Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Image analysis”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 919 records · Page 51
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1997

A Low-Power High-Speed Smart Sensor Design for Space Exploration Missions

A low-power high-speed smart sensor system based on a large format active pixel sensor (APS) integrated with a programmable neural processor for space exploration missions is presented. The concept of building an advanced smart sensing system is demonstrated by a system-level microchip design that is composed with an APS sensor, a programmable neural processor, and an embedded microprocessor in a SOI CMOS technology. This ultra-fast smart sensor system-on-a-chip design mimics what is inherent in biological vision systems. Moreover, it is programmable and capable of performing ultra-fast machine vision processing in all levels such as image acquisition, image fusion, image analysis, scene interpretation, and control functions. The system provides about one tera-operation-per-second computing power which is a two order-of-magnitude increase over that of state-of-the-art microcomputers. Its high performance is due to massively parallel computing structures, high data throughput rates, fast learning capabilities, and advanced VLSI system-on-a-chip implementation.

Fang, Wai-Chi↗
NASA NTRS1997

Endothelial Cell Morphology and Migration are Altered by Changes in Gravitational Fields

Many of the physiological changes of the cardiovascular system during space flight may originate from the dysfunction of basic biological mechanisms caused by microgravity. The weightlessness affects the system when blood and other fluids move to the upper body causing the heart to enlarge to handle the increased blood flow to the upper extremities and decrease circulating volume. Increase arterial pressure triggers baroreceptors which signal the brain to adjust heart rate. Hemodynarnic studies indicate that the microgravity-induced headward fluid redistribution results in various cardiovascular changes such as; alteration of vascular permeability resulting in lipid accumulation in the lumen of the vasculature and degeneration of the the vascular wall, capillary alteration with extensive endothelial invagination. Achieving a true microgravity environment in ground based studies for prolonged periods is virtually impossible. The application of vector-averaged gravity to mammalian cells using horizontal clinostat produces alterations of cellular behavior similar to those observed in microgravity. Similarly, the low shear, horizontally rotating bioreactor (originally designed by NASA) also duplicates several properties of microgravity. Additionally, increasing gravity, i.e., hypcrgravity is easily achieved. Hypergravity has been found to increase the proliferation of several different cell lines (e.g., chick embryo fibroblasts) while decreasing cell motility and slowing liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy. The effect of altered gravity on cells maybe similar to those of other physical forces, i.e. shear stress. Previous studies examining laminar flow and shear stress on endothelial cells found that the cells elongate, orient with the direction of flow, and reorganize their F-actin structure, with concomitant increase in cell stiffness. These studies suggest that alterations in the gravity environment will change the behavior of most cells, including vascular cells. However, few studies have been directed at assessing the effect of altered gravitational field on vascular cell fiction and metabolism, Using image analysis we examined how bovine aortic endothelial cells altered their morphological characteristics and their response to a denudation injury when cells were subjected to simulated microgravity and hypergravity.

Melhado, Caroline↗
NASA NTRS2001

Microstructural Investigation of High Emittance Glass Coatings on Fibrous Ceramic Insulation

This viewgraph presentation provides an overview of the Space Shuttle Thermal Protection System (TPS) and the various products incorporated in the TPS. There are three tile systems which include pure silica, fibrous refractory composite insulation (FRCI), and alumina enhanced thermal barrier (AETB). Coating systems include reaction cured glass (RCG) and toughened uni-piece insulation (TUFI). The microstructures of these systems are explored as are the manufacturing processes associated with each. Microstructural investigation using methods such as automated X-ray spectral image analysis (AXSIA) is a crucial part of understanding the mechanical nature of these systems.

Ellerby, Don↗
NASA NTRS2002

THEMIS Surface-Atmosphere Separation Strategy and Preliminary Results

Methods refined and adapted from the TES investigation are used to develop a surface-atmosphere separation strategy for THEMIS image analysis and atmospheric temperature and opacity retrievals. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Bandfield, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Plasmaspheric Erosion via Plasmasphere Coupling to Ring Current Plasmas: EUV Observations and Modeling

During a geomagnetic storm on 24 May 2000, the IMAGE Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) camera observed a plasmaspheric density trough in the evening sector at L-values inside the plasmapause. Forward modeling of this feature has indicated that plasmaspheric densities beyond the outer wall of the trough are well below model expectations. This diminished plasma condition suggests the presence of an erosion process due to the interaction of the plasmasphere with ring current plasmas. We present an overview of EUV, energetic neutral atom (ENA), and Far Ultraviolet (FUV) camera observations associated with the plasmaspheric density trough of 24 May 2000, as well as forward modeling evidence of the lie existence of a plasmaspheric erosion process during this period. FUV proton aurora image analysis, convolution of ENA observations, and ring current modeling are then presented in an effort to associate the observed erosion with coupling between the plasmasphere and ring-current plasmas.

Adrian, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Ice Shelves and Landfast Ice on the Antarctic Perimeter: Revised Scope of Work

Ice shelves respond quickly and profoundly to a warming climate. Within a decade after mean summertime temperature reaches approx. O C and persistent melt pending is observed, a rapid retreat and disintegration occurs. This link was documented for ice shelves in the Antarctic Peninsula region (the Larsen 'A', 'B' and Wilkins Ice shelves) by the results of a previous grant under ADRO-1. Modeling of ice flow and the effects of meltwater indicated that melt pending accelerates shelf breakup by increasing fracture penetration. SAR data supplemented an AVHRR- and SSM/I-based image analysis of extent and surface characteristic changes. This funded grant is a revised, scaled-down version of an earlier proposal under the ADRO-2 NRA. The overall objective remains the same: we propose to build on the previous study by examining other ice shelves of the Antarctic and incorporate an examination of the climate-related characteristics of landfast ice. The study now considers just a few shelf and fast ice areas for study, and is funded for two years. The study regions are the northeastern Ross Ice Shelf, the Larsen 'B' and 'C' shelves, fast ice and floating shelf ice in the Pine Island Glacier area, and fast ice along the Wilkes Land coast. Further, rather than investigating a host of shelf and fast ice processes, we will home in on developing a series of characteristics associated with climate change over shelf and fast ice areas. Melt pending and break-up are the end stages of a response to a warming climate that may begin with increased melt event frequency (which changes both albedo and emissivity temporarily), changing firn backscatter (due to percolation features), and possibly increased rifting of the shelf surface. Fast ice may show some of these same processes on a seasonal timescale, providing insight into shelf evolution.

Scambos, Ted↗
NASA NTRS1982

The Earthscan Industry

General Electric's Space Systems Division, which builds the satellites for NASA's Landsat, also manufactures equipment for ground processing of data, and offers Landsat image analysis to a variety of users. GEOPAK, the most recent service provided by GE's Earth Resources Applications, is a Landsat geologic reconnaissance package that enables exploration geologists to quickly evaluate large areas of Earth for resource potential. Its advantage is that it provides a packaged analysis in six weeks that would otherwise require months and many miles of surface examination to accomplish.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2003

Microstructure and Properties of Thermally Sprayed Functionally Graded Coatings for Polymeric Substrates

The use of polymer matrix composites (PMCs) in the gas flow path of advanced turbine engines offers significant benefits for aircraft engine performance but their useful lifetime is limited by their poor erosion resistance. High velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) sprayed polymer/cermet functionally graded (FGM) coatings are being investigated as a method to address this technology gap by providing erosion and oxidation protection to polymer matrix composites. The FGM coating structures are based on a polyimide matrix filled with varying volume fractions of WC-Co. The graded coating architecture was produced using a combination of internal and external feedstock injection, via two computer-controlled powder feeders and controlled substrate preheating. Porosity, coating thickness and volume fraction of the WC-Co filler retained in the coatings were determined using standard metallographic techniques and computer image analysis. The pull-off strength (often referred to as the adhesive strength) of the coatings was evaluated according to the ASTM D 4541 standard test method, which measured the greatest normal tensile force that the coating could withstand. Adhesive/cohesive strengths were determined for three different types of coating structures and compared based on the maximum indicated load and the surface area loaded. The nature and locus of the fractures were characterized according to the percent of adhesive and/or cohesive failure, and the tested interfaces and layers involved were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy.

Ivosevic, M.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Residual Gas Effects on Detached Solidification in Microgravity

Many microgravity directional solidification experiments yielded ingots with portions that grew without contacting the ampoule wall, leading to greatly improved crystallographic perfection. Our long-term goal is to make such detached solidification reproducible, which requires a full understanding of the mechanisms underlying it. Our Moving Meniscus Model of steady-state detachment predicts that it depends strongly on the surface tension of the melt and the advancing contact angle with the ampoule wall. Detached solidification is more likely when the contact angle for the melt on the ampoule wall is high, i.e. non-wetting. It has been claimed that impurities increase the contact angle. The objective of the current project is to determine the influence of residual gases on the surface tension and contact angle of molten semiconductors on typical ampoule materials. We are focusing on determining the influence of oxygen on the contact angle of molten InSb on clean silica ('quartz'), including the advancing and retreating contact angles in addition to the usual equilibrium contact angle. We have created a gas flow system that allows us to control the oxygen partial pressure over a sessile drop of InSb on a horizontal quartz surface. The cell is slowly tilted while videotaping to reveal the contact angles on the two sides of the drop just prior to it rolling down the surface. Thus far, we have learned the following: (1) Molten InSb readily forms an oxide layer in the presence of the trace amounts of oxygen found in high purity argon; (2) This oxide contains a substantial amount of Ga, which presumably is a trace contaminant that is not detectable in the starting material; (3) The addition of 10% hydrogen to the argon gas is sufficient to reduce the oxide and produce a clean drop; (4) An infrared filter must precede the video camera in order to produce a sharp image of the drop for later image analysis; (5) Tilting the surface on which the drop rests causes the two sides of the drop to display different contact angles, reflecting contact line sticking; (6) Vibration strongly accelerates the approach of the drop to its final shape on a horizontal surface by helping to overcome sticking of the contact line; (7) Oscillation of the drop surface due to vibration appears to increase as the surface is inclined from horizontal. Presumably, the angle at which the drop rolls down the surface is also reduced by vibration. This observation is particularly significant, as the meniscus must move along the ampoule wall during detached solidification.

Regel, Liya L.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Columbia Accident Investigation Board Report. Volume Three

The Columbia Accident Investigation Board's (CAIB) independent investigation into the February 1, 2003 destruction of the Space Shuttle Columbia produced a six volume report. This is Volume III of the report. Volume III contains other technical documents produced by NASA and other organizations, which were provided to the CAIB in support of its inquiry into the tragedy. Technical documents included in the report are: Appendix E.1 CoFR Endorsements; Appendix E.2 STS-107 Image Analysis Team Final Report; Appendix E.3 An Assessment of Potential Material Candidates for the 'Flight Day 2', Radar Object Observed during the NASA Mission STS-107; Appendix E.4 Columbia Early Sighting Assessment Team Final Report.

STS-107↗
NASA NTRS2003

Lunar and Planetary Science XXXIV

The 34th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference was held March 17-21, 2003. Topics included planetary exploration, crater research on Mars, Earth, Moon, and other planets or satellites, imaging techniques and image analysis, age determination, albedo studies, petrographic studies, isotope composition studies, instrument design, sampling methods, landform analysis, asteroids, impact analysis, impact melts, and related research.

Lunar and Planetary Institute↗
NASA NTRS2003

Third International Conference on Mars Polar Science and Exploration

The Third International Conference on Mars Polar Science and Exploration presented reports pertaining to image analysis of the polar regions of Mars, studies of Mars atmosphere and atmospheric models, as well as microbiological studies regarding habitat and analogies posed from anatartic regions on Earth to Mars.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2003

Ionizing radiation induces heritable disruption of epithelial cell interactions

Ionizing radiation (IR) is a known human breast carcinogen. Although the mutagenic capacity of IR is widely acknowledged as the basis for its action as a carcinogen, we and others have shown that IR can also induce growth factors and extracellular matrix remodeling. As a consequence, we have proposed that an additional factor contributing to IR carcinogenesis is the potential disruption of critical constraints that are imposed by normal cell interactions. To test this hypothesis, we asked whether IR affected the ability of nonmalignant human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC) to undergo tissue-specific morphogenesis in culture by using confocal microscopy and imaging bioinformatics. We found that irradiated single HMEC gave rise to colonies exhibiting decreased localization of E-cadherin, beta-catenin, and connexin-43, proteins necessary for the establishment of polarity and communication. Severely compromised acinar organization was manifested by the majority of irradiated HMEC progeny as quantified by image analysis. Disrupted cell-cell communication, aberrant cell-extracellular matrix interactions, and loss of tissue-specific architecture observed in the daughters of irradiated HMEC are characteristic of neoplastic progression. These data point to a heritable, nonmutational mechanism whereby IR compromises cell polarity and multicellular organization.

Non-NASA Center↗
NASA NTRS2003

Array biosensor for detection of toxins

The array biosensor is capable of detecting multiple targets rapidly and simultaneously on the surface of a single waveguide. Sandwich and competitive fluoroimmunoassays have been developed to detect high and low molecular weight toxins, respectively, in complex samples. Recognition molecules (usually antibodies) were first immobilized in specific locations on the waveguide and the resultant patterned array was used to interrogate up to 12 different samples for the presence of multiple different analytes. Upon binding of a fluorescent analyte or fluorescent immunocomplex, the pattern of fluorescent spots was detected using a CCD camera. Automated image analysis was used to determine a mean fluorescence value for each assay spot and to subtract the local background signal. The location of the spot and its mean fluorescence value were used to determine the toxin identity and concentration. Toxins were measured in clinical fluids, environmental samples and foods, with minimal sample preparation. Results are shown for rapid analyses of staphylococcal enterotoxin B, ricin, cholera toxin, botulinum toxoids, trinitrotoluene, and the mycotoxin fumonisin. Toxins were detected at levels as low as 0.5 ng mL(-1).

Review↗
NASA NTRS2003

Phytochromes A and B mediate red-light-induced positive phototropism in roots

The interaction of tropisms is important in determining the final growth form of the plant body. In roots, gravitropism is the predominant tropistic response, but phototropism also plays a role in the oriented growth of roots in flowering plants. In blue or white light, roots exhibit negative phototropism that is mediated by the phototropin family of photoreceptors. In contrast, red light induces a positive phototropism in Arabidopsis roots. Because this red-light-induced response is weak relative to both gravitropism and negative phototropism, we used a novel device to study phototropism without the complications of a counteracting gravitational stimulus. This device is based on a computer-controlled system using real-time image analysis of root growth and a feedback-regulated rotatable stage. Our data show that this system is useful to study root phototropism in response to red light, because in wild-type roots, the maximal curvature detected with this apparatus is 30 degrees to 40 degrees, compared with 5 degrees to 10 degrees without the feedback system. In positive root phototropism, sensing of red light occurs in the root itself and is not dependent on shoot-derived signals resulting from light perception. Phytochrome (Phy)A and phyB were severely impaired in red-light-induced phototropism, whereas the phyD and phyE mutants were normal in this response. Thus, PHYA and PHYB play a key role in mediating red-light-dependent positive phototropism in roots. Although phytochrome has been shown to mediate phototropism in some lower plant groups, this is one of the few reports indicating a phytochrome-dependent phototropism in flowering plants.

NASA Discipline Plant Biology↗
NASA NTRS2002

Spatial separation of light perception and growth response in maize root phototropism

Although the effects of gravity on root growth are well known and interactions between light and gravity have been reported, details of root phototropic responses are less documented. We used high-resolution image analysis to study phototropism in primary roots of Zea mays L. Similar to the location of perception in gravitropism, the perception of light was localized in the root cap. Phototropic curvature away from the light, on the other hand, developed in the central elongation zone, more basal than the site of initiation of gravitropic curvature. The phototropic curvature saturated at approximately 10 micromoles m-2 s-1 blue light with a peak curvature of 29 +/- 4 degrees, in part due to induction of positive gravitropism following displacement of the root tip from vertical during negative phototropism. However, at higher fluence rates, development of phototropic curvature is arrested even if gravitropism is avoided by maintaining the root cap vertically using a rotating feedback system. Thus continuous illumination can cause adaptation in the signalling pathway of the phototropic response in roots.

NASA Discipline Plant Biology↗
NASA NTRS2001

Kinetics of antigen binding to arrays of antibodies in different sized spots

A fluorescence-based array biosensor has been developed which can measure the binding kinetics of an antigen to an immobilized antibody in real time. A patterned array of antibodies immobilized on the surface of a planar waveguide was used to capture a Cy5-labeled antigen present in a solution that was continuously flowed over the surface. The CCD image of the waveguide was monitored continuously for 25 min. The resulting exponential rise in fluorescence signal was determined by image analysis software and fitted to a reaction-limited kinetics model, giving a kf of 3.6 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1). Different spot sizes were then patterned on the surface of the waveguide using either a PDMS flow cell or laser exposure, producing width sizes ranging from 80 to 1145 microm. It was demonstrated that under flow conditions, the reduction of spot size did not alter the association rate of the antigen with immobilized antibody; however, as the spot width decreased to < 200 nm, the signal intensity also decreased.

Non-NASA Center↗