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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 55 records · Page 3

Planning for Compilation of a Quantum Algorithm for Graph Coloring

Recently, the problem of compiling general quantum algorithms for implementation on near-term quantum processors has been introduced to the AI community. Previous work demonstrated that temporal planning is an attractive approach for part of this compilation task, specifically, the routing of circuits that implement the Quantum Alternating Operator Ansatz (QAOA) applied to theMaxCut problem on a quantum processor architecture. In this paper, we extend the earlier work to route circuits that implement QAOAfor Graph Coloring problems. QAOA for coloring requires execution of more, and more complex, operations on the chip, which makes routing a more challenging problem. We evaluate the approach on state-of-the-art hardware architectures from leading quantum computing companies. Additionally, we investigate applying the planning approach to qubit initialization as well as routing. Our empirical evaluation shows that temporal planning compares well to reasonable analytic upper bounds [20], and that solving qubit initialization with a classical planner generally helps temporal planners in finding shorter-makespan compilations for QAOA for Graph Coloring.These advances suggest that temporal planning can be an effective approach for more complex quantum computing algorithms and architectures.

Minh Do↗

Inflight evaluation of pilot workload measures for rotorcraft research

The effectiveness of heart-rate monitoring and the NASA TLX workload rating scale (Hart et al., 1985) in measuring helicopter-pilot workloads is investigated experimentally. Four NASA test pilots flew two 2-h missions each in an SH-3G helicopter, following scenarios with takeoff, hover, cross-country, and landing tasks; pilot performance on the tasks undertaken near the landing area was measured by laser tracking. The results are presented in graphs and discussed in detail, and it is found that the TLX ratings clearly distinguish the flight segments and are well correlated with the performance data. The mean heart rate (measured as interbeat interval) is correlated (r = -0.69) with the TLX workload, but only the standard deviation of the interbeat interval is able to distinguish between flight segments; the correlation between standard deviation and TLX ratings is negative but not significant.

Shively, Robert J.↗

Two criteria for the selection of assembly plans - Maximizing the flexibility of sequencing the assembly tasks and minimizing the assembly time through parallel execution of assembly tasks

The authors introduce two criteria for the evaluation and selection of assembly plans. The first criterion is to maximize the number of different sequences in which the assembly tasks can be executed. The second criterion is to minimize the total assembly time through simultaneous execution of assembly tasks. An algorithm that performs a heuristic search for the best assembly plan over the AND/OR graph representation of assembly plans is discussed. Admissible heuristics for each of the two criteria introduced are presented. Some implementation issues that affect the computational efficiency are addressed.

Homem De Mello, Luiz S.↗

Spatio-Temporal Video Segmentation with Shape Growth or Shrinkage Constraint

We propose a new method for joint segmentation of monotonously growing or shrinking shapes in a time sequence of noisy images. The task of segmenting the image time series is expressed as an optimization problem using the spatio-temporal graph of pixels, in which we are able to impose the constraint of shape growth or of shrinkage by introducing monodirectional infinite links connecting pixels at the same spatial locations in successive image frames. The globally optimal solution is computed with a graph cut. The performance of the proposed method is validated on three applications: segmentation of melting sea ice floes and of growing burned areas from time series of 2D satellite images, and segmentation of a growing brain tumor from sequences of 3D medical scans. In the latter application, we impose an additional intersequences inclusion constraint by adding directed infinite links between pixels of dependent image structures.

Segmentation↗

Tree Classification Software

This paper introduces the IND Tree Package to prospective users. IND does supervised learning using classification trees. This learning task is a basic tool used in the development of diagnosis, monitoring and expert systems. The IND Tree Package was developed as part of a NASA project to semi-automate the development of data analysis and modelling algorithms using artificial intelligence techniques. The IND Tree Package integrates features from CART and C4 with newer Bayesian and minimum encoding methods for growing classification trees and graphs. The IND Tree Package also provides an experimental control suite on top. The newer features give improved probability estimates often required in diagnostic and screening tasks. The package comes with a manual, Unix 'man' entries, and a guide to tree methods and research. The IND Tree Package is implemented in C under Unix and was beta-tested at university and commercial research laboratories in the United States.

Buntine, Wray↗

Coding gains and error rates from the Big Viterbi Decoder

A prototype hardware Big Viterbi Decoder (BVD) was completed for an experiment with the Galileo Spacecraft. Searches for new convolutional codes, studies of Viterbi decoder hardware designs and architectures, mathematical formulations, and decompositions of the deBruijn graph into identical and hierarchical subgraphs, and very large scale integration (VLSI) chip design are just a few examples of tasks completed for this project. The BVD bit error rates (BER), measured from hardware and software simulations, are plotted as a function of bit signal to noise ratio E sub b/N sub 0 on the additive white Gaussian noise channel. Using the constraint length 15, rate 1/4, experimental convolutional code for the Galileo mission, the BVD gains 1.5 dB over the NASA standard (7,1/2) Maximum Likelihood Convolution Decoder (MCD) at a BER of 0.005. At this BER, the same gain results when the (255,233) NASA standard Reed-Solomon decoder is used, which yields a word error rate of 2.1 x 10(exp -8) and a BER of 1.4 x 10(exp -9). The (15, 1/6) code to be used by the Cometary Rendezvous Asteroid Flyby (CRAF)/Cassini Missions yields 1.7 dB of coding gain. These gains are measured with respect to symbols input to the BVD and increase with decreasing BER. Also, 8-bit input symbol quantization makes the BVD resistant to demodulated signal-level variations which may cause higher bandwidth than the NASA (7,1/2) code, these gains are offset by about 0.1 dB of expected additional receiver losses. Coding gains of several decibels are possible by compressing all spacecraft data.

Onyszchuk, I. M.↗

Data management system advanced architectures

The topics relating to the Space Station Freedom (SSF) are presented in view graph form and include: (1) the data management system (DMS) concept; (2) DMS evolution rationale; (3) the DMS advance architecture task; (4) DMS group support for Ames payloads; (5) DMS testbed development; (6) the DMS architecture task status; (7) real time multiprocessor testbed; (8) networked processor performance; (9) and the DMS advance architecture task 1992 goals.

Chevers, ED↗

Human workload in aviation

The application of human-factors analysis techniques to the evaluation of aircraft-crew workloads is discussed in an introductory overview. Consideration is given to the importance of workload for safety, crew size, automation, and certification; the definition and measurement of workload, physical vs mental workloads, subjective ratings, secondary tasks, biocybernetic measures, and attention and workload. Recent studies of pilot and ATC workloads are reviewed, and typical data are presented in graphs. Future trends are discussed, and it is predicted that increased cockpit automation will eventually require new methods to maintain operator attention rather than reduce workload.

Kantowitz, Barry H.↗

Perturbations in Brain Functional Connectivity Patterns After Waking From Slow Wave Sleep Under Different Cognitive States

Sleep inertia refers to the state of transition between sleep and wake characterized by impaired alertness, confusion, and reduced cognitive and behavioral performance. While the behavioral symptoms of sleep inertia are well described, the neurological changes that lead to this state remain elusive. Here, to understand the state of sleep inertia and the reorganization that the brain undergoes, we took a graph theoretical approach and compared the EEG derived brain connectivity patterns before sleep and after waking up while participants (n = 10) performed multiple tasks that differed in cognitive complexities. We focused on how the degree and the clustering coefficient of brain regions (EEG sensors) change immediately after participants wake up from slow wave sleep. During a psychomotor vigilance task (PVT), designed to assess vigilant attention, we find that the brain regions with strong network connectivity (degree) before sleep show a reduction in connectivity after waking. In contrast, those with low connectivity before sleep have greater connectivity after waking. The regions that undergo these changes are specific to each participant and these findings are unique to the beta frequency range, which plays a key role in sensorimotor functioning and preserving the current state of the brain. Moreover, in tasks that required inhibitory control and arithmetic reasoning, we found that only regions with weak connectivity before sleep exhibited more connections after waking, but regions with high connectivity prior to sleeping remained unchanged, highlighting task specific effects. Furthermore, we find that during the PVT, the clustering coefficient within low frequency oscillations of the brain is reduced upon waking while it remains unchanged during other tasks. These results suggest that the connections between regions that are lost after abrupt awakening can be reallocated to other regions in order to renormalize the brain. However, this response may only be evident during specific cognitive states and may be more nuanced during complex task performance.

sleep inertia↗

NASA GTE TRACE-P Augmentation

There were three major tasks and objectives that the Tropospheric Trace Gas and Airborne Measurement Group's (TTGAMG) worked on for different aspects of this grant: 1) Migrate the data acquisition system from HP-UX to Linux, thus reducing future costs as the result of software and operating system (OS) upgrades and improving upon usability as membership in the group changes; 2) Rework the Optical Parametric Oscillator (OPO) cavities. These are the OPOs that are integral to the Georgia Institute of Technology Airborne Laser Induced Fluorescent Experiment (GITALIFE) that the TTGAMG flew on TRACE-P. The objective was to improve upon optimizing the pump laser energy and narrowing the linewidth of the UV wavelength generated by the OPOs; 3) Improve and expand the interactive website on http://tmbk2.eas.gatech.edu by adding 3-D graphing, improve the response time for Joe Surfer Dude, improve performance, usability, and expand the database. If I were to assign a letter grade to each of the above tasks, I would give the TTGAMG two Bs and an A to the tasks listed above.

Sandholm, Scott↗

Effects of source vs. interactive actuator assumptions on modelling of a smart structure

Embedded or internal actuators in a structure are being utilized to perform vibration attenuation, pointing maneuvers, damage control, and other adaptive tasks. The controls-structures-interaction (CSI) design process depends strongly on the coupled dynamic response of the structure and the actuators. A bond graph approach is used to guide this analytical study to uncover the effects of certain generic actuator types on the closed-loop, initial condition control of a single-mode structural model and an eighteen-state model of an active truss. So-called 'flow' and 'effort' source actuator types were studied and were shown to have significant differences in closed-loop response for ranges of initial conditions and system open-loop natural frequencies.

Robertshaw, Harry H.↗

Dextrous robot hands

Recent studies of human hand function and their implications for the design of robot hands are discussed in reviews and reports. Topics addressed include human grasp choice and robotic grasp analysis, opposition space and human prehension, coordination in normal and prosthetic reaching, and intelligent exploration by the human hand. Consideration is given to a task-oriented dextrous manipulation architecture, the control architecture for the Belgrade/USC hand, the analysis of multifingered grasping and manipulation, and tactile sensing for shape interpretation. Diagrams, graphs, and photographs are provided.

Venkataraman, Subramanian T.↗

Final Test Report: Hexavalent Chrome Free Coatings for Electronics Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Shielding Effectiveness (SE)

The test results for Salt Spray Resistance, Static Heat and Humidity and Marine Environment can be found in Sections 3.1.3.3, 3.1.4.3 and 3.1.5.3 respectively. In summary, both the Metalast TCP and SurTec 650 Type 2 conversion coatings perform very similar to the incumbent Type 1 conversion coating against both 6061 and 5052 aluminum under all three test conditions. Significant prior work was performed to select the aluminum and conversion coating included within this test cycle; Reference - NASA GSDO Program Hexavalent Chrome Alternatives Final Pretreatments Test Report Task Order: NNH12AA45D September 01, 2013. As illustrated in the data, the 6061 aluminum panels SLIGHTLY out-performed the 5052 aluminum panels. Individual shielding effectiveness graphs for each panel are included within Appendix C and D. One other notable effect found during review of the data is that the Test Panels exposed to B117 Salt Fog reduced in shielding effectiveness significantly more than the Marine Environment Test Panels. The shielding effectiveness of the Marine Test Panels was approximately 20dB higher than the Test Panels that underwent B117 Salt Fog Exposure. The intent of this evaluation was not to maximize shielding effectiveness values. The same Parker Chomerics Cho-Seal 6503 gasket material was used for all panels with aluminum and conversion coating variants. A typical EMI gasket design for corrosive environments would be done quite differently. The intent was to execute a test that would provide the best possible evaluation of different aluminum materials and conversion coatings in corrosive environments. The test program achieved this intent. The fact that the two aluminums and two Type II conversion coatings performed similar to the incumbent Type 1 conversion coating is a positive outcome. It was desired to have an outcome that further differentiation the performance of two aluminum types and two conversion coating types but this could not be extracted by the test results. Further analysis of the test plates may be done by X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) or Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Feasibility of this is under review.

Kessel, Kurt R.↗

Spatial deadlocks in task-level planning

We will formulate the problem of resolving spatial (space occupancy and support-stability) interactions in terms of tools developed in Operating Systems for the problems of deadlocks and synchronization. We show how to construct state graphs and to detect resource contentions and deadlocks from these state graphs. We describe an algorithm, called CONTAC, to deal with deadlocks where 'processes' represent the ordered motions of parts. The algorithm is a monitor-like process using preventative preemptive protocol to resolve higher-degree deadlocks. We develop the representation for knowledge about current allocations, pending requests, and synchronization constraints, to generate a contention-free sequence of actions. In this paper we focus on modeling deadlocks which are manifestations of spatial interactions.

Doshi, Rajkumar S.↗

Information Extraction for System-Software Safety Analysis: Calendar Year 2007 Year-End Report

This annual report describes work to integrate a set of tools to support early model-based analysis of failures and hazards due to system-software interactions. The tools perform and assist analysts in the following tasks: 1) extract model parts from text for architecture and safety/hazard models; 2) combine the parts with library information to develop the models for visualization and analysis; 3) perform graph analysis on the models to identify possible paths from hazard sources to vulnerable entities and functions, in nominal and anomalous system-software configurations; 4) perform discrete-time-based simulation on the models to investigate scenarios where these paths may play a role in failures and mishaps; and 5) identify resulting candidate scenarios for software integration testing. This paper describes new challenges in a NASA abort system case, and enhancements made to develop the integrated tool set.

Malin, Jane T.↗

Information Extraction for System-Software Safety Analysis: Calendar Year 2008 Year-End Report

This annual report describes work to integrate a set of tools to support early model-based analysis of failures and hazards due to system-software interactions. The tools perform and assist analysts in the following tasks: 1) extract model parts from text for architecture and safety/hazard models; 2) combine the parts with library information to develop the models for visualization and analysis; 3) perform graph analysis and simulation to identify and evaluate possible paths from hazard sources to vulnerable entities and functions, in nominal and anomalous system-software configurations and scenarios; and 4) identify resulting candidate scenarios for software integration testing. There has been significant technical progress in model extraction from Orion program text sources, architecture model derivation (components and connections) and documentation of extraction sources. Models have been derived from Internal Interface Requirements Documents (IIRDs) and FMEA documents. Linguistic text processing is used to extract model parts and relationships, and the Aerospace Ontology also aids automated model development from the extracted information. Visualizations of these models assist analysts in requirements overview and in checking consistency and completeness.

Malin, Jane T.↗

Automation for System Safety Analysis

This presentation describes work to integrate a set of tools to support early model-based analysis of failures and hazards due to system-software interactions. The tools perform and assist analysts in the following tasks: 1) extract model parts from text for architecture and safety/hazard models; 2) combine the parts with library information to develop the models for visualization and analysis; 3) perform graph analysis and simulation to identify and evaluate possible paths from hazard sources to vulnerable entities and functions, in nominal and anomalous system-software configurations and scenarios; and 4) identify resulting candidate scenarios for software integration testing. There has been significant technical progress in model extraction from Orion program text sources, architecture model derivation (components and connections) and documentation of extraction sources. Models have been derived from Internal Interface Requirements Documents (IIRDs) and FMEA documents. Linguistic text processing is used to extract model parts and relationships, and the Aerospace Ontology also aids automated model development from the extracted information. Visualizations of these models assist analysts in requirements overview and in checking consistency and completeness.

Malin, Jane T.↗