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Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Radar Based Navigation In Unknown Terrain, Kyle J. Kauffman Dec 2012

Radar Based Navigation In Unknown Terrain, Kyle J. Kauffman

Theses and Dissertations

There is a great need to develop non-GPS based methods for positioning and navigation in situations where GPS is not available. This research focuses on the development of an Ultra-Wideband Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed (UWB-OFDM) radar as a navigation sensor in GPS-denied environments. A side-looking vehicle-fixed UWB-OFDM radar is mounted to a ground or aerial vehicle continuously collecting data. A set of signal processing algorithms and methods are developed which use the raw radar data to aide in calculating the vehicle position and velocity via a simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) approach. The radar processing algorithms detect strong, persistent, and …


A Nonparametric Approach To Segmentation Of Ladar Images, Eric A. Buschelman Dec 2012

A Nonparametric Approach To Segmentation Of Ladar Images, Eric A. Buschelman

Theses and Dissertations

The advent of advanced laser radar (ladar) systems that record full-waveform signal data has inspired numerous inquisitions which aspire to extract additional, previously unavailable, information about the illuminated scene from the collected data. The quality of the information, however, is often related to the limitations of the ladar camera used to collect the data. This research project uses full-waveform analysis of ladar signals, and basic principles of optics, to propose a new formulation for an accepted signal model. A new waveform model taking into account backscatter reflectance is the key to overcoming specific deficiencies of the ladar camera at hand, …


Exploitation Of Rf-Dna For Device Classification And Verification Using Grlvqi Processing, Donald R. Reising Dec 2012

Exploitation Of Rf-Dna For Device Classification And Verification Using Grlvqi Processing, Donald R. Reising

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation introduces a GRLVQI classifier into an RF-DNA fingerprinting process and demonstrates applicability for device classification and ID verification. Unlike MDA/ML processing, GRLVQI provides a measure of feature relevance that enables Dimensional Reduction Analysis (DRA) to enhance the experimental-to-operational transition potential of RF-DNA fingerprinting. Using 2D Gabor Transform RF-DNA fingerprints extracted from experimentally collected OFDM-based 802.16 WiMAX and 802.11 WiFi device emissions, average GRLVQI classification accuracy of %C greater than or equal to 90% is achieved using full and reduced dimensional feature sets at SNR greater than or equal to 10.0 dB and SNR greater than or equal to …


Modeling The Effects Of The Local Environment On A Received Gnss Signal, Marshall E. Haker Dec 2012

Modeling The Effects Of The Local Environment On A Received Gnss Signal, Marshall E. Haker

Theses and Dissertations

There is an ongoing need in the GNSS community for the development of high-fidelity simulators which generate data that replicates what can truly be expected from a challenging environment such as an urban canyon or an indoor environment. The algorithm developed for use in the research in this dissertation, the Signal Decomposition and Parameterization Algorithm (SDPA), is presented in order to respond to this need. This algorithm is designed to decompose a signal received using a GNSS recording and playback system and output parameters that can be used to reconstruct the effects on the signal of the environment local to …


Resolution Study Of A Hyperspectral Sensor Using Computed Tomography In The Process Of Noise, Samuel V. Mantravadi Sep 2012

Resolution Study Of A Hyperspectral Sensor Using Computed Tomography In The Process Of Noise, Samuel V. Mantravadi

Theses and Dissertations

Recently, a new type of hyperspectral imaging sensor has been proposed which simultaneously records both spectral data and multiple spatial dimensions. Unlike dispersive imaging spectrometers, chromo-tomographic hyperspectral imaging sensors (CTHIS) record two spatial dimensions as well as a spectral dimension using computed tomography (CT) techniques with only a finite number of spatially-spectrally diverse images. To date, the factors affecting resolution of these sensors have not been examined. This research examines factors affecting resolution, specifically the number of the focus planes needed to resolve a particular object calculated from a theoretical lower bound, determine a method of reconstructing a hyperspectral object …


Ground Vehicle Navigation Using Magnetic Field Variation, Jeremiah A. Shockley Sep 2012

Ground Vehicle Navigation Using Magnetic Field Variation, Jeremiah A. Shockley

Theses and Dissertations

The Earth's magnetic field has been the bedrock of navigation for centuries. The latest research highlights the uniqueness of magnetic field measurements based on position due to large scale variations as well as localized perturbations. These observable changes in the Earth's magnetic field as a function of position provide distinct information which can be used for navigation. This dissertation describes ground vehicle navigation exploiting variation in Earth's magnetic field using a self-contained navigation system consisting of only a magnetometer and magnetic field maps. In order to achieve navigation, effective calibration enables repeatable magnetic field measurements from different vehicles and facilitates …


Towards The Mitigation Of Correlation Effects In The Analysis Of Hyperspectral Imagery With Extension To Robust Parameter Design, Jason P. Williams Sep 2012

Towards The Mitigation Of Correlation Effects In The Analysis Of Hyperspectral Imagery With Extension To Robust Parameter Design, Jason P. Williams

Theses and Dissertations

Standard anomaly detectors and classifiers assume data to be uncorrelated and homogeneous, which is not inherent in Hyperspectral Imagery (HSI). To address the detection difficulty, a new method termed Iterative Linear RX (ILRX) uses a line of pixels which shows an advantage over RX, in that it mitigates some of the effects of correlation due to spatial proximity; while the iterative adaptation from Iterative Linear RX (IRX) simultaneously eliminates outliers. In this research, the application of classification algorithms using anomaly detectors to remove potential anomalies from mean vector and covariance matrix estimates and addressing non-homogeneity through cluster analysis, both of …


Cross Hallway Detection And Indoor Localization Using Flash Laser Detection And Ranging, Istvan M. Prileszky Jun 2012

Cross Hallway Detection And Indoor Localization Using Flash Laser Detection And Ranging, Istvan M. Prileszky

Theses and Dissertations

A flash LADAR is investigated as a source of navigation information to support cross-hallway detection and relative localization. To accomplish this, a dynamic, flexible simulation was developed that simulated the LADAR and the noise of a LADAR system. Using simulated LADAR data, algorithms were developed that were shown to be effective at detecting cross hallways in simulated ideal environments and in simulated environments with noise. Relative position was determined in the same situations. A SwissRanger SR4000 flash LADAR was then used to collect real data and to verify algorithm performance in real environments. Hallway detection was shown to be possible …


An Application Of Con-Resistant Trust To Improve The Reliability Of Special Protection Systems Within The Smart Grid, Crystal M. Shipman Jun 2012

An Application Of Con-Resistant Trust To Improve The Reliability Of Special Protection Systems Within The Smart Grid, Crystal M. Shipman

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores an application of a con-resistant trust mechanism to improve the performance of communications-based special protection systems to further enhance their effectiveness and resiliency. New initiatives in the energy sector are paving the way for the emergent communications-based smart grid technology. Smart grids incorporate modern technologies in an effort to be more reliable and efficient. However, with the benefits of this new technology comes added risk. This research utilizes a con-resistant trust mechanism as a method to quickly identify malicious or malfunctioning protection system nodes in order to mitigate the resulting instabilities in the smart grid. The feasibility …


Multi-Observation Continuous Density Hidden Markov Models For Anomaly Detection In Full Motion Video, Matthew P. Ross Jun 2012

Multi-Observation Continuous Density Hidden Markov Models For Anomaly Detection In Full Motion Video, Matthew P. Ross

Theses and Dissertations

An increase in sensors on the battlefield produces an abundance of collected data that overwhelms the processing capability of the DoD. Automated Visual Surveillance (AVS) seeks to use machines to better exploit increased sensor data, such as by highlighting anomalies. In this thesis, we apply AVS to overhead Full Motion Video (FMV). We seek to automate the classification of soldiers in a simulated combat scenario into their agent types. To this end, we use Multi-Dimensional Continuous Density Hidden Markov Models (MOCDHMMs), a form of HMM which models a training dataset more precisely than simple HMMs. MOCDHMMs are theoretically developed but …


Implementation Of Branch-Point-Tolerant Wavefront Reconstructor For Strong Turbulence Compensation, Michael J. Steinbock Jun 2012

Implementation Of Branch-Point-Tolerant Wavefront Reconstructor For Strong Turbulence Compensation, Michael J. Steinbock

Theses and Dissertations

Branch points arise in optical transmissions due to strong atmospheric turbulence, long propagation paths, or a combination of both. Unfortunately, these conditions are very often present in desired operational scenarios for laser weapon systems, optical communication, and covert imaging, which suffer greatly when traditional adaptive optics systems either cannot sense branch points or implement non-optimal methods for sensing and correcting branch points. Previous research by Pellizzari presented a thorough analysis of various novel branch point tolerant reconstructors in the absence of noise. In this research a realistic model of the Air Force Institute of Technology's adaptive optics system is developed …


Local Histograms For Per-Pixel Classification, Melody R. Massar Mar 2012

Local Histograms For Per-Pixel Classification, Melody R. Massar

Theses and Dissertations

We introduce a rigorous mathematical theory for the analysis of local histograms, and study how they interact with textures that can be modeled as occlusions of simpler components. We first show how local histograms can be computed as a system of convolutions and discuss some basic local histogram properties. We then introduce a probabilistic, occlusion-based model for textures and formally demonstrate that local histogram transforms are natural tools for analyzing the textures produced by our model. Next, we characterize all nonlinear transforms which satisfy the three key properties of local histograms and consider the appropriateness of local histogram features in …


Near Earth Object Detection Using A Poisson Statistical Model For Detection On Images Modeled From The Panoramic Survey Telescope And Rapid Response System, Curtis J. R. Peterson Mar 2012

Near Earth Object Detection Using A Poisson Statistical Model For Detection On Images Modeled From The Panoramic Survey Telescope And Rapid Response System, Curtis J. R. Peterson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research effort is to develop, simulate, and test a new algorithm to detect Near Earth Objects (NEOs) using a Likelihood Ratio Test (LRT) based on a Poisson statistical model for the arrival of photons. One detection algorithm currently in use is based on a Gaussian approximation of the arrival of photons, and is compared to the proposed Poisson model. The research includes three key components. The first is a quantitative analysis of the performance of both algorithms. The second is a system model for simulating detection statistics. The last component is a collection of measured data …


Ladar Performance Simulations With A High Spectral Resolution Atmospheric Transmittance And Radiance Model- Leedr, Benjamin D. Roth Mar 2012

Ladar Performance Simulations With A High Spectral Resolution Atmospheric Transmittance And Radiance Model- Leedr, Benjamin D. Roth

Theses and Dissertations

In this study of atmospheric effects on Geiger Mode laser ranging and detection (LADAR), the parameter space is explored primarily using the Air Force Institute of Technology Center for Directed Energy's (AFIT/CDE) Laser Environmental Effects Definition and Reference (LEEDR) code. The LADAR system is assessed at operationally representative wavelengths of 1.064, 1.56 and 2.039 μm with several up and down looking engagement geometries at locations worldwide. Results computed with LEEDR are compared to standard atmosphere and Fast Atmospheric Signature Code (FASCODE) assessments. Results show significant climate dependence, but large variances between climatological and standard atmosphere assessments. An overall average absolute …


Rsa Power Analysis Obfuscation: A Dynamic Fpga Architecture, John W. Barron Mar 2012

Rsa Power Analysis Obfuscation: A Dynamic Fpga Architecture, John W. Barron

Theses and Dissertations

The modular exponentiation operation used in popular public key encryption schemes, such as RSA, has been the focus of many side channel analysis (SCA) attacks in recent years. Current SCA attack countermeasures are largely static. Given sufficient signal-to-noise ratio and a number of power traces, static countermeasures can be defeated, as they merely attempt to hide the power consumption of the system under attack. This research develops a dynamic countermeasure which constantly varies the timing and power consumption of each operation, making correlation between traces more difficult than for static countermeasures. By randomizing the radix of encoding for Booth multiplication …


Ofdm-Based Signal Exploitation Using Quadrature Mirror Filter Bank (Qmfb) Processing, Felipe E. Garrido Mar 2012

Ofdm-Based Signal Exploitation Using Quadrature Mirror Filter Bank (Qmfb) Processing, Felipe E. Garrido

Theses and Dissertations

By performing QMFB processing with a given signal it is possible to obtain Frequency-Time (F-T) outputs that represent signal features such as bandwidth (W), center frequency (fc), signal duration (Ts), modulation type (AM, FM, BPSK, QAM, etc), frequency content and time allocation. Because of its unique structure, two widely used signals based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) were chosen as signals of interest for demonstration. The general implementation of the QMFB process is described along with the basic structure of OFDM signals related to the physical layer perspective of 802.11a Wi-Fi and 802.16e WiMAX frame structures are described. The …


Magnetic Field Generation And B-Dot Sensor Characterization In The High Frequency Band, Ryan L. Hardin Mar 2012

Magnetic Field Generation And B-Dot Sensor Characterization In The High Frequency Band, Ryan L. Hardin

Theses and Dissertations

Designing a high frequency (HF) magnetic field direction finding (DF) array for use onboard a military aircraft is the challenge that drives the effort of the research presented. The frequency range of interest, 2-32 MHz, has a maximum wavelength (150 meters) that exceeds the maximum length of any platform in the USAF inventory. The large wavelengths in the HF range make it difficult to accurately estimate from which direction a magnetic field is emitting. Accurate DF estimates are necessary for search and rescue operations and geolocating RF emitters of interest. The primary goal of this research is to characterize the …


Augmenting The Global Positioning System With Foreign Navigation Systems And Alternative Sensors, Christopher B. Killion Mar 2012

Augmenting The Global Positioning System With Foreign Navigation Systems And Alternative Sensors, Christopher B. Killion

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Global Positioning System (GPS), with its great accuracy, receives extensive use by civilians and military organizations throughout the world. However, in areas with limited or partially obstructed views of the sky, such as amongst tall buildings or imposing geographic features, a position solution can be difficult or impossible to obtain as the limited view of the sky decreases the number of visible satellites. Augmenting the GPS constellation by receiving signals from foreign satellite navigation systems as well as using measurements from inertial and barometric sensors can increase the availability of a position solution in a degraded reception …


Computer Aided Multi-Data Fusion Dismount Modeling, Juan L. Morales Mar 2012

Computer Aided Multi-Data Fusion Dismount Modeling, Juan L. Morales

Theses and Dissertations

Recent research efforts strive to address the growing need for dismount surveillance, dismount tracking and characterization. Current work in this area utilizes hyperspectral and multispectral imaging systems to exploit spectral properties in order to detect areas of exposed skin and clothing characteristics. Because of the large bandwidth and high resolution, hyperspectral imaging systems pose great ability to characterize and detect dismounts. A multi-data dismount modeling system where the development and manipulation of dismount models is a necessity. This thesis demonstrates a computer aided multi-data fused dismount model, which facilitates studies of dismount detection, characterization and identification. The system is created …


Passive Multistatic Radar Imaging Using An Ofdm Based Signal Of Opportunity, Matthew B. P. Rapson Mar 2012

Passive Multistatic Radar Imaging Using An Ofdm Based Signal Of Opportunity, Matthew B. P. Rapson

Theses and Dissertations

This paper demonstrates a proof of concept in using an OFDM-based signal of opportunity for SAR imaging purposes within a passive, multistatic radar construct. Two signal processing methods have been proposed to create phase history data. The same methods are applied in both a simulated software model and an experimental data collection environment to produce simulated SAR images using the CBP imaging algorithm. The images generated from both the experimental and simulated data were observed to be consistent with each other and with expectations in terms of resolution. Coherent addition of the images results in improved image resolution due to …


Covariance Analysis Of Vision Aided Navigation By Bootstrapping, Andrew L. Relyea Mar 2012

Covariance Analysis Of Vision Aided Navigation By Bootstrapping, Andrew L. Relyea

Theses and Dissertations

Inertial Navigation System (INS) aiding using bearing measurements taken over time of stationary ground features is investigated. A cross country flight, in two and three dimensional space, is considered, as well as a vertical drop in three dimensional space. The objective is to quantify the temporal development of the uncertainty in the navigation states of an aircraft INS which is aided by taking bearing measurements of ground objects which have been geolocated using ownship position. It is shown that during wings level flight at constant speed and a fixed altitude, an aircraft that tracks ground objects and over time sequentially …


Electromagnetic Characterization Of Inhomogeneous Media, Marcus A. Sitterly Mar 2012

Electromagnetic Characterization Of Inhomogeneous Media, Marcus A. Sitterly

Theses and Dissertations

Developed two permittivity profile extraction algorithms for inhomogeneous materials. These two algorithms were created using discrete and continuous approaches. The discrete method used a piece-wise constant permittivity assumption that allowed the use of homogeneous wave equations. Using laboratory data and a theoretical formulation, the permittivity of each piece-wise constant layer within the material was extracted using a root search algorithm. The continuous approach solved the problem using inhomogeneous wave equations. These equations were used to extract a linear permittivity profile using laboratory data and a root search.


Simultaneous Range-Velocity Processing And Snr Analysis Of Afit's Random Noise Radar, T. Joel Thorson Mar 2012

Simultaneous Range-Velocity Processing And Snr Analysis Of Afit's Random Noise Radar, T. Joel Thorson

Theses and Dissertations

This paper presents two research objectives aimed at advancing the AFIT RNR signal processing algorithm and modeling capability toward the overarching goal of performing collision avoidance on an autonomous vehicle. In both research efforts, analytical, simulated, and measured results are provided and used to draw research conclusions. The first research effort is aimed at reducing the memory required for 2D processing in the time domain in order to distribute the processing algorithm across hundreds of processors on a GPU. Distributed processing reduces the overall 2D processing time and the feasibility of a near real-time implementation is studied. The second effort …


Distributed Localization Of Active Transmitters In A Wireless Sensor Network, Oba L. Vincent Mar 2012

Distributed Localization Of Active Transmitters In A Wireless Sensor Network, Oba L. Vincent

Theses and Dissertations

In today's military environment, emphasis has been placed on bandwidth efficiency and total use of the available spectrum. Current communication standards divide the spectrum into several different frequency bands, all of which are assigned to one or multiple primary users. Cognitive Radio utilizes potential white spaces that exist between currently defined channels or in time. One under-explored dimension of white space exploration is spatial. If a frequency band is being used in one region, it may be underutilized, or not occupied in another. Using an active localization method can allow for the discovery of spatial white; trying to spatially map …


Trade-Offs In A 1 Tbps Mimo Communication System Between An Airship And An Array Of Ground Receive Antennas, Adam R. Brueggen Mar 2012

Trade-Offs In A 1 Tbps Mimo Communication System Between An Airship And An Array Of Ground Receive Antennas, Adam R. Brueggen

Theses and Dissertations

As demand for higher data-rate wireless communications increases, so will the interest in multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) systems. In a single transmitter, single receiver communication system, there is a fundamental limit to the data-rate capacity of the system proportional to the systems bandwidth. Since increasing the bandwidth is expensive and limited, another option is increasing the system's capacity by adding multiple antennas at the transmitter and receiver to create a MIMO communication system. With a T transmitter, R receiver MIMO communication system, TR channels are created which allow extremely high data-rates. MIMO systems are attractive because they are extremely robust …


Low Cost, Low Complexity Sensor Design For Non-Cooperative Geolocation Via Received Signal Strength, Michael S. Butler Mar 2012

Low Cost, Low Complexity Sensor Design For Non-Cooperative Geolocation Via Received Signal Strength, Michael S. Butler

Theses and Dissertations

Obtaining accurate non-cooperative geolocation is vital for persistent surveillance of a hostile emitter. Current research for developing a small, cheap and energy efficient sensor network for non-cooperative geolocation measurements via received signal strength (RSS) is limited. Most existing work focuses on simulating a non-cooperative network (NN) and in doing so, simulated models often ignore localization errors caused from the hardware processing raw RSS data and often model environment-dependent errors as random. By comparing real-time measured non-cooperative geolocation data to a simulated system a more accurate model can be developed. This thesis discusses the development and performance of a small, low …


Development Of A Radar-Frequency Metamaterial Measurement And Characterization Apparatus, Stephen I. Faris Mar 2012

Development Of A Radar-Frequency Metamaterial Measurement And Characterization Apparatus, Stephen I. Faris

Theses and Dissertations

The overall purpose of this research was to design, build, and test an apparatus for the measurement and characterization of radar-frequency metamaterial performance in the S-band through Ku-band (2-18 GHz). Measurement and characterization is vital to metamaterial taxonomy and ultimately vital to metamaterial definitions. Thus, the current lack of clarity in metamaterial definitions has served as the primary motivation for pursuing a method for taxonomy and thus, this apparatus. The technical goal of this thesis was to aid in the understanding of a metamaterial's radar-frequency response by developing an apparatus that would take simple, yet significant measurements of a metamaterial's …


Air-To-Air Missile Enhanced Scoring With Kalman Smoothing, Jonathon S. Gipson Mar 2012

Air-To-Air Missile Enhanced Scoring With Kalman Smoothing, Jonathon S. Gipson

Theses and Dissertations

A correct estimate of a missile's flight path is essential to USAF test and evaluation efforts. The USAF air-to-air Weapons System Evaluation Program (WSEP) targets unmanned aerial drones in hundreds of live-fire missile tests each year. The current QF-4 drone inventory is expected to be depleted by 2015. The QF-16 Full Scale Aerial Target (FSAT) contract has been awarded to convert usable early model F-16s into remote-controlled drones. The QF-16 will provide a highly-maneuverable, realistic testing environment for 5th generation fighters. To accomplish their mission, WSEP requires a scoring system capable of estimating the trajectory of a missile relative to …


Application Of Game Theory To Improve The Defense Of The Smart Grid, Keith J. Ross Mar 2012

Application Of Game Theory To Improve The Defense Of The Smart Grid, Keith J. Ross

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents the development and evaluation of a distributed agent based system using reputation based trust and game theoretic techniques to improve the defense of the future smart grid from cyber-attack and equipment malfunctions. Future smart grid capabilities promise to leverage network technologies to revolutionize the production, transmission, distribution and consumption of electrical power. However, the internet like communication also increase the power grid's vulnerability to cyber-attack. This thesis uses simulation linking power systems with communication networks to demonstrate the benefits of a Distributed Decision Making Communication Enable Special Protection System (SPS) using reputation based trust and game theory …


A Performance Analysis Of The Optimized Link State Routing Protocol Using Voice Traffic Over Mobile Ad Hoc Networks, André Wolf Mar 2012

A Performance Analysis Of The Optimized Link State Routing Protocol Using Voice Traffic Over Mobile Ad Hoc Networks, André Wolf

Theses and Dissertations

Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) have grown in popularity over the past decade and are increasingly considered for time-sensitive multimedia applications. The impact of various routing protocols on voice traffic using different IEEE 802.11 extensions has been investigated via analytical models, simulations and experimental test beds. Many studies determined that optimized link state routing (OLSR) is a suitable routing protocol to support voice over internet protocol (VoIP) conversations. This research expands upon this understanding by determining the point at which voice traffic is no longer feasible in an ad hoc environment and determines which audio codec is best suited for …