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At least 163 records · Page 9

Data smoothing and error detection based on linear interpolation

A method is presented, based on linear interpolation, for detecting and correcting bad data points in a set of data without contaminating the good data points. The method used is not concerned with the small random errors usually attributed to a noisy system. It assumes that the data points which are in error are relatively isolated from each other and that the number of such points is small compared to the total number of data points.

Guerra, V. M.↗

GEMS

The prime scientific objectives of the Gravity and Extreme Magnetism SMEX, GEMS, are to determine the effects of the spin of black holes, the configurations of the magnetic fields of magnetars, and the structure of the supernova shocks which accelerate cosmic rays. In the cases of both stellar black holes and supermassive black holes, sensitivity to 1% polarization is needed to make diagnostic measurements of the net polarizations predicted for probable disk and corona models. GEMS can reach this goal for several Seyferts and quasars and measure the polarizations of representatives of a variety of other classes of X-ray sources, such as rotation-powered and accretion-powered pulsars. GEMS uses foil mirrors to maximize the collecting area achievable within the SMEX constraints. The polarimeters at the mirror foci are Time Projection Chambers which use the photoelectic effect to measure the polarization of the incident photon. We have built laboratory models with good efficiency and modulation in the 2-10 keV range. An attached small student experiment would add 0.5 keV sensitivity for bright soft sources. The instrument has a point spread function which allows measurement of structures in the brighter nearby supernova remnants. GEMS' Orbital Sciences spacecraft will rotate at a rate of 0.1 revolutions per minute during observations, so that systematic errors due to the detector can be detected and corrected. A program of 35 sources can be observed in 9 months. GEMS is designed for a two year lifetime which will allow a General Observer program that would more than double the number of sources measured. For subsets of black holes, neutron stars and supernova remnants, GEMS will measure the polarization of several sources, solving important questions while establishing the sensitivity required for future missions.

Swank, Jean↗

Evaluation of Satellite-Based Rainfall Estimates in the Lower Mekong River Basin (Southeast Asia)

Satellite-based precipitation is an essential tool for regional water resource applications that requires frequent observations of meteorological forcing, particularly in areas that have sparse rain gauge networks. To fully realize the utility of remotely sensed precipitation products in watershed modeling and decision-making, a thorough evaluation of the accuracy of satellite-based rainfall and regional gauge network estimates is needed. In this study, Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multi-Satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) 3B42 v.7 and Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS) daily rainfall estimates were compared with daily rain gauge observations from 2000 to 2014 in the Lower Mekong River Basin (LMRB) in Southeast Asia. Monthly, seasonal, and annual comparisons were performed, which included the calculations of correlation coefficient, coefficient of determination, bias, root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE). Our validation test showed TMPA to correctly detect precipitation or no-precipitation 64.9% of all days and CHIRPS 66.8% of all days, compared to daily in-situ rainfall measurements. The accuracy of the satellite-based products varied greatly between the wet and dry seasons. Both TMPA and CHIRPS showed higher correlation with in-situ data during the wet season (June–September) as compared to the dry season (November–January). Additionally, both performed better on a monthly than an annual time-scale when compared to in-situ data. The satellite-based products showed wet biases during months that received higher cumulative precipitation. Based on a spatial correlation analysis, the average r-value of CHIRPS was much higher than TMPA across the basin. CHIRPS correlated better than TMPA at lower elevations and for monthly rainfall accumulation less than 500 mm. While both satellite-based products performed well, as compared to rain gauge measurements, the present research shows that CHIRPS might be better at representing precipitation over the LMRB than TMPA.

Dandridge, Chelsea↗

An intelligent advisory system for pre-launch processing

The shuttle system of interest in this paper is the shuttle's data processing system (DPS). The DPS is composed of the following: (1) general purpose computers (GPC); (2) a multifunction CRT display system (MCDS); (3) mass memory units (MMU); and (4) a multiplexer/demultiplexer (MDM) and related software. In order to ensure the correct functioning of shuttle systems, some level of automatic error detection has been incorporated into all shuttle systems. For the DPS, error detection equipment has been incorporated into all of its subsystems. The automated diagnostic system, (MCDS) diagnostic tool, that aids in a more efficient processing of the DPS is described.

Engrand, Peter A.↗

Digital to synchro converter

A digital-to-synchro converter is provided where a binary input code specifies a desired shaft angle and where an resolver type position transducer is employed with additional circuitry to generate a shaft position error signal indicative of the angular difference between the desired shaft angle and the actual shaft angle. The additional circuitry corrects for known and calculated errors in the shaft position detection process and equipment.

Predina, Joseph P.↗

Simplified detection and correction of critical data for ill-conditioned systems

Ill-conditioned systems arising in analysis and optimization can display a high sensitivity to numerical precision for changes and errors in data input. Such data may be in the form of system parameter input or desired system response. The ill-conditioning referred to generally arises from the lack of sufficient independent data to define a complex system or the weak sensitivity of response to source input parameters. It is shown how small errors in data and assumed fixed and known parameters can lead to highly erroneous results in ill-conditioned linear algebraic equations. A simplified detection and correction of critical input data arising in the coefficient matrix and desired response (i.e., right hand side) is proposed.

Ojalvo, Irving U.↗

The decoding of Reed-Solomon codes

Reed-Solomon (RS) codes form an important part of the high-rate downlink telemetry system for the Magellan mission, and the RS decoding function for this project will be done by DSN. Although the basic idea behind all Reed-Solomon decoding algorithms was developed by Berlekamp in 1968, there are dozens of variants of Berlekamp's algorithm in current use. An attempt to restore order is made by presenting a mathematical theory which explains the working of almost all known RS decoding algorithms. The key innovation that makes this possible is the unified approach to the solution of the key equation, which simultaneously describes the Berlekamp, Berlekamp-Massey, Euclid, and continued fractions approaches. Additionally, a detailed analysis is made of what can happen to a generic RS decoding algorithm when the number of errors and erasures exceeds the code's designed correction capability, and it is shown that while most published algorithms do not detect as many of these error-erasure patterns as possible, by making a small change in the algorithms, this problem can be overcome.

Mceliece, R. J.↗

The Utilization Profiles of the CCSDS Unified Space Link Protocol (USLP)

The purpose of this paper is to identify the utilization profiles for interfacing the Data Protocol Sublayer using the Unified Space Link Protocols (USLP) (reference 1) with the space link coding procedures as specified in the CCSDS Coding & Synchronization Blue Books (references 2 through 5), used in both telecommand and telemetry applications. This paper describes how the USLP Protocol utilizes the coding and synchronization sublayer to support: a. Direct to Earth (DTE) telemetry links for engineering and science data b. Direct to Earth (DTE) telemetry links for very high rate science data c. Direct from Earth (DFE) command, sequencing and flight software loads d. Space to Space Links (Proximity) utilized by orbiters for data exchange to/from surface bound assets. The CCSDS has divided the functions of the Data Link Layer into two sublayers: the Data Link Protocol Sublayer (DLP-SL) and the Coding and Synchronization Sublayer (CS-SL). The Data Link Protocol Sublayer (DLP-SL) interfaces to the users, accepting the data that is to be transported, on the sending side of the link, and delivering that data on the receiving end. The Transfer Frame is the data unit that is transferred across the Data Link Protocol Sublayer and the Coding and Synchronization Sublayer boundary. The Coding and Synchronization Sublayer (CS-SL) provides the encoding, randomization, and frame synchronization functions that prepares the USLP Transfer Frame for transport across the space link. The CS-SL is divided into 2 processes: 1) The Frame Interface Processes (FIP) performs the interface functions required to prepare the data for delivery to the Coding/Decoding Process (CDP). This process includes prepending a Frame Start Marker to the provided frame, when management has designated that the frame is not to be aligned to the codeblock or when there is no block code used. 2) The Coding/Decoding Process (CDP) performs the forward error correction processes that are used to optimize the performance of the link and minimize the error rate. The CDP creates the symbol stream that is delivered to the Physical Layer. The transfer of the USLP transfer frames across different types of space links is the focus of this paper. The Protocol Data Unit (PDU) that is passed in both directions between the Data Link Protocol Sublayer (DLP-SL) and Coding and Synchronization Sublayer (CS-SL) is the transfer frame. The USLP frame structure provides flexibility that can be constrained by the functions utilized within the CS-SL that prepare the transfer frame for transit. For example, the USLP transfer frame contains a length field that enables the frame to be of variable length but CS-SL under certain conditions may constrain the frame to be fixed in length. This paper describes 5 operational modes available for use by the Data Link Layer to provide data exchange across the USLP space link. These modes are different because different operational requirements apply to vastly different types of space links and thus the communications implementation requirements differ. The environmental issues include the power or energy available, the distance between the end points of the link, the complexity of the equipment available at those end points, the atmospheric conditions and radiometric frequency selection. The CS-SL utilizes different forward error correcting codes supported by specific operational modes to configure the data for transit. This paper describes all of the operational modes in a series of data models which decompose the functionality between the Data Link Protocol Sublayer and the Coding and Synchronization sublayer. The operational modes described are: 1. Uncoded Mode: has been used for short links that contain significant available power to provide an acceptable frame error rate. The frames in this mode can be variable in length and typically use an error detection algorithm (i.e., CRC) to determine if there are errors in the received frame. 2. Convolutional Only Mode: is currently the prime forward error correction coding used for the proximity links. The frames in this mode can be variable in length and typically use an error detection algorithm (i.e., CRC) to determine if there are errors in the received frame. 3. Variable Length Frame Aligned to Variable Length Codeblock (TC): is used for Direct from Earth links were power levels are high and the simple, least complex code i.e., the BCH code is used. This mode has been in use since the early 1970s. The BCH code is a short code and the decoder is easy to implement. 4. Fixed Length Frame Aligned to Fixed Length Codeblock (AOS/TM): was introduced when the concatenated Convolutional and Reed-Solomon Code was formulated to provide significant reduction in link data error rate and the ability to determine if there was an error in the decoded codeblock. The frame is aligned to the codeblock so that there is a one to one relationship of frame errors to codeblock errors without additional error detection coding being added. This mode requires the protocol frames to be the exact size of the message portion of the codeblock. 5. Frames Unaligned to Fixed Length Codeblocks (Currently used for very high rates and space to space links): This mode is currently used for missions that have a very high data rate that can be controlled adaptively as the environment changes and as the next generation operating mode for the proximity link. This mode from a coded data stream point of view is exactly like that described in 4. above, except that the frame need not be aligned to the codeblock. There is no requirement on frame length when using this mode. Thus when using USLP it can be used to support links that require short or long frames. There is also no mandatory requirement that frames cannot be separated by idle data reducing the tight data rate connection requirements between the data link protocol sublayer and the coding & synchronization sublayer. In conclusion, how these operational modes can be put to use in mission operational scenarios is described for Direct from Earth links (DFE), Direct to Earth links (DTE), and Proximity links.

Greenberg, E.↗

Extraction and Analysis of Display Data

The Display Audit Suite is an integrated package of software tools that partly automates the detection of Portable Computer System (PCS) Display errors. [PCS is a lap top computer used onboard the International Space Station (ISS).] The need for automation stems from the large quantity of PCS displays (6,000+, with 1,000,000+ lines of command and telemetry data). The Display Audit Suite includes data-extraction tools, automatic error detection tools, and database tools for generating analysis spread sheets. These spread sheets allow engineers to more easily identify many different kinds of possible errors. The Suite supports over 40 independent analyses, 16 NASA Tech Briefs, November 2008 and complements formal testing by being comprehensive (all displays can be checked) and by revealing errors that are difficult to detect via test. In addition, the Suite can be run early in the development cycle to find and correct errors in advance of testing.

Land, Chris↗

Error detection and data smoothing based on local procedures

An algorithm is presented which is able to locate isolated bad points and correct them without contaminating the rest of the good data. This work has been greatly influenced and motivated by what is currently done in the manual loft. It is not within the scope of this work to handle small random errors characteristic of a noisy system, and it is therefore assumed that the bad points are isolated and relatively few when compared with the total number of points. Motivated by the desire to imitate the loftsman a visual experiment was conducted to determine what is considered smooth data. This criterion is used to determine how much the data should be smoothed and to prove that this method produces such data. The method utimately converges to a set of points that lies on the polynomial that interpolates the first and last points; however convergence to such a set is definitely not the purpose of our algorithm. The proof of convergence is necessary to demonstrate that oscillation does not take place and that in a finite number of steps the method produces a set as smooth as desired.

Guerra, V. M.↗

A systematic search for long-term variability in a large sample of X-ray sources

A method which uses the correct measurement error distribution (Poisson) and which naturally takes into account detections as well as upper limits has been developed to search for flux variability in X-ray sources. The method is applied to 256 sources observed at least twice with the Einstein Observatory Imaging Proportional Counter. These sources have, in the very large majority of cases, an X-ray flux in the range 1 x 10 to the -13th to 6 x 10 to the -12th erg/sq cm/s (0.2-3.5 keV). Thirty-one sources show flux variations with amplitude ranging from about 20 percent to a factor of 6. Flux variations of small amplitude seem to be fairly common, but can be detected only in bright sources or in sources observed with very long exposures. Variations of a factor of 2 or more are seen in about 15 percent of the sources for which variations of such an amplitude are detectable.

Maccacaro, Tommaso↗

Relativity effects for space-based coherent lidar experiments

An effort was initiated last year in the Astrionics Laboratory at Marshall Space Flight Center to examine and incorporate, if necessary, the effects of relativity in the design of space-based lidar systems. A space-based lidar system, named AEOLUS, is under development at Marshall Space Flight Center and it will be used to accurately measure atmospheric wind profiles. Effects of relativity were also observed in the performance of space-based systems, for example in case of global positioning systems, and corrections were incorporated into the design of instruments. During the last summer, the effects of special relativity on the design of space-based lidar systems were studied in detail, by analyzing the problem of laser scattering off a fixed target when the source and a co-located receiver are moving on a spacecraft. Since the proposed lidar system uses a coherent detection system, errors even in the order of a few microradians must be corrected to achieve a good signal-to-noise ratio. Previous analysis assumed that the ground is flat and the spacecraft is moving parallel to the ground, and developed analytical expressions for the location, direction and Doppler shift of the returning radiation. Because of the assumptions used in that analysis, only special relativity effects were involved. In this report, that analysis is extended to include general relativity and calculate its effects on the design.

Gudimetla, V. S. Rao↗

Compression of digital images over local area networks. Appendix 1: Item 3

Differential Pulse Code Modulation (DPCM) has been used with speech for many years. It has not been as successful for images because of poor edge performance. The only corruption in DPC is quantizer error but this corruption becomes quite large in the region of an edge because of the abrupt changes in the statistics of the signal. We introduce two improved DPCM schemes; Edge correcting DPCM and Edge Preservation Differential Coding. These two coding schemes will detect the edges and take action to correct them. In an Edge Correcting scheme, the quantizer error for an edge is encoded using a recursive quantizer with entropy coding and sent to the receiver as side information. In an Edge Preserving scheme, when the quantizer input falls in the overload region, the quantizer error is encoded and sent to the receiver repeatedly until the quantizer input falls in the inner levels. Therefore these coding schemes increase the bit rate in the region of an edge and require variable rate channels. We implement these two variable rate coding schemes on a token wing network. Timed token protocol supports two classes of messages; asynchronous and synchronous. The synchronous class provides a pre-allocated bandwidth and guaranteed response time. The remaining bandwidth is dynamically allocated to the asynchronous class. The Edge Correcting DPCM is simulated by considering the edge information under the asynchronous class. For the simulation of the Edge Preserving scheme, the amount of information sent each time is fixed, but the length of the packet or the bit rate for that packet is chosen depending on the availability capacity. The performance of the network, and the performance of the image coding algorithms, is studied.

Gorjala, Bhargavi↗

Differential correction technique for removing common errors in gas filter radiometer measurements

The Measurement of Air Pollution from Satellites (MAPS) gas filter radiometer experiment was designed to measure CO mixing ratios in the earth's atmosphere. MAPS also measures N2O to provide a reference channel for the atmospheric emitting temperature and to detect the presence of clouds. In this paper we formulate equations to correct the radiometric signals based on the spatial and temporal uniformity of the N2O mixing ratio in the atmosphere. Results of an error study demonstrate that these equations reduce the error in inferred CO mixing ratios. Subsequent application of the technique to the MAPS 1984 data set decreases the error in the frequency distribution of mixing ratios and increases the number of usable data points.

Wallio, H. A.↗

Self-checking self-repairing computer nodes using the mirror processor

Circuitry added to fault-tolerant systems for concurrent error deduction usually reduces performance. Using a technique called micro rollback, it is possible to eliminate most of the performance penalty of concurrent error detection. Error detection is performed in parallel with intermodule communication, and erroneous state changes are later undone. The author reports on the design and implementation of a VLSI RISC microprocessor, called the Mirror Processor (MP), which is capable of micro rollback. In order to achieve concurrent error detection, two MP chips operate in lockstep, comparing external signals and a signature of internal signals every clock cycle. If a mismatch is detected, both processors roll back to the beginning of the cycle when the error occurred. In some cases the erroneous state is corrected by copying a value from the fault-free processor to the faulty processor. The architecture, microarchitecture, and VLSI implementation of the MP, emphasizing its error-detection, error-recovery, and self-diagnosis capabilities, are described.

Tamir, Yuval↗

Self-checking on-line testable static RAM

This is a fault-tolerant random access memory for use in fault-tolerant computers. It comprises a plurality of memory chips each comprising a plurality of on-line testable and correctable memory cells disposed in rows and columns for holding individually addressable binary bits and provision for error detection incorporated into each memory cell for outputting an error signal whenever a transient error occurs therein. In one embodiment, each of the memory cells comprises a pair of static memory sub-cells for simultaneously receiving and holding a common binary data bit written to the memory cell and the error detection provision comprises comparator logic for continuously sensing and comparing the contents of the memory sub-cells to one another and for outputting the error signal whenever the contents do not match. In another embodiment, each of the memory cells comprises a static memory sub-cell and a dynamic memory sub-cell for simultaneously receiving and holding a common binary data bit written to the memory cell and the error detection provision comprises comparator logic for continuously sensing and comparing the contents of the static memory sub-cell to the dynamic memory sub-cell and for outputting the error signal whenever the contents do not match. Capability for correction of errors is also included.

Chau, Savio N.↗

Design and evaluation of executable assertions for concurrent error detection

System level concurrent detection of errors due to hardware faults can be accomplished by introducing software redundancy in the form of executable assertions into a program to monitor the correct operation of the system during its execution. This paper attempts to formalize the use of executable assertions for the purpose of concurrent error detection, and discusses a transformation approach to the design of assertion statements. The second part deals with the effectiveness of the error detection technique. A fault simulation method for the evaluation of the reliability of the assertion statements is described. This scheme was used to study the effectiveness of a nontrivial program in providing protection against faults in the underlying system. The experimental results shows that the use of executable assertions provides an effective approach to achieve concurrent error detection.

Hua, Kien A.↗