Computer Sciences Commons^™

Detection Of High Altitude Aircraft Wake Vortices Using Infrared Doppler Lidar: An Assessment, Michael J. Estes

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated the feasibility of air-to-air detection of high altitude aircraft wake vortices at long ranges using infrared Doppler lidar. The purpose of this technique is to detect otherwise stealthy aircraft. Three laser wavelengths were analyzed: 1.064, 2.091, and 9.115 microns. Analysis revealed that the spectral width of the return signal from an aircraft wake presented a good signature for detection. Based on the analysis, a minimum signal-to-noise ratio of 0 db was established. Detection performance was then analyzed using signal-to-noise ratio calculations for backscatter by ambient atmospheric aerosols, jet engine exhaust soot particles, and condensation trail ice particles. …

A Biologically-Inspired Neural Network Architecture For Image Processing, Laurence E. Lazofson

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis project included a literature survey of biological and artificial neural network research followed by development and testing of high- order and image recognition hierarchical neural network algorithms. Following training, performance testing of second-order and third-order networks yielded maximum accuracies comparable to those achieved by multilayer perceptron classifiers operating on test data sets. Several versions of an image classification algorithm were tested for learning performance using pixel data from forward-looking infrared (FLIR) images of tanks, trucks, target boards, and clutter. Employing the biologically-motivated Lambertization and contrast normalization of pixel windows, correlations with multiple Gabor function wavelets, and a 'phase …

Model-Based 3-D Recognition System Using Gabor Features And Neural Networks, Phung D. Le

Theses and Dissertations

A different approach to pattern recognition was attempted using Gabor features, artificial neural nets, and an image generator. The Gabor features and artificial neural nets are sound biological-based, and the image generator provides complete access to any view of an object. This thesis tested the idea that their integration could form a robust 3-D recognition system. The results of the research showed that the Gabor features together with a neural net were used successfully in classifying objects regardless of their positions, out-of- plane rotations, and to a lesser extent in-plane rotations. The Gabor features were obtained by correlating the image …

Using Error Detection And Correction Coding For A Turbulent Atmospheric Optical Communications Link, Mark A. Cloutier

Theses and Dissertations

Probability of bit error (Pb) performance for a turbulent, atmospheric, optical, communications link with convolutional error detection and correction coding was investigated. The codes investigated were all rate 1/2 codes with constraint lengths ranging from 3 to 7. It was assumed that the coded data stream was sufficiently interleaved so that the turbulent channel could be considered memoryless. A theoretical bound on P_b, given by Viterbi for a memoryless channel, was used to plot curves of P_b versus the signal intensity of last transmitter. These curves were plotted for three different levels of atmospheric turbulence and three …

A Compact Optical Associative Memory Using Dynamic Holographic Storage Media And Photorefractive Gain And Attenuation Elements, Thomas J. Burns

Theses and Dissertations

This research effort implemented a compact optical associative memory architecture consisting of a Fabry-Perot Confocal Resonator (FPCR) optical processing environment, two dynamically reprogrammable Lithium Niobate volume holograms, and Barium Titanate gain and attenuation elements. The reduced physical dimensions of the compact optical processing environment make it more adaptable to military applications than previous associative memory designs. The FPCR employs Mangin mirrors designed to reduce spherical aberrations in off-axis rays. The orientation of the gain element's grating vector angle and the model used to predict the profile of the attenuation element were unique to this research effort. The object stored in …

A Comparison Of Human-Computer Interfaces In Air Force Organizations, Michael G. Morris

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigated differences in organizational efficiency and effectiveness for users of graphical user interfaces and text-based interfaces on personal computers in Air Forces offices. Areas of interest included amount of time required to learn the basic system, amount of time required to learn new application, users' ratings of user-friendliness, users' perceptions of the extent that their system help them perform in their job, the number of software packages used on the job by users of each system, user satisfaction, responsible authorities' ratings of quality of output, and the relationship between user job experience level and interface used on the …

A Whole Word And Number Reading Machine Based On Two Dimensional Low Frequency Fourier Transforms, Mark A. O'Hair

Theses and Dissertations

The Fourier transform is investigated as a means for developing an optical reader capable of reading a large vocabulary without segmenting the image of a word into individual characters. The reader is capable of reading printed and cursive font styles, is scale invariant, and is substantially insensitive to noise. The image of a particular word is treated as a single symbol; the two dimensional low frequency Fourier coefficients (assuming n coefficients are calculated) define the word's location on an n dimensional hypersphere of unit radius. The distance between individual locations (words) categorizes similar and dissimilar words. The smaller the distance, …

Use Of Grasp Force Focus Positioning To Enhance The Torque Resistance Capability Of Robotic Grasps, Stephen G. Edwards

Theses and Dissertations

Three-point-contact grasps are unique in that the homogeneous solution for the contact forces always produces a grasp force focus. Careful positioning of this focus point in the grasp plane can help avoid two things; slipping at the contact points, and violation of joint torque limits. The focus placement method is explored theoretically by examining two types of grasps on cylinders; 1) fingertip grasps using three independently operated fingers, and 2) single-finger power grasps with one contact point on each of three links. Constraint maps are generated for various fingertip grasps in order to show how proper placement of the grasp …

A Low-Cost Part-Task Flight Training System: An Application Of A Head Mounted Display, David A. Dahn

Theses and Dissertations

To investigate the feasibility of using head-mounted display(HMD) and Computer Image Generators(CIG) in a low cost part-task trainer, we created a prototype system. Our approach was to build a virtual world interface using a HMD to an existing flight simulator application. This allowed a CIG with only one graphics channel to drive the display. To investigate which class of computing platform was suitable for use as the CIG, a cooperative thesis effort was launched to host the simulator on a mini-computer and micro-computer platform. The appropriate CIG could then be determined through demonstration and comparison between the systems. A software …

Introductory Dataperfect® Instruction, Frances Jenson Larsen

Theses and Dissertations

The project should be used in a beginning computer class. These units contain projects from simple to complex. The first instructional unit uses a database that comes with the DataPerfect® program. The students build and manipulate a small database. Reports are prepared, and finally the students design an original database. These instructional units are intended to be used in a high school classroom with the DataPerfect® computer program. DataPerfect® is a copyrighted program marketed by WordPerfect Corporation of Orem, Utah.

Data Base Design For Research In Comparative Zapotec, Anita C. Bickford

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the nature and content of a comparative data base for the Zapotec languages of Mexico that may be produced. Many questions are discussed: how to sub-divide and list the Zapotec languages and dialects; what data format will be most accessible to researchers as well as to field workers with data to add; computer software considerations (designing computational tools); how to handle non-cognates with shared meanings, non-overlap of glosses (i.e., one Zapotec gloss covers several Spanish words, or vice versa), semantic shifts and secondary meanings, and other problems such as special characters, free variation, elisions, etc.; whether to …

Expert System For Interpreting An Organizational Climate Survey Supporting Guided Development, Thabet Birro

Theses and Dissertations

This project has lead to the development of a prototype, diagnostic, rule-based expert system to analyze data gathered with an organizational climate survey conducted in high technology firms. The development process followed an investigative look at the field of expert systems. The project was implemented using Level5 shell (by Level 5 research Inc.) in PC/MS-DOS environment.

A Generalized Information Structure To Be Used In A Human-Factors Knowledge Base, Bruce J. Wachlin

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to design a generalized information structure that can be used in a human-factors knowledge base. The information structure will take into account the human factors requirements and the hardware characteristics of the system. In this thesis the design and implementation of several prototype systems of a generalized information structure to be used in a human-factors knowledge base are presented.

Designing A Relational Data Base For A Problem Solving Environment, Kathryn S. Dawson

Theses and Dissertations

When choosing a system design in which to solve a recurring problem which depends on interrelated data a relational data base environment should be considered. The original problem can be solved through this design and by allowing users to view the data in the relational constructs the data can be easily used in numerous other applications. Theoretical support insures the design is sound avoiding inaccurate results. Independence between the logical and physical views of the data enables the data base administrator to adjust the physical data structures in order to optimize system performance without affecting existing user applications.

Toward A Normative Computer-Aided Contingency Planning Protocol, Peter H. Aiken

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis effort is an investigation into the subject of contingency planning.

Increases in the number of organizations operating in "turbulent environments" have highlighted deficiencies in planning methodologies which attempt to base continued organizational survival upon a single course of action. In these instances, organizations experience an increase in the number of variables and possible events for which they must be prepared. Traditional contingency planning efforts attempt to prepare the organization for the occurrence of events that are foreseen deviations from "the master plan". When operating in turbulent environments, organizations must plan to move quickly through a series of differing …

A Comparison Of Processor Technologies, Eddie R. Wachter

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this paper is to present a discussion of the technology implementation and design of four very high performance mainframe computer systems. The systems evaluated are:

Amdahl 580 Series

CDC 170 Series 800

IBM 308x Series

Univac 1100/90 Series

Included in this evaluation is a survey of the technology used, its characteristics, packaging and performance. Each system component is evaluated on the basis of design philosophy, technology, and the total system design with regards to reliability, availability, and performance.

Software Simulation Of The D17b Computer, Bruce Chatterton

Theses and Dissertations

A software program has been written which simulates the functions of the Minuteman D17B computer at the register transfer level. The simulation program is written in the FORTRAN Extended language to be used on the Intercom System (teletype) of a CDC 6600 computer system. The simulation program consists of a main program and eight subroutines. A programming language for the D17B simulation was formed which contains numbers and load codes, switches, and miscellaneous commands. Example programs run on the simulated computer have been included to show the types of output available.