Interactive Data Processing Research Articles

Infrasonic Signal Detection and Source Location at the Prototype International Data Centre

This paper describes an automatic and interactive data processing system designed to locate impulsive atmospheric sources with a yield of at least one kiloton by detecting and characterizing the airborne infrasound radiated by the source. The infrasonic processing subsystem forms part of a larger system currently under development at the Prototype International Data Center (PIDC) in Arlington, Virginia where seismic, hydroacoustic, radionuclide and infrasonic methods are used to detect and locate impulsive sources in any terrestrial environment. Infrasonic signal detection is achieved via a coincidence detector which requires both the normalized cross correlation and the short-term-average/ long-term-average ratio of a beam in the direction of maximum correlation to exceed predetermined threshold values simultaneously before a detection is declared.The infrasound propagation model currently used to infer travel-time information assumes the horizontal sound speed across the ground to be 320.0 m/s. This crude model is currently being replaced by a model which predicts travel-time information through a ray-tracing algorithm for acoustic waves in an atmosphere with seasonal representations for temperature and wind. A novel feature of the source location process is the fusion of all available arrival information, whether it be seismic, hydroacoustic or infrasonic to locate a single source where it is reasonable to hypothesize a common source. In its final configuration the infrasonic subsystem will routinely process data from the global 60-station International Monitoring System (IMS) infrasonic network currently under development.

Web-based interactive data processing: application to stable isotope metrology.

To address a fundamental need in stable isotope metrology, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has established a web-based interactive data-processing system accessible through a common gateway interface (CGI) program on the internet site http://www. nist.gov/widps-co2. This is the first application of a web-based tool that improves the measurement traceability afforded by a series of NIST standard materials. Specifically, this tool promotes the proper usage of isotope reference materials (RMs) and improves the quality of reported data from extensive measurement networks. Through the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), we have defined standard procedures for stable isotope measurement and data-processing, and have determined and applied consistent reference values for selected NIST and IAEA isotope RMs. Measurement data of samples and RMs are entered into specified fields on the web-based form. These data are submitted through the CGI program on a NIST Web server, where appropriate calculations are performed and results returned to the client. Several international laboratories have independently verified the accuracy of the procedures and algorithm for measurements of naturally occurring carbon-13 and oxygen-18 abundances and slightly enriched compositions up to approximately 150% relative to natural abundances. To conserve the use of the NIST RMs, users may determine value assignments for a secondary standard to be used in routine analysis. Users may also wish to validate proprietary algorithms embedded in their laboratory instrumentation, or specify the values of fundamental variables that are usually fixed in reduction algorithms to see the effect on the calculations. The results returned from the web-based tool are limited in quality only by the measurements themselves, and further value may be realized through the normalization function. When combined with stringent measurement protocols, two- to threefold improvements have been realized in the reproducibility of carbon-13 and oxygen-18 determinations across laboratories.

Quantification of mineral matter in the Argonne Premium Coals using interactive Rietveld-based X-ray diffraction

The mineral matter in the eight reference North American coal samples of the Argonne Premium Coal series has been investigated on a quantitative basis using X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. X-ray diffraction data obtained from electronic low-temperature (oxygen–plasma) ash (LTA) residues, from ashes produced by heating the coals in air at 370°C, and also from the raw coals themselves, were evaluated using an interactive data processing system ( siroquant™) based on Rietveld interpretation methods. The results from the three types of material (LTA, 370°C ash and raw coal) were compared for each sample. This allowed the components present in the raw coals in crystalline form to be recognised separately from mineral artifacts produced, particularly in the low-rank coals, from interaction of organically associated elements (Ca, S, etc.) during the two ashing processes. After the allowance for the production of any artifacts, the quantitative mineral assemblages identified from XRD of the raw coals were found to be consistent, even for coals having a relatively low ash percentage (around 5%), with the results obtained from the respective mineral concentrates prepared by the ashing methods. The effects of heating the coal to 370°C could also be distinguished, relative to the raw coal or the LTA, through changes in components such as pyrite and the clay minerals. Although some areas of uncertainty exist, particularly with magnesium in the low-rank coals, the calculated chemical compositions of the coal ash derived from the mineral mixtures identified for each coal were also found to be consistent with the results of direct chemical analysis of the respective coal ash materials.

Partitioning and Handling Massive Models for Interactive Collision Detection

We describe an approach for interactive collision detection and proximity computations on massive models composed of millions of geometric primitives. We address issues related to interactive data access and processing in a large geometric database, which may not fit into main memory of typical desktop workstations or computers. We present a new algorithm using overlap graphs for localizing the “regions of interest” within a massive model, thereby reducing runtime memory requirements. The overlap graph is computed off‐line, pre‐processed using graph partitioning algorithms, and modified on the fly as needed. At run time, we traverse localized sub‐graphs to check the corresponding geometry for proximity and pre‐fetch geometry and auxiliary data structures. To perform interactive proximity queries, we use bounding‐volume hierarchies and take advantage of spatial and temporal coherence. Based on the proposed algorithms, we have developed a system called IMMPACT and used it for interaction with a CAD model of a power plant consisting of over 15 million triangles. We are able to perform a number of proximity queries in real‐time on such a model. In terms of model complexity and application to large models, we have improved the performance of interactive collision detection and proximity computation algorithms by an order of magnitude.

ASDP: a PC-based program using a multi-algorithm approach for automatic detection and location of local earthquakes

A few automated data acquisition and processing systems operate on mainframes, some are run on UNIX-based workstations and others on personal computer, equipped with either DOS or UNIX-derived operating systems. Several large and complex software packages for automatic and interactive analysis of seismic data have been developed in recent years mainly for UNIX-based systems, and some of these programs use a variety of artificial intelligence techniques. Here, the first operational version of a new software package, named PC-Seism, for analyzing seismic data from a local network is presented. This package, composed of three separate modules, provides an example of a new generation of visual object-oriented programs for interactive and automatic seismic data processing run on a personal computer. In particular, we discuss the automatic procedures implemented in the ASDP (Automatic Seismic Data Processing) module. A multi-algorithm approach to the on-line detection and location of local earthquakes is adopted in ASDP, and its operative mode is similar to that used in more complex systems, where the algorithms run on different processors and parallel computations are generally performed. Since highly complex computation routines may still be prohibitive for current PC when the number of analyzing traces becomes large, we have opted for simplicity and have planned three main routines (working in cascade mode) and a multi-station analysis (MSA) procedure in ASDP, to recognize phase picking, declare and locate earthquakes. Basically, signal detection on a single-component trace is obtained by a short-term average to long-term average ratio (STA/LTA) taken along a characteristic function (CF) envelope generated from the seismogram. To confirm and identify earthquake phase arrivals and to discard noise disturbances, two other sections of analysis are applied on short signal windows after the declared triggers. A spectral analysis is applied as detector of earthquake phase arrivals. Furthermore, for three-component data, the application of a polarization filter is used to identify P- and S-phases. Therefore in order to optimize the efficiency of a seismic monitoring system, the software is provided with full detection capability and makes use of a high degree of automation, aimed at minimizing the analyst's workload. PC-Seism and, in particular, the ASDP module are under constant review. In fact, the modular structure of the program will allow us to develop it with new and improved capabilities. Future developments improvements in ASDP will concern the application of other detection algorithms and routines to recognize secondary phases in regional and teleseismic earthquakes.

A neural network approach to estimating rainfall from spaceborne microwave data

Various techniques use microwave (MW) brightness temperature (BT) data, obtained from remote sensing orbiting platforms, to calculate rain rates. The most commonly used techniques are based on regressions or other statistical methods. An emerging tool in rainfall estimation using satellite data is artificial neural networks (NNs), NNs are mathematical models that are capable of learning complex relationships. They consist of highly interconnected, interactive data processing units. NNs are implemented in this study to estimate rainfall, and backpropagation is used as a learning scheme. The inputs for the training phase are BTs and the outputs are rainfall rates, all generated by three-dimensional (3D) simulations based on a 3D stochastic, space-time rainfall model, and a 3D radiative transfer model. Once training is complete the NNs are presented with multi-frequency and polarized (horizontal and vertical) BT data, obtained from the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) instrument onboard the F10 and F11 polar-orbiting meteorological satellites. Hence, rainrates corresponding to real BT measurements are generated. The rainfall rates are also estimated using a log-linear regression model. Comparison of the two approaches, using simulated data, shows that the NN can represent more accurately the underlying relationship between BT and rainrate than the regression model, Comparison of the rates, estimated by both methods, with radar-estimated rainrates shows that NNs outperform the regression model. This study demonstrates the great potential of NNs in estimating rainfall from remotely sensed data.

Transit Path Calculation Supported by Special Geographic Information System-Transit Information System

The Societe de Transport de la Communaute Urbaine de Montreal (STCUM; Montreal Urban Community Transit Corporation) has recently undertaken the task of computerizing its phone information center, called AUT-OBUS. AUT-OBUS provides callers with optimal route choices within the STCUM transit network. An original system based on geographic and operations data bases combined with interactive path calculation and data processing software has already been implemented. A special geographic information system was developed to process the origins and destinations on the basis of the client's specifications. Multiple forms of spatial referencing are provided: street addresses, trip generators and attractors, monuments, special activities, street intersections, transit references (subway and rail stations, bus routes, terminals, etc.). The best path calculation is carried out by using interactively calibrated impedance functions (walking, in-vehicle, waiting, transfers, fares, and mode restriction). An added challen...

Transit Path Calculation Supported by Special Geographic Information System-Transit Information System

The Société de Transport de la Communauté Urbaine de Montréal (STCUM; Montreal Urban Community Transit Corporation) has recently undertaken the task of computerizing its phone information center, called AUT-OBUS. AUT-OBUS provides callers with optimal route choices within the STCUM transit network. An original system based on geographic and operations data bases combined with interactive path calculation and data processing software has already been implemented. A special geographic information system was developed to process the origins and destinations on the basis of the client's specifications. Multiple forms of spatial referencing are provided: street addresses, trip generators and attractors, monuments, special activities, street intersections, transit references (subway and rail stations, bus routes, terminals, etc.). The best path calculation is carried out by using interactively calibrated impedance functions (walking, in-vehicle, waiting, transfers, fares, and mode restriction). An added challenge was the necessary consideration of the network geometry, commercial speed, day type, trip time, and headway and the validation of the computed paths with existing schedules. For a transit network the size of Montreal's, consisting of 16,000 bus stops, 230 bus routes, and a pedestrian network of 80,000 links and 28,000 nodes, the calculation of the optimal path for a given origin–destination pair is less than 2 sec with a typical personal computer with a Pentium processor.

Development of Interactive Data Processing System for In Vivo ESR-CT Imaging of Bioradicals with L-Band Microwave

Development of Interactive Data Processing System for In Vivo ESR-CT Imaging of Bioradicals with L-Band Microwave

An operator approach to interactive data processing. II. Some applications of scalars and vectors

A modular software system for interactive data processing is described in part I of this series. Flexibility and portability are stressed. The system works as an interpreter and new functions may be introduced instantly. A simple graphical user interface controls performance. Arbitrary data types are supported. In the current work, the system has been implemented for numerical data (scalars and one-dimensional arrays). Some commonly used parametric and non-parametric statistical procedures (such as Students t-test, linear regression, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests) illustrate the use of scalars. Arrays can indicate complex quantities, used in signal analysis. The fast Fourier transform is a basic building block. It is included into other functions such as convolution, cross-correlation and digital filter design. The benefit of such constructions is illustrated by adaptive filtering of evoked potentials.

An operator approach to interactive data processing. I. The system

A computer software system for interactive data processing is described. Data are transferred between functions (‘operators’). Execution flow is designed in a semi-graphical language. Data are composed of arbitrary data types in sequences of any length. The system works as an interpreter and the user may define or modify its current operation without delay. Lucidity is increased by the possibility of building complex functions (‘macros’) from simpler ones. Once such a construction has been made, the functions included can be made transparent to the user. Portability is emphasized by using only standard PASCAL. To promote flexibility, entirely new procedures and data types can be introduced. Both short- and long term solutions are thus supported.

An OSI communication system for the public administration of the state Nordrhein-Westfalen

Nordrhein-Westfalen (NRW) is a federal state of the Federal Republic of Germany with about 17 million inhabitants and with important business, trade and industry. The offices of the state administration spread over the area of NRW today use several hundreds of dp-systems covering a wide range of size, supplied by 14 different vendors. The most frequently used communication applications are: file transfer, interactive data processing, information retrieval, office automation. For 8 years these numerous dp-systems work together in a multiple vendors OSI-like communication system, called DVS. A test, service and maintenance center as well as electronic mail and a dp-based information system provide the technical means for DVS-management, compatibility and sufficient user acceptance. New DVS-functions e.g. message handling are fully based on ISO standards and CCITT recommendations. However, it is not an easy task with technical and organizational concerns to replace former national or DVS-specific prestandards by ISO-protocols. In DVS this will be done by an overlay concept taking into account a 24 hrs/day service, cost, user acceptance and no break in further DVS-development. A survey will be given on the DVS state of the art, ISO protocol activities in DVS and further developments.

道路交通公害の広域的評価のための情報システム

An information system was designed, which supports calculation of indices evaluating automotive traffic pollution from area-wide point of view. Aggregation of local environment evaluation indices to area-wide indices is indispensable for environmental protection to compromise with “top down” style physical planning procedures. Some basic issues were discussed to evaluate automotive traffic pollution in area-wide scale, and several types of aggregate formula from micro-indices to macro-indices were proposed.The informaion system presented here helps such aggregation procedure of indices, as well as visual understanding of the state of the road traffic and its environmental effects. This system, which works both on super-mini-computer and on engineering workstation, provides many functions, including display of overlaying map, histogram and scattergram, and interactive data processing and data search. In addition, roadside land use data aggregation sub-system was presented with an example of trial application to calculation of indices.

A microcomputer-based system for processing 31-phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance spectra from studies of cardiac metabolism in immature hearts

We designed an interactive microcomputer-based digital data processing system for analysis of 31-phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance ( 31P-NMR) spectra from studies of cardiac metabolism in immature and neonatal hearts. This system included a digitizing tablet (Kurta Series Two), a microcomputer (IBM PC XT) and a graphics plotter (Hewlett-Packard 7470A) used in conjuction with a Nicolet 1280 NMR signal processing computer. We obtained 31P spectra from isolated perfused rabbit hearts with a Nicolet NT-200 4.7 Tesla superconducting NMR spectrometer operated in the pulsed Fourier transform mode. The small size of the hearts resulted in increased noise in spectra and demanded comparison of methods used to quantitate changes in inorganic phosphorus, phosphocreatine and ATP during ischemic stress. We performed microcomputer operations and interfacing functions with a software package written in BASIC. This system simplified documentation, data filing statistical data processing. Our microcomputer system displayed and made hard copies of digitized spectra and results of analyses. Errors in data entry were rectified directly with this program. Consistent data reduction improved the precision of the physiological results and reduced the influence of noise on 31P spectra from neonatal hearts weighing about 0.5 g. The system flexibility extends its application to NMR spectra analysis for other in vivo organ systems, and signal processing in other biological research.

HICADEC : Integrated CAD/CAM system with 3 D interactive data processing architectures for CIMS in shipbuilding

The paper reports the whole aspects of “HICADEC”, abbreviation of Hitachi Zosen's System for Computer Aided Design, Engineering and Production Control, which has been put to actual use in shipbuilding since 1986.The system enables the designers to perform totally integrated CAD/CAM tasks for ship structure, piping, outfitting and electrics interactively with work stations through three dimensionally processed data base.System concept, newly introduced, is to establish useroriented CAD/CAM system being capable to enhance the system architectures flexibly along with the future technology development.So as to realize the above, the system consists of several subsystems, hull, arrangement, piping and electrics, being composed of so-called packaged-type softwares corresponding to individual functions. In addition, data bases are opened for common use between subsystems to communicate data each other.

Interactive graphic data processing in cartography

This paper deals with the work and importance of interactive data processing as a system for assisting in the work of cartography. Both hardware and software concepts for the SICAD interactive graphic system for cartography are presented and explained using practical examples.

SHEIVA: A Multi-Parameter Interactive Data Acquisition and Processing System at VECC

A general purpose modular software system has been developed around a PDP-15/76 computer for the collection, storage, real-time analysis and off-line sorting of experimental data and for generating interactive one-and two-dimensional displays. It provides high flexibility and ease of operation by specially emphasizing on dynamic core optimisation for trasformation and display of data, device independence in data recording and the simplicity of man-machine interaction. It supports a maximum of thirty two inputs connected through a high speed DMA channel, the number of inputs at present is limited to eight because of the available hardware. The program architecture is open-ended to accommodate future experimental hardware and provides a parasitic environment for the user to attach his special-purpose routines, which makes it versatile. Problems encountered in experiments using several particle identifying detector telescopes are solved dynamically by the program, making it specially suited to various correlation studies.

Geoic: an interactive terminal-based geochemical data processing system

A series of interactive terminal-based FORTRAN IV programs have been developed for processing and evaluating major and trace element data produced in the analysis of rock samples. The GEOIC system consists of three stages. The first is concerned with the processing of analytical data produced in the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis of fused samples for major elements and pressed powder briquettes for trace elements. In the second stage, the major and trace element results are linked together by a tabulation program which creates an input file for CIPW norm programs. The tabulation program will sort also the analyses into groups according to an 8 character “group identifier” keyword attached to each analysis. Average analyses are calculated also for each group. The tabulation program combines the major, trace and normative data to produce a data base file as well as a tabulated output file for dispatch to a line printer. In the third stage, the data base file serves as the input to interactive programs for graphical and statistical evaluation of the geochemical data. The graphics program allows the user to plot rapidly binary and ternary diagrams for all samples or plotting may be restricted to specified groups or only to the group averages. The statistical program allows the user to calculate various parameters as well as a correlation coefficient matrix for all samples, for selected groups or for only group averages. The group identifier keyword attached by the user to each sample analysis facilitates the division of the suite of samples under study into groups and subgroups. This important feature adds considerable flexibility to the processing and evaluation of data via the tabulation, graphics and statistics programs. The tabulation program will accept also free-format major and trace element data produced by analytical methods other than XRF. The second and third stages of the system may be used, therefore, as a general purpose geochemical data processing and evaluation package.

The computer processing and interpretation of mass spectral information. V—generation of a table of isotopic spectra of structural fragments

AbstractA package of dialogue programs intended for generation of isotopic spectra from specified elemental compositions containing any number of elements is described. Structural fragments (super‐elements), once in the table, acquire the status of a separate chemical element. All operations with super‐elements are analogous to those with polyisotopic elements of the periodic table. The user can modify the table at his discretion to suit his purpose. The table increases the flexibility of interactive data processing programs and thus the dialogue is made to approach the natural chemist's language. The programs written in FORTRAN IV are intended for a minicomputer with a core memory of about 24 K words.

THE PATTERN RECOGNITION PROBLEMIMAN, MACHINE AND THEIR INTERACTION

Perception of texture has long been recognized as important for pattern identification. This paper examines the interaction between machine solutions and human judgement regarding dissimilarity among map pairs by testing twenty human subjects and using four choropleth maps of population density. Judged relations among the four systematically-contrived density maps produced a 'tone-texture' model in which individual differences existed almost exclusively in terms of how these two dimensions were weighted. Since significant individual differences exist in visual pattern discrimination an efficient man-machine interactive data processing system requires careful human engineering design so that the differentiated individual abilities can be taken into consideration.