Engineering Commons^™

Epistemic Decision Theory Applied To Multiple-Target Tracking, T. K. Moon, Scott E. Budge, W. C. Stirling, J. B. Thompson

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

A decision philosophy that seeks the avoidance of error by trading off belief of truth and value of information is applied to the problem of recognizing tracks from multiple targets (MTT). A successful MTT methodology should be robust in that its performance degrades gracefully as the conditions of the collection become less favorable to optimal operation. By stressing the avoidance, rather than the explicit minimization, of error, the authors obtain a decision rule for trajectory-data association that does not require the resolution of all conflicting hypotheses when the database does not contain sufficient information to do so reliably. This rule, …

Classification Using Set-Valued Kalman Filtering And Levi's Decision Theory, T.K. Moon, Scott E. Budge

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

We consider the problem of using Levi's expected epistemic decision theory for classification when the hypotheses are of different informational values, conditioned on convex sets obtained from a set-valued Kalman filter. The background of epistemic utility decision theory with convex probabilities is outlined and a brief introduction to set-valued estimation is given. The decision theory is applied to a classifier in a multiple-target tracking scenario. A new probability density, appropriate for classification using the ratio of intensities, is introduced.

The Spirit Iii Radiometer Data Compression System, Scott E. Budge

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

In this paper, we describe the image data compressor designed and built for the SPIRIT III radiometer which will be used to provide a real-time "quick-look" capability for the instrument. A a brief description of elements of the radiometer design which determine the data compression requirements is given, followed by a description of the VQ-based hybrid data compression algorithm. Highlights of the hardware design are also discussed.

The performance of the compressor is presented. Tests made using data obtained during cold tests of the instrument indicate an RMS error of 6.26 counts for the 10:1 compression mode and 5.83 counts …

A Complexity Analysis Of Smart Pixel Switching Nodes For Photonic Extended Generalized Shuffle Switching Networks, Thomas J. Cloonan, Gaylord W. Richards, Anthony L. Lentine, Frederick B. Mccormick, Harvard Scott Hinton, Stephen J. Hinterlong

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

This paper studies the architectural tradeoffs found in the use of smart pixels for nodes within photonic switching interconnection networks are discussed. The particular networks of interest within the analysis are strictly nonblocking extended generalized shuffle (EGS) networks. Several performance metrics are defined for the analysis, and the effect of node size on these metrics is studied. Optimum node sizes are defined for each of the performance metrics and system-level limitations are identified.

Multiple Quantum-Well Technology Takes Seed, Harvard S. Hinton

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Progress in the development of self-electrooptic-effect devices (SEEDs) is discussed. The devices include the resistor-SEED (R-SEED) device, which can be viewed as a simple NOR gate. The symmetric SEED (S-SEED) and the logic-SEED (L-SEED) devices with improved features, functionality, and performance are also considered. The integration of FETs with multiple quantum well (MQW) modulators (FET-SEED), enables optical interconnections of electronic circuits. Where the SEED technology can be used is discussed, and an experimental optical switching fabric made using these devices is described.

Photonics In Switching, Harvard S. Hinton

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

One of the keys to the future of telecommunications companies will be their ability to provide new broadband services to both the business community and residential customers. With the new services will come the need for the equivalent of a broadband switching office. Such a system could require the capability of supporting in excess of 10000 users with broadband channel bit rates exceeding 100 Mb/s. This implies a switching fabric the aggregate bit rate of which could be greater than 1 Tb/s. Guided-wave technology and free-space technology switching fabrics are discussed. Three time-division-based switching fabrics are proposed, and two wavelength-division-based …

Switching To Photonics, Harvard S. Hinton

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

The use of hardware that exploits the interplay of photons and electrons to switch voice, data, and video is discussed. The two directions being taken by current research-guided-wave and free-space photonics-are examined. Photonic time-slot interchanges are described. Multidivisional fabrics, based on a combination of space-division and time-division multiplexing, are considered, as is the wavelength-division-based photonic packet switch, another kind of multidimensional fabric. The use of self-electrooptic effect devices, (SEEDs) is discussed.

Symmetric Self-Electro-Optic Effect Device: Optical Set-Reset Latch, Differential Logic Gate, And Differential Modulator/Detector, Anthony L. Lentine, Harvard S. Hinton, David A. B. Miller, Jill E. Henry, J. E. Cunningham, Leo M. F. Chirovsky

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

The symmetric self-electrooptic-effect device (S-SEED), a structure consisting of two p-i-n diodes electrically connected in series and acting as an optically bistable set-reset latch, is discussed. Applications and extensions of this device are also discussed. The devices do not require the critical biasing that is common to most optically bistable devices and thus is more useful for system applications. They have been optically cascaded in a photonic ring counter and have been used to perform different NOR, OR, NAND, and AND logic functions. Using the same device, a differential modulator that generates a set of complementary output beams with a …

Architectural Considerations For Photonic Switching Networks, Harvard S. Hinton

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Photonic technologies are reviewed that could become important components of future telecommunication systems. Photonic devices and systems are divided into two classes according to the function they perform. The first class, relational, refers to devices, that map the input channels to the output channels under external control. The second class, logic, perform some type or combination of Boolean logic functions. Some of the strengths and weaknesses of operating in the photonic domain are presented. Relational devices and their applications are discussed. Optical logic devices and their potential applications are reviewed.

The University, Electrical Engineering And Space Travel, Doran Baker

Faculty Honor Lectures

In this paper, my purpose is three-fold: First, to tell some of the story of the development of the Engineering College at Utah State University; second, to present selected concepts and applications in the evolution of electrical engineering; third, to relate these concepts and developments to our space venture and to the twenty-first century_ My perspective is that of a school teacher, engineer, scientist and historian; superimposed upon this is my imbedment in the system as an administrator of teachers and researchers. I intend to strike a balance between generality and depth, between technology and philosophy, and between perception and …

Wind-Powered Hydrogen Electric Systems For Farm And Rural Use, Final Report, United States Department Of Energy

Agriculture

The objective of this study has been to determine the current technology of a wind-energy conversion system (WECS) of minimal cost for rural applications. Specifically, IGT has evaluated available methods for converting shaft horse-power from a wind turbine to electricity and hydrogen. A workable mix of these two energy forms with storage that can support the energy needs of selected farming operations and the rural home was sought.

Energy load patterns of several farming operations were examined for interfacing with the energy storage and delivery systems that are supplied by wind turbines dependent on the prevalent winds. Several preliminary designs …