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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1996

ACTS (Advanced Communications Technology Satellite) Propagation Experiment: Preprocessing Software User's Manual

The preprocessing software manual describes the Actspp program originally developed to observe and diagnose Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) propagation terminal/receiver problems. However, it has been quite useful for automating the preprocessing functions needed to convert the terminal output to useful attenuation estimates. Prior to having data acceptable for archival functions, the individual receiver system must be calibrated and the power level shifts caused by ranging tone modulation must be received. Actspp provides three output files: the daylog, the diurnal coefficient file, and the file that contains calibration information.

Crane, Robert K.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Software for Preprocessing Data From Rocket-Engine Tests

Three computer programs have been written to preprocess digitized outputs of sensors during rocket-engine tests at Stennis Space Center (SSC). The programs apply exclusively to the SSC E test-stand complex and utilize the SSC file format. The programs are the following: (1) Engineering Units Generator (EUGEN) converts sensor-output-measurement data to engineering units. The inputs to EUGEN are raw binary test-data files, which include the voltage data, a list identifying the data channels, and time codes. EUGEN effects conversion by use of a file that contains calibration coefficients for each channel. (2) QUICKLOOK enables immediate viewing of a few selected channels of data, in contradistinction to viewing only after post-test processing (which can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on the number of channels and other test parameters) of data from all channels. QUICKLOOK converts the selected data into a form in which they can be plotted in engineering units by use of Winplot. (3) EUPLOT provides a quick means for looking at data files generated by EUGEN without the necessity of relying on the PVWAVE based plotting software.

Cheng, Chiu-Fu↗
NASA NTRS2004

Software for Preprocessing Data from Rocket-Engine Tests

Three computer programs have been written to preprocess digitized outputs of sensors during rocket-engine tests at Stennis Space Center (SSC). The programs apply exclusively to the SSC E test-stand complex and utilize the SSC file format. The programs are the following: Engineering Units Generator (EUGEN) converts sensor-output-measurement data to engineering units. The inputs to EUGEN are raw binary test-data files, which include the voltage data, a list identifying the data channels, and time codes. EUGEN effects conversion by use of a file that contains calibration coefficients for each channel. QUICKLOOK enables immediate viewing of a few selected channels of data, in contradistinction to viewing only after post-test processing (which can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on the number of channels and other test parameters) of data from all channels. QUICKLOOK converts the selected data into a form in which they can be plotted in engineering units by use of Winplot (a free graphing program written by Rick Paris). EUPLOT provides a quick means for looking at data files generated by EUGEN without the necessity of relying on the PV-WAVE based plotting software.

Cheng, Chiu-Fu↗
NASA NTRS2002

Software for Preprocessing Data From Rocket-Engine Tests

Three computer programs have been written to preprocess digitized outputs of sensors during rocket-engine tests at Stennis Space Center (SSC). The programs apply exclusively to the SSC "E" test-stand complex and utilize the SSC file format. The programs are the following: 1) Engineering Units Generator (EUGEN) converts sensor-output-measurement data to engineering units. The inputs to EUGEN are raw binary test-data files, which include the voltage data, a list identifying the data channels, and time codes. EUGEN effects conversion by use of a file that contains calibration coefficients for each channel; 2) QUICKLOOK enables immediate viewing of a few selected channels of data, in contradistinction to viewing only after post test processing (which can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on the number of channels and other test parameters) of data from all channels. QUICKLOOK converts the selected data into a form in which they can be plotted in engineering units by use of Winplot (a free graphing program written by Rick Paris); and 3) EUPLOT provides a quick means for looking at data files generated by EUGEN without the necessity of relying on the PVWAVE based plotting software.

Cheng, Chiu-Fu↗
NASA NTRS1991

Modeling structural dynamic behavior of SSME components

FEM studies are presented of the nozzle and the low-pressure fuel-pump inducer designs for the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) to analyze the effects of structural vibrations. FEM preprocessing software based on a CAD system is employed to develop a model of the component's sophisticated geometry. The nozzle geometry is also defined by means of the preprocessing technique and subsequently analyzed with respect to time-transient loading. The analysis is conducted with a Cray supercomputer using the SPAR/EAL FEM program. The investigation of the nozzle demonstrates the advantageous use of symmetry in the determination of nozzle response to SSME start-up transients. Plots of time vs strain are developed for gages on the nozzle wall and steerhorn tubing. The results of the inducer modeling are found to be adequate for investigating the component's principle modes, and the nozzle results indicate the suitability of the FEM techniques for optimizing the design of engine components.

Kiefling, Larry A.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Laser ranging data analysis

Center for Space Research efforts have focused on the near real-time analysis of Lageos laser ranging data and on the production of predictive ephemerides. The data are analyzed in terms of range bias, time bias, and internal precision, and estimates for the Earth orientation parameters X(sub p), Y(sub p) and UT1 are obtained. The results of these analyses are reported in a variety of formats. In addition several additional stations began sending not only quick-look observations but also normal points created on-site with new software. These normal points are transmitted in a new standard format different from either current quick-look or MERIT-II full-rate formats. Thus new preprocessing software was written and successfully tested on these data. Inspection of the Bendix produced Lageos full-rate normal points continued, with detailed analyses and filtering of all 1991 A and B release normal points for Lageos through the beginning of 1992. A summary of the combined full-rate and quick-look normal point data set created for 1991 is provided. New long-term ephemerides for Lageos satellite, as well as for Etalon-1 and Etalon-2 (the so-called high satellites used for laser ranging) were produced and distributed to the network stations in cooperation with the Crustal Dynamics Project and Eurolas. These predictions are used by essentially every laser ranging site obtaining regular returns from any of these three satellites.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1980

The processing of IMU data in ENTREE implementation and preliminary results

It is demonstrated that the shuttle entry trajectory can be accurately represented in ENTREE with IMU data available postflight. The IMU data consist of platform to body quaternions, and accumulated sensed velocities in mean of fifty (M50) coordinates approximately every second. The preprocessing software required to incorporate the IMU data in ENTREE is described as well as the relatively minor code changes to the ENTREE program itself required to process the IMU data. Code changes to the ENTREE program and input tape data format and content changes are described.

Heck, M. L.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Exploring Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry Data File Conversions to Leverage Existing Tools and Enable New Workflows

Ion mobility (IM) is often combined with LC-MS experiments to provide an additional dimension of separation for complex sample analysis. While highly complex samples are better characterized by the full dimensionality of LC-IM-MS experiments to uncover new information, downstream data analysis workflows are often not equipped to properly mine the additional IM dimension. For many samples the data acquisition benefits of including IM separations are all that is necessary to uncover sample information and the full dimensionality of the data is not required for data analysis. Post-acquisition reduction and adaptation of the dimensions of LC-IM-MS and IM-MS experiments into an LC-MS format opens the possibility to use a plethora of existing software tools. In this work, we developed data file conversion tools to reduce the complexity of IM data analysis. Three data file transformations are introduced in the PNNL PreProcessor software: 1) mapping the IM axis to the LC axis for IM-MS data, 2) converting the drift time vs. m/z space to CCS/z vs m/z space, and 3) transforming All Ions IM/MS mobility aligned fragmentation data to a standard LC-MS DDA data file format. Finally, these new data file conversions are demonstrated with corresponding lipidomics and proteomics workflows that leverage existing LC-MS data analysis software to highlight the benefits of the data transformations.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1996

First Two Years of Observations NASA ACTS Propagation Experiment Central Oklahoma Site

Continuous observations from December 1, 1993 through November 30, 1995 were made at the ACTS Propagation Terminal on the roof of the Sarkeys Energy Center at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma. Beacon and radiometer observations were combined to calibrate the beacon system for the estimation of total attenuation (attenuation relative to free space) and attenuation relative to clear sky (gaseous absorption component removed). Empirical cumulative distributions (edf's) were compiled for each month of observation and for each year. The annual edf's are displayed in the figures, the monthly and annual edf's are listed in the tables. The tables are organized by blocks and pages within a block. The blocks correspond to the headings in the edf files generated by the ACTS Preprocessing (actspp) software and contained in the fourth disk in the set of ACTS Propagation Experiment CD-ROMs generated by the University of Texas.

Crane, Robert K.↗
NASA NTRS2007

General-Purpose Front End for Real-Time Data Processing

FRONTIER is a computer program that functions as a front end for any of a variety of other software of both the artificial intelligence (AI) and conventional data-processing types. As used here, front end signifies interface software needed for acquiring and preprocessing data and making the data available for analysis by the other software. FRONTIER is reusable in that it can be rapidly tailored to any such other software with minimum effort. Each component of FRONTIER is programmable and is executed in an embedded virtual machine. Each component can be reconfigured during execution. The virtual-machine implementation making FRONTIER independent of the type of computing hardware on which it is executed.

James, Mark↗
NASA NTRS1998

Spectrum Preprocessing in the OPAD System

To determine the readiness of a rocket engine, and facilitate decisions on continued use of the engine before servicing is required, high-resolution optical spectrometers are used to acquire spectra from the exhaust plume. Such instruments are in place at the Technology Test Bed (TTB) stand at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and the A1 stand at Stennis Space Center (SSC). The optical spectrometers in place have a wide wavelength range covering the visible and near-infrared regions, taking approximately 8000 measurements at about one Angstrom spacing every half second. In the early stages of this work, data analysis was done manually. A simple spectral model produced a theoretical spectrum for given amount of elements and an operator visually matched the theoretical and real spectra. Currently, extensive software is being developed to receive data from the spectrometer and automatically generate an estimate of element amounts in the plume. It will result in fast and reliable analysis, with the capability of real-time performance. This software is the result of efforts of several groups but mainly it has been developed and used by scientists and combustion engineers, in their effort of understanding the underlying physical processes and phenomena and creating visualization and report generation facilities. Most of the software has been developed using the IDL language and programming environment which allows for extensive data visualization. Although this environment has been very beneficial, the resulting programs execute very slowly and are not easily portable to more popular, real-time environments. The need for portability and high speed of execution is becoming more apparent as the software matures moving out of the experimentation stage and into the production stage where ease of use and short response time are the most desirable features. The purpose of the work described here is to assist the scientists who developed the original IDL-based version in the conversion of the software into the real-time, production version. Specifically, a section of the software devoted to the preprocessing of the spectra has been converted into the C language. In addition, parts of this software which may be improved have been identified, and recommendations are given to improve the functionality and ease of use of the new version.

Katsinis, Constantine↗
NASA NTRS1981

Low-cost digital image processing at the University of Oklahoma

Computer assisted instruction in remote sensing at the University of Oklahoma involves two separate approaches and is dependent upon initial preprocessing of a LANDSAT computer compatible tape using software developed for an IBM 370/158 computer. In-house generated preprocessing algorithms permits students or researchers to select a subset of a LANDSAT scene for subsequent analysis using either general purpose statistical packages or color graphic image processing software developed for Apple II microcomputers. Procedures for preprocessing the data and image analysis using either of the two approaches for low-cost LANDSAT data processing are described.

Harrington, J. A., Jr.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Mass Spectrometer Transient Analysis

This software implements a complete preprocessing pipeline for transient mass spectrometry (MS) data collected during TAP (Temporal Analysis of Products) experiments. It is designed to extract chemically meaningful fluxes from overlapping ion signals by applying a calibrated defragmentation matrix and solving the resulting linear system using non-negative least squares (NNLS) regression. The core script, preprocess_mass_spec.py, performs the following operations: Gain correction: Applies amplifier gain scalars derived from inert-packed calibration pulses to normalize signal intensities across AMUs and acquisition settings. Background subtraction: Removes experiment baselines using user-defined time windows, ensuring compatibility with slow-diffusing species and preventing negative values that would interfere with NNLS. Options to subtract before and after defragmentation. Defragmentation: Constructs a fragmentation matrix A from zeroth moments of calibration pulses (equal molar gas:inert mixtures) and solves Ax=b at each time point, where b is the raw MS signal and x is the estimated species flux. The matrix is normalized to inert signals and accounts for instrument-specific fragmentation behavior. Pulse-mode handling: Supports both averaged and individual pulse modes, enabling statistical treatment of fluxes and calculation of standard deviations. Integration and output: Computes zeroth moments (integrated fluxes) and exports time-resolved and integrated data in CSV format, suitable for downstream kinetic modeling. The software is validated using both virtual TAP simulations (VTAP) and experimental data from propane dehydrogenation (PDH) on CrOx/Al2O3 catalysts. It preserves temporal resolution by applying NNLS point-by-point across the pulse duration (typically 6,000+ time slices per pulse), leveraging the linear superposition principle to reconstruct full flux profiles. The defragmented outputs are compatible with kinetic extraction methods such as the G and Y procedures, which are used to derive rate–concentration relationships from TAP data. The details of these validations are discussed in detail in the supporting manuscript and supporting information. Example data and output files are also included. The methodology is robust to experimental noise and drift, with calibration protocols that account for pulse size effects, MS aging, and inert gas normalization. The software is modular, reproducible, and tailored for high-throughput TAP-MS workflows in catalysis research.

Kristy, Stephen [Idaho National Laboratory (INL), ↗
NASA NTRS1977

Digital exploitation of synthetic aperture radar

A digital processing and analysis scheme for use with digitized synthetic aperture radar data was developed. Using data from a four channel system, the imagery is preprocessed using specially designed software and then analyzed using preexisting facilities originally intended for use with MSS type data. Geometric and radiometric correction may be performed if desired, as well as classification analysis, Fast Fourier transform, filtering and level slice and display functions. The system provides low cost output in real time, permitting interactive imagery analysis. System information flow diagrams as well as sample output products are shown.

Wagner, H. L.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Design and implementation of a preprocessing system for a sodium lidar

A preprocessing system, designed and constructed for use with the University of Illinois sodium lidar system, was developed to increase the altitude resolution and range of the lidar system and also to decrease the processing burden of the main lidar computer. The preprocessing system hardware and the software required to implement the system are described. Some preliminary results of an airborne sodium lidar experiment conducted with the preprocessing system installed in the sodium lidar are presented.

Voelz, D. G.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Altimeter waveform software design

Techniques are described for preprocessing raw return waveform data from the GEOS-3 radar altimeter. Topics discussed include: (1) general altimeter data preprocessing to be done at the GEOS-3 Data Processing Center to correct altimeter waveform data for temperature calibrations, to convert between engineering and final data units and to convert telemetered parameter quantities to more appropriate final data distribution values: (2) time "tagging" of altimeter return waveform data quantities to compensate for various delays, misalignments and calculational intervals; (3) data processing procedures for use in estimating spacecraft attitude from altimeter waveform sampling gates; and (4) feasibility of use of a ground-based reflector or transponder to obtain in-flight calibration information on GEOS-3 altimeter performance.

Hayne, G. S.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Towards Real-time, On-board, Hardware-Supported Sensor and Software Health Management for Unmanned Aerial Systems

Unmanned aerial systems (UASs) can only be deployed if they can effectively complete their missions and respond to failures and uncertain environmental conditions while maintaining safety with respect to other aircraft as well as humans and property on the ground. In this paper, we design a real-time, on-board system health management (SHM) capability to continuously monitor sensors, software, and hardware components for detection and diagnosis of failures and violations of safety or performance rules during the flight of a UAS. Our approach to SHM is three-pronged, providing: (1) real-time monitoring of sensor and/or software signals; (2) signal analysis, preprocessing, and advanced on the- fly temporal and Bayesian probabilistic fault diagnosis; (3) an unobtrusive, lightweight, read-only, low-power realization using Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) that avoids overburdening limited computing resources or costly re-certification of flight software due to instrumentation. Our implementation provides a novel approach of combining modular building blocks, integrating responsive runtime monitoring of temporal logic system safety requirements with model-based diagnosis and Bayesian network-based probabilistic analysis. We demonstrate this approach using actual data from the NASA Swift UAS, an experimental all-electric aircraft.

System & Software Health Management↗
NASA NTRS2015

Towards Real-Time, On-Board, Hardware-Supported Sensor and Software Health Management for Unmanned Aerial Systems

For unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to be successfully deployed and integrated within the national airspace, it is imperative that they possess the capability to effectively complete their missions without compromising the safety of other aircraft, as well as persons and property on the ground. This necessity creates a natural requirement for UAS that can respond to uncertain environmental conditions and emergent failures in real-time, with robustness and resilience close enough to those of manned systems. We introduce a system that meets this requirement with the design of a real-time onboard system health management (SHM) capability to continuously monitor sensors, software, and hardware components. This system can detect and diagnose failures and violations of safety or performance rules during the flight of a UAS. Our approach to SHM is three-pronged, providing: (1) real-time monitoring of sensor and software signals; (2) signal analysis, preprocessing, and advanced on-the-fly temporal and Bayesian probabilistic fault diagnosis; and (3) an unobtrusive, lightweight, read-only, low-power realization using Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) that avoids overburdening limited computing resources or costly re-certification of flight software. We call this approach rt-R2U2, a name derived from its requirements. Our implementation provides a novel approach of combining modular building blocks, integrating responsive runtime monitoring of temporal logic system safety requirements with model-based diagnosis and Bayesian network-based probabilistic analysis. We demonstrate this approach using actual flight data from the NASA Swift UAS.

Unmanned Aerial System↗