front end to a face recognition system on a Sun SPARCStation2. Face recognition performance criteria, specifically, the capabilities to isolate and resize faces in an image to a consistent scale, were analyzed to determine current practical limitations. Face images were acquired using a S-VHS camcorder. Segmentation was accomplished using motion detection and predefined rules. Tests were run to determine the suitable of the autonomous segmentor as the front-end to a face recognition system. The segmentation system developed consistently located faces and rescaled those faces to a …

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Co-Channel Speaker Separation, Thomas S. Andrews Sep 1992

Co-Channel Speaker Separation, Thomas S. Andrews

Theses and Dissertations

In the co-channel speaker separation problem, the goal is to recover two separate speech signals from a monaural channel which contains the sum of the two speech signals. A new methodology is developed that if given that a segment of co-channel speech is separated into a stronger and weaker segment, the correct assignment of these separated segments to the appropriate talker can be made using a Linear Predictive Coding (LPC) based minimum-prediction residual computation. The uniqueness of the developed technique is that no a priori information is required of the co-channel speech signal. The information needed to appropriately assign these …

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Speech Recognition Using Visible And Infrared Detectors, Patrick T. Marshall Sep 1992

Speech Recognition Using Visible And Infrared Detectors, Patrick T. Marshall

Theses and Dissertations

A system has been developed that tracks lip motion using infrared (IR) or visible detectors. The purpose of this study was to determine if the additional information obtained from the IR or visible detectors can be used to increase the recognition rate of audio Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) systems. To accomplish this goal, several hardware analog prototypes had to be designed, built and tested. Different detectors (IR and visible) and modes of operation (active and passive) were tried before a reliable and useful signal was found. An analog-to-digital (A/D) board was then designed and built that digitized both the microphone …

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