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At least 1,567 records · Page 87
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1985

Polar convection patterns under quiet conditions

Convection electric field patterns at high latitudes appropriate to periods of low geomagnetic activity are presented. The postulate that the global Joule dissipation rate is a minimum is employed to derive characteristic field distributions for the situation when ring current ohmic losses are negligible and the auroral oval enhancement of height-integrated Hall conductivity is small. The fast Fourier transform is introduced to compute Fourier coefficients of discrete field-aligned current data, and the method is shown to be quite useful in this context as a least squares fitting routine. The model calculations demonstrate the approach of the high-latitude ionosphere toward the perfect shielding configuration predicted by the theory for quiet times.

Barbosa, D. D.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Patterns of reflected radiance associated with geobotanical anomalies

This paper summarizes three remote sensing experiments in which changes in remotely measured reflected radiance patterns of vegetation correlated with changes in geology. In two cases using airborne spectroradiometer data, changes in the physical properties of a uniform species correlated with zones of porphyry copper mineralization. In another case using Landsat digital data, changes were detected in the distribution and density of a number of species and combined with soil brightness data to produce a composite index useful for distinguishing lithologies.

Birnie, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Success potential of automated star pattern recognition

A quasi-analytical model is presented for calculating the success probability of automated star pattern recognition systems for attitude control of spacecraft. The star data is gathered by an imaging star tracker (STR) with a circular FOV capable of detecting 20 stars. The success potential is evaluated in terms of the equivalent diameters of the FOV and the target star area ('uniqueness area'). Recognition is carried out as a function of the position and brightness of selected stars in an area around each guide star. The success of the system is dependent on the resultant pointing error, and is calculated by generating a probability distribution of reaching a threshold probability of an unacceptable pointing error. The method yields data which are equivalent to data available with Monte Carlo simulatins. When applied to the recognition system intended for use on the Space IR Telescope Facility it is shown that acceptable pointing, to a level of nearly 100 percent certainty, can be obtained using a single star tracker and about 4000 guide stars.

Van Bezooijen, R. W. H.↗
NASA NTRS1986

High-efficiency broad-area single-quantum-well lasers with narrow single-lobed far-field patterns prepared by molecular beam epitaxy

Broad-area single-quantum-well graded-index waveguide separate-confinement heterostructure lasers were fabricated by molecular beam epitaxy. A high external quantum efficiency of 79 percent and stable, single-lobed far-field patterns with a beam divergence as narrow as 0.8 deg (1.9 times diffraction limit) for a 100 micron-wide laser were obtained under pulsed conditions.

Larsson, A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Antenna pattern correction for the Nimbus-7 SMMR

This paper describes the philosophy and method used to develop the antenna pattern correction (APC) algorithm that was used on the data from the Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) on Nimbus-7. There are limitations on what can be accomplished with such a procedure; these limitations are explored with the aid of Fourier analysis, even though the algorithm used on the SMMR data does not perform any Fourier transforms. The resulting analysis showed that, for the SMMR instrument, no useful improvement could be made in the data in terms of reduction of side lobes, but the quality of the sea surface temperature retrievals could be improved considerably by matching the antenna beamwidths at the different frequencies.

Milman, A. S.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Gravistimulation-induced changes in current patterns around root caps

Changes in the electric current patterns around the root cap of corn following gravistimulation were determined using a vibrating probe. A transient increase in upward current in the cap was found following stimulation. The response began with a time lag similar to the presentation time, and was limited to the area of the root cap lateral to the statocytes. A physiological response as rapid as that reported by Behrens et al. (1985) was not observed.

Bjorkman, T.↗
NASA NTRS1986

A pattern-matching algorithm for two-dimensional coordinate lists

A pattern-matching algorithm for two-dimensional coordinate lists is described. The algorithm matches pairs of coordinates in two lists based on the triangles that can be formed from triplets of points in each list. The algorithm is insensitive to coordinate translation, rotation, magnification, or inversion and can tolerate random errors or distortions.

Groth, E. J.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Strategy for reflector pattern calculation - Let the computer do the work

Using high frequency approximations, the secondary pattern of a reflector antenna can be calculated by numerically evaluating a radiation integral I(u,v). In recent years, tremendous effort has been expended to reducing I(u,v) to Fourier integrals. These reduction schemes are invariably reflector geometry dependent. Hence, different analyses/computer software development must be carried out for different reflector shapes/boundaries. It is pointed out, that, as the computer power improves, these reduction schemes are no longer necessary. Comparable accuracy and computation time can be achieved by evaluating I(u,v) by a brute force FFT described in this note. Furthermore, there is virtually no restriction on the reflector geometry by using the brute force FFT.

Lam, P. T.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Monitoring vegetation recovery patterns on Mount St. Helens using thermal infrared multispectral data

The eruptions of Mount St. Helens created new surfaces by stripping and implacing large volumes of eroded material and depositing tephra in the blast area and on the flanks of the mountain. Areas of major disturbance are those in the blast zone that were subject to debris avalanche, pyroclastic flows, mudflows, and blowdown and scorched timber; and those outside the blast zone that received extensive tephra deposits. These zones represent a spectrum of disturbance types and intensities that can be indexed by temperature, impact force, and depth of subsequent deposition. This paper describes an application of NASA's Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS) in monitoring vegetation recovery patterns in disturbed areas. Preliminary study results indicate a significant correlation between measured effective radiant temperature and vegetated/nonvegetated areas, percent vegetation cover, and vegetation type.

Langran, K. J.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Monitoring of the MU radar antenna pattern by Satellite Ohzora (EXOS-C)

As the first attempt among MST (mesosphere stratosphere troposphere) type radars, the MU (middle and upper atmosphere) radar features an active phased array system. Unlike the conventional large VHF radars, in which output power of a large vacuum tube is distributed to individual antenna elements, each of 475 solid state power amplifier feeds each antenna element. This system configuration enables very fast beam steering as well as various flexible operations by dividing the antenna into independent subarrays, because phase shift and signal division/combination are performed at a low signal level using electronic devices under control of a computer network. The antenna beam can be switched within 10 microsec to any direction within the zenith angle of 30 deg. Since a precise phase alignment of each element is crucial to realize the excellent performance of this system, careful calibration of the output phase of each power amplifier and antenna element was carried out. Among various aircraft which may be used for this purpose artificial satellites have an advantage of being able to make a long term monitoring with the same system. An antenna pattern monitoring system for the MU radar was developed using the scientific satellite OHZORA (EXOS-C). A receiver named MUM (MU radar antenna Monitor) on board the satellite measures a CW signal of 100 to 400 watts transmitted from the MU radar. The principle of the measurement and results are discussed.

Sato, T.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Using a 3-dimensional laser anemometer to determine mean streamline patterns in a turbulent flow

The determination of mean streamline patterns by moving the test point in the direction of the measured velocity is shown to produce cumulative errors that are unacceptable. A two-dimensional algorithm that minimizes these errors is presented and is analytically validated using simple potential flows. The algorithm is extended to three-dimensional flows and is again validated analytically. Finally, as an example of a typical application of the algorithm, mean streamlines are measured in a complex, turbulent flow with a three-dimensional laser anemometer.

Orloff, K. L.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Method for growing low defect, high purity crystalline layers utilizing lateral overgrowth of a patterned mask

A method for growing a high purity, low defect layer of semiconductor is described. This method involves depositing a patterned mask of a material impervious to impurities of the semiconductor on a surface of a blank. When a layer of semiconductor is grown on the mask, the semiconductor will first grow from the surface portions exposed by the openings in the mask and will bridge the connecting portions of the mask to form a continuous layer having improved purity, since only the portions overlying the openings are exposed to defects and impurities. The process can be iterated and the mask translated to further improve the quality of grown layers.

Morrison, Andrew D.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Monitoring vegetation recovery patterns on Mount St. Helens using thermal infrared multispectral data

The Mount St. Helens 1980 eruption offers an opportunity to study vegetation recovery rates and patterns in a perturbed ecosystem. The eruptions of Mount St. Helens created new surfaces by stripping and implacing large volumes of eroded material and depositing tephra in the blast area and on the flanks of the mountain. Areas of major disturbance are those in the blast zone that were subject to debris avalanche, pyroclastic flows, mudflows, and blowdown and scorched timber; and those outside the blast zone that received extensive tephra deposits. It was observed that during maximum daytime solar heating, surface temperatures of vegetated areas are cooler than surrounding nonvegetated areas, and that surface temperature varies with percent vegetation cover. A method of measuring the relationship between effective radiant temperature (ERT) and percent vegetation cover in the thermal infrared (8 to 12 microns) region of the electromagnetic spectrum was investigated.

Langran, Kenneth J.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Simulation investigation of the effect of the NASA Ames 80-by 120-foot wind tunnel exhaust flow on light aircraft operating in the Moffett field trafffic pattern

A preliminary study of the exhaust flow from the Ames Research Center 80 by 120 Foot Wind Tunnel indicated that the flow might pose a hazard to low-flying light aircraft operating in the Moffett Field traffic pattern. A more extensive evaluation of the potential hazard was undertaken using a fixed-base, piloted simulation of a light, twin-engine, general-aviation aircraft. The simulated aircraft was flown through a model of the wind tunnel exhaust by pilots of varying experience levels to develop a data base of aircraft and pilot reactions. It is shown that a light aircraft would be subjected to a severe disturbance which, depending upon entry condition and pilot reaction, could result in a low-altitude stall or cause damage to the aircraft tail structure.

Streeter, Barry G.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Determine precipitation rates from visible and infrared satellite images of clouds by pattern recognition technique

A more advanced cloud pattern analysis algorithm was subsequently developed to take the shape and brightness of the various clouds into account in a manner that is more consistent with the human analyst's perception of GOES cloud imagery. The results of that classification scheme were compared with precipitation probabilities observed from ships of opportunity off the U.S. east coast to derive empirical regressions between cloud types and precipitation probability. The cloud morphology was then quantitatively and objectively used to map precipitation probabilities during two winter months during which severe cold air outbreaks were observed over the northwest Atlantic. Precipitation probabilities associated with various cloud types are summarized. Maps of precipitation probability derived from the cloud morphology analysis program for two months and the precipitation probability derived from thirty years of ship observation were observed.

Weinman, James A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Fuzzy automata and pattern matching

A wide-ranging search for articles and books concerned with fuzzy automata and syntactic pattern recognition is presented. A number of survey articles on image processing and feature detection were included. Hough's algorithm is presented to illustrate the way in which knowledge about an image can be used to interpret the details of the image. It was found that in hand generated pictures, the algorithm worked well on following the straight lines, but had great difficulty turning corners. An algorithm was developed which produces a minimal finite automaton recognizing a given finite set of strings. One difficulty of the construction is that, in some cases, this minimal automaton is not unique for a given set of strings and a given maximum length. This algorithm compares favorably with other inference algorithms. More importantly, the algorithm produces an automaton with a rigorously described relationship to the original set of strings that does not depend on the algorithm itself.

Setzer, C. B.↗
NASA NTRS1987

A preliminary computer pattern analysis of satellite images of mature extratropical cyclones

This study has applied computerized pattern analysis techniques to the location and classification of features of several mature extratropical cyclones that were depicted in GOES satellite images. These features include the location of the center of the cyclone vortex core and the location of the associated occluded front. The cyclone type was classified in accord with the scheme of Troup and Streten. The present analysis was implemented on a personal computer; results were obtained within approximately one or two minutes without the intervention of an analyst.

Burfeind, Craig R.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Distortion invariant pattern recognition with phase filters

A recently developed approach for pattern recognition using spatial filters with reduced tolerance requirements is employed for the generation of filters containing mainly phase information. As anticipated, the recognition levels were decreased, but they remain adequate for unambiguous identification together with appreciable amounts of distortion immunity. Furthermore, the information content of the filters is compatible with low devices like spatial light modulators.

Rosen, Joseph↗