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At least 1,063 records · Page 59

Providing Geospatial Intelligence through a Scalable Imagery Pipeline

This chapter describes ORNL’s (Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s) contributions to imagery preprocessing for geospatial intelligence research and development (R&D) in four sections. First, we discuss challenges involved in building an effective imagery preprocessing workflow and the world-class high-performance computing (HPC) resources at ORNL available to process petabytes of imagery data. Second, we highlight how we developed imagery preprocessing tools over three decades while paving the way for our current cutting-edge machine learning and computer vision algorithms that are impacting humanitarian and disaster response efforts. Third, we discuss how PIPE modules work together to turn raw images into analysis-ready datasets. Fourth, we look toward the future and discuss planned advancements to PIPE and computing trends that will affect geospatial intelligence R&D.

Reith, Andrew↗

Introducing SpaceNet 9 - Cross-Modal Satellite Imagery Registration for Natural Disaster Responses

Computer vision algorithms are increasingly leveraged to accelerate geospatial analysis for disaster response and recovery. As the diversity of remote sensing imagery grows with optical, SAR, and other modalities, a perquisite for analytics is cross-modal image registration. There is a high potential to harness computer vision for this pre-processing requirement toward enabling downstream analytics such as heterogeneous change detection, automated feature extraction, and data fusion. Advancement in these areas has the potential to simplify data wrangling tasks and further accelerate disaster response timelines. The SpaceNet 9 challenge (launching in mid-2024) focuses on addressing the cross-modal image registration problem and demonstrating the utility of such modules on earthquake impacted scenarios. This paper describes the motivation for the SpaceNet 9 and provides a first overview of the dataset, the baseline algorithm, and implications for seeking cross-modal image registration in Earth observation. Code is available at https://github.com/SpaceNetChallenge/SpaceNet9.

Hansch, Ronny↗

Metropolis-style random sampling of quantum gates for the estimation of low-energy observables

In this work, we propose a quantum algorithm to compute low-energy expectation values of a quantum Hamiltonian by sampling a partition function associated with the average energy of that Hamiltonian. For any given quantum circuit-Hamiltonian pair, there is an associated average energy. The sampling is done through an accept/reject Metropolis-style algorithm on the quantum gates of the circuit itself. Observables calculated under the canonical ensemble from these samples of circuits are extrapolated from higher energies to the ground state.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Enriched immersed finite element and isogeometric analysis: algorithms and data structures

Immersed finite element methods provide a convenient analysis framework for problems involving geometrically complex domains, such as those found in topology optimization and microstructures for engineered materials. However, their implementation remains a major challenge due to, among other things, the need to apply nontrivial stabilization schemes and generate custom quadrature rules. This article introduces the robust and computationally efficient algorithms and data structures comprising an immersed finite element preprocessing framework. The input to the preprocessor consists of a background mesh and one or more geometries defined on its domain. The output is structured into groups of elements with custom quadrature rules formatted such that common finite element assembly routines may be used without or with only minimal modifications. The key to the preprocessing framework is the construction of material topology information, concurrently with the generation of a quadrature rule, which is then used to perform enrichment and generate stabilization rules. While the algorithmic framework applies to a wide range of immersed finite element methods using different types of meshes, integration, and stabilization schemes, the preprocessor is presented within the context of the extended isogeometric analysis. This method utilizes a structured B-spline mesh, a generalized Heaviside enrichment strategy considering the material layout within individual basis functions’ supports, and face-oriented ghost stabilization. Using a set of examples, the effectiveness of the enrichment and stabilization strategies is demonstrated alongside the preprocessor’s robustness in geometric edge cases. Additionally, the performance and parallel scalability of the implementation are evaluated.

Computer implementation↗

A new taxonomy for distributed computer systems based upon operating system structure

Characteristics of the resource structure found in the operating system are considered as a mechanism for classifying distributed computer systems. Since the operating system resources, themselves, are too diversified to provide a consistent classification, the structure upon which resources are built and shared are examined. The location and control character of this indivisibility provides the taxonomy for separating uniprocessors, computer networks, network computers (fully distributed processing systems or decentralized computers) and algorithm and/or data control multiprocessors. The taxonomy is important because it divides machines into a classification that is relevant or important to the client and not the hardware architect. It also defines the character of the kernel O/S structure needed for future computer systems. What constitutes an operating system for a fully distributed processor is discussed in detail.

Foudriat, E. C.↗

Integrating Applied Energy and BER Smart Data Capabilities to Develop a DOE Data Fabric for Energy-Water R&D

Focal Area(s): 1) Data acquisition and assimilation enabled by machine learning, AI, and advanced methods including experimental/network design/optimization, unsupervised learning (including deep learning), and hardware-related efforts involving AI (e.g., edge computing). Science Challenge: DOE R&D, including DOE’s Basic Energy Research (BER)’s Environmental Systems Science Division (EESSD) program and DOE’s applied energy research (AER) programs (EERE, FE, and NE) are producers and consumers of Earth systems datasets. This white paper focuses on the first topic area from the call in relation to how crosscutting resources and innovations from DOE’s EESSD and AER can be brought to bear to mutual benefit and more efficient energy-water, Earth system data resources through improved. The overarching challenge posed by this call focuses on how DOE can directly leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to engineer a substantial (paradigm-changing) improvement in Earth System Predictability? While stemming from DOE BER’s EESSD program, this is a challenge that is faced and also being addressed by DOE’s AER programs. Over the past decade plus, FE, EERE, and NE programs have made important strides towards addressing this need. These strides are in many ways highly complementary to EESSD’s MODEX efforts. Energy water systems spanning metocean to groundwater to surface water systems all are data driven whether for basic energy or applied energy. These are remote, multi-variate, complex natural, and in many cases engineered, systems. Key needs and challenges of both EESSD and AER include developing data-focused tools to enhance data search and discovery to fill in knowledge gaps (address sparse data challenge), and rapidly transform datasets, including disparate and multi-source data. Leveraging DOE on-premise computing (HPC, exascale) infrastructure supports the computing-intensive algorithms required to execute these data acquisition and transformation processes to derive enriched knowledge and data, driving AI/ML and big data analytics for these systems. The opportunity lies in combining BER and AER efforts to provide a more robust, advanced, efficient and complete computing data fabric to address energy-water data acquisition and assimilation needs which currently pose significant impediments to AI/ML predictions and research.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Predicting Adaptively Chosen Observables in Quantum Systems

Recent advances have demonstrated that 𝒪⁡(log 𝑀) measurements suffice to predict 𝑀 properties of arbitrarily large quantum many-body systems. However, these remarkable findings assume that the properties to be predicted are chosen independently of the data. This assumption can be violated in practice, where scientists adaptively select properties after looking at previous predictions. This work investigates the adaptive setting for three classes of observables: local, Pauli, and bounded-Frobenius-norm observables. We prove that Ω⁡(√𝑀) samples of an arbitrarily large unknown quantum state are necessary to predict expectation values of 𝑀 adaptively chosen local and Pauli observables, where the system size scales exponentially and polynomially in 𝑀, respectively. We also present computationally efficient algorithms that achieve this information-theoretic lower bound. In contrast, for bounded-Frobenius-norm observables, we devise an algorithm requiring only 𝒪⁡(log 𝑀) samples, independent of system size. These results highlight the potential pitfalls of adaptivity in analyzing data from quantum experiments and provide algorithmic tools to safeguard against erroneous predictions in quantum experiments.

Machine learning↗

Estimation of distributions via multilevel Monte Carlo with stratified sampling

We design and implement a novel algorithm for computing a multilevel Monte Carlo (MLMC) estimator of the joint cumulative distribution function (CDF) of a vector-valued quantity of interest in problems with random input parameters and initial conditions. Our approach combines MLMC with stratified sampling of the input sample space by replacing standard Monte Carlo at each level with stratified Monte Carlo initialized with proportionally allocated samples. We show that the resulting stratified MLMC (sMLMC) algorithm is more efficient than its standard MLMC counterpart due to the additional variance reduction provided by the stratification of the random parameter's domain, especially at the coarsest levels. Additional computational cost savings are obtained by smoothing the indicator function with a Gaussian kernel, which proves to be an efficient and robust alternative to recently developed polynomial-based techniques.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Computer simulation of a pilot in V/STOL aircraft control loops

The objective was to develop a computerized adaptive pilot model for the computer model of the research aircraft, the Harrier II AV-8B V/STOL with special emphasis on propulsion control. In fact, two versions of the adaptive pilot are given. The first, simply called the Adaptive Control Model (ACM) of a pilot includes a parameter estimation algorithm for the parameters of the aircraft and an adaption scheme based on the root locus of the poles of the pilot controlled aircraft. The second, called the Optimal Control Model of the pilot (OCM), includes an adaption algorithm and an optimal control algorithm. These computer simulations were developed as a part of the ongoing research program in pilot model simulation supported by NASA Lewis from April 1, 1985 to August 30, 1986 under NASA Grant NAG 3-606 and from September 1, 1986 through November 30, 1988 under NASA Grant NAG 3-729. Once installed, these pilot models permitted the computer simulation of the pilot model to close all of the control loops normally closed by a pilot actually manipulating the control variables. The current version of this has permitted a baseline comparison of various qualitative and quantitative performance indices for propulsion control, the control loops and the work load on the pilot. Actual data for an aircraft flown by a human pilot furnished by NASA was compared to the outputs furnished by the computerized pilot and found to be favorable.

Vogt, William G.↗

Identification of observer/Kalman filter Markov parameters: Theory and experiments

An algorithm to compute Markov parameters of an observer or Kalman filter from experimental input and output data is discussed. The Markov parameters can then be used for identification of a state space representation, with associated Kalman gain or observer gain, for the purpose of controller design. The algorithm is a non-recursive matrix version of two recursive algorithms developed in previous works for different purposes. The relationship between these other algorithms is developed. The new matrix formulation here gives insight into the existence and uniqueness of solutions of certain equations and gives bounds on the proper choice of observer order. It is shown that if one uses data containing noise, and seeks the fastest possible deterministic observer, the deadbeat observer, one instead obtains the Kalman filter, which is the fastest possible observer in the stochastic environment. Results are demonstrated in numerical studies and in experiments on an ten-bay truss structure.

Juang, Jer-Nan↗

Identification of observer/Kalman filter Markov parameters - Theory and experiments

An algorithm to compute Markov parameters of an observer or Kalman filter from experimental input and output data is discussed. The Markov parameters can then be used for identification of a state space representation, with associated Kalman gain or observer gain, for the purpose of controller design. The algorithm is a non-recursive matrix version of two recursive algorithms developed in previous works for different purposes. The relationship between these other algorithms is developed. The new matrix formulation here gives insight into the existence and uniqueness of solutions of certain equations and gives bounds on the proper choice of observer order. It is shown that if one uses data containing noise, and seeks the fastest possible deterministic observer, the deadbeat observer, one instead obtains the Kalman filter, which is the fastest possible observer in the stochastic environment. Results are demonstrated in numerical studies and in experiments on a ten-bay truss structure.

Juang, Jer-Nan↗

The computation of all plane/surface intersections for CAD/CAM applications

The problem of the computation and display of all intersections of a given plane with a rational bicubic surface patch for use on an interactive CAD/CAM system is examined. The general problem of calculating all intersections of a plane and a surface consisting of rational bicubic patches is reduced to the case of a single generic patch by applying a rejection algorithm which excludes all patches that do not intersect the plane. For each pertinent patch the algorithm presented computed the intersection curves by locating an initial point on each curve, and computes successive points on the curve using a tolerance step equation. A single cubic equation solver is used to compute the initial curve points lying on the boundary of a surface patch, and the method of resultants as applied to curve theory is used to determine critical points which, in turn, are used to locate initial points that lie on intersection curves which are in the interior of the patch. Examples are given to illustrate the ability of this algorithm to produce all intersection curves.

Hoitsma, D. H., Jr.↗

Onboard Algorithms for Data Prioritization and Summarization of Aerial Imagery

Many current and future NASA missions are capable of collecting enormous amounts of data, of which only a small portion can be transmitted to Earth. Communications are limited due to distance, visibility constraints, and competing mission downlinks. Long missions and high-resolution, multispectral imaging devices easily produce data exceeding the available bandwidth. To address this situation computationally efficient algorithms were developed for analyzing science imagery onboard the spacecraft. These algorithms autonomously cluster the data into classes of similar imagery, enabling selective downlink of representatives of each class, and a map classifying the terrain imaged rather than the full dataset, reducing the volume of the downlinked data. A range of approaches was examined, including k-means clustering using image features based on color, texture, temporal, and spatial arrangement

Chien, Steve A.↗

Algorithmic and theoretical results on computation of incompressible viscous flows by finite element methods

Primitive variable as well as streamfunction-vorticity and pure streamfunction formulations are discussed. For the primitive variable case alternative choices of the viscous stress term are shown to produce natural boundary conditions which are well suited for matching to various far field conditions. For the other cases recent analytical results, including error estimates are described, and an optical algorithm for pressure recovery as well as treatment for multiply connected domains are given.

Gunzburger, M. D.↗

Improvements in Optical Surface Measurement Using Reflected Computer Vision Targets

Since 2021, NREL has been developing a system to measure heliostats by measuring the deflection of printed computer vision targets, called the Reflected Target Non-intrusive Assessment (ReTNA) [6], [7]. While this system will have lower resolution than a fringe deflectometry system, it has several important advantages that make it a complimentary technology: 2D surface slope measurement can be generated from a single image, it can operate in ambient lighting, target points can be directly located in 3D space with photogrammetry allowing for a non-flat target, and it's well suited to using a smaller target, and multiple images to measure larger optical surfaces. ReTNA has undergone several significant changes and improvements, described below. This talk will summarize new system layouts designed for commercial use, new computer vision algorithms used to automate the analysis process and validation campaigns for the ReTNA software.

computer vision↗

Reverse-mode differentiation in arbitrary tensor network format: with application to supervised learning.

This paper describes an efficient reverse-mode differentiation algorithm for contraction operations of tensor networks that may have arbitrary and unconventional network topologies. The approach leverages the tensor contraction tree of Evenbly and Pfeifer (2014), which provides an instruction set for the contraction sequence of a network. We show that this tree can be efficiently leveraged for differentiation of a full tensor network contraction using a recursive scheme that exploits (1) the bilinear property of contraction and (2) the property that trees have single path from root to leaves. While differentiation of tensor-tensor contraction is already possible in most automatic differentiation packages, we show that exploiting these two additional properties in the specific context of contraction sequences can improve efficiency. Following a description of the algorithm and computational complexity analysis, we investigate its utility for gradient-based supervised learning for low-rank function recovery and for fitting real-world unstructured datasets. We demonstrate improved performance over alternating least-squares optimization approaches and the capability to handle heterogeneous and arbitrary tensor network formats. When compared to alternating minimization algorithms, we find that the gradient-based approach requires a smaller oversampling ratio (number of samples compared to number model parameters) for recovery. This increased efficiency extends to fitting unstructured data of varying dimensionality and when employing a variety of tensor network formats. Here, we show improved learning using the hierarchical Tucker method over the tensor-train in high-dimensional settings on a number of benchmark problems.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

An algorithm to locate the centers of baryon acoustic oscillations

The cosmic structure formed from baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) in the early universe is imprinted in the galaxy distribution observable in large-scale surveys and is used as a standard ruler in contemporary cosmology. Typically, BAOs are detected as a preferential length scale in two-point statistics, which gives little information about the location of the BAO structures in real space. The aim of the algorithm described in this paper is to find probable centers of BAOs in the cosmic matter distribution. The algorithm convolves the three-dimensional distribution of matter density with a spherical shell kernel of variable radius placed at different locations. The locations that correspond to the highest values of the convolution correspond to the probable centers of BAOs. This method is realized in an open-source, computationally efficient algorithm. Here, we describe the algorithm and present the results of applying it to the SDSS DR9 CMASS survey and associated mock catalogs. A detailed performance study demonstrates the ability of the algorithm to locate BAO centers and in doing so presents a novel detection of the BAO scale in galaxy surveys.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗