Electrical and Computer Engineering

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[Dr. Scott Acton]

Automated Video Tracking and Inspection

Cracked insulators, frayed wires, and damaged wire spacers are a few of the problems that plague power transmission systems. This investigation concerns automated video tracking and automated inspection of the transmission lines and transmission towers. Tracking and inspection will be implemented by a helicopter-based imaging platform with gimbaled wide field-of-view and narrow field-of-view cameras. The study includes image processing analysis and parametric trade studies leading to real-time implementation at video rates. The image processing algorithms will include preprocessing such as image enhancement (removal of noise and undesirable detail), image restoration (removal of image blur), and image segmentation (grouping of homogeneous regions). For component tracking, novel techniques will be used to locate potential targets and track the target locations through an image sequence. The tracking results will be used to stabilize the video and remove image jitter. Finally, automated methods for inspecting the power transmission components will be applied to detect faults.

Sponsor: SVS, Inc.
PI: Scott T. Acton
RAs: Wei Chen and Timothy Jackson

Image Processing for Agricultural Remote Sensing

The research effort with this project centers on novel remote sensing systems for individual agri-producers. Advances are sought in the image acquisition, image registration, and image enhancement processes for multispectral remotely sensed imagery. The image processing algorithms will enable the classification of an image by crop and the automated evaluation of crop yield.

Sponsor: Site-Specific Technology Development Group, Inc.
PI: Scott T. Acton

Multiresolution, Multi-Scale Target Identification and Tracking Using the Anistropic Diffusion Pyramid

Forward-looking infrared (FLIR) systems are used to identify targets by their thermal signature, shape, and emissions. In addition to battlefield applications, this dual-use technology is employed in drug interdiction, law enforcement, rescue operations, navigation, biomedicine, automated inspection, and intelligence. For infrared search and track (IRST), robust image processing techniques are needed that operate reliably in the presence of corruption, target occlusion, clutter, vibration, and motion. Furthermore, the IRST systems must efficiently utilize a limited, low-weight processing platform.
Standard techniques that process each image at the highest resolution cannot provide real-time IRST for the new generation of FLIR systems that produce 60 or more high resolution frames per second. Here, a new approach to target identification and tracking is proposed. The solution implements multiresolution, multi-scale search and track via the anisotropic diffusion pyramid (ADP). Algorithms based on the ADP are proposed for feature extraction, image segmentation, target recognition, and target tracking. The ADP method provides accurate feature localization, preservation of radiometric information, enhancement of the indistinct IR intensity edges, and resilience to noise and clutter. The localized structure of the ADP permits an efficient parallel/pipelined implementation. The research includes a comprehensive analysis of the method that will characterize the performance in ideal conditions and in the cases of signal corruption and partial occlusion.

Sponsor: U.S. Army
PI: Scott T. Acton
RA: Andrew Weichen

NSF Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER)

This project has both teaching and research components. The teaching component consists of developing plans for upgrading an undergraduate machines laboratory, and for updating the subject matter in several graduate and undergraduate power systems classes. The research portion of the project is to continue our development of an optimal power flow (OPF) program to include the effects of static system security on system dispatch. We will also attempt to include the effects of steady-state stability and voltage stability into the OPF as well. We will use the results of the OPF to obtain information on the values, costs, and prices of actions taken to increase system security. The topic of power system security, which is concerned with the ability of an interconnected power system to withstand various types of disturbances, is especially relevant today, as the electric power industry moves towards deregulation of generation and open transmission access. Many in the industry are concerned that increased competition in the industry will cause some to neglect security considerations, with possibly disastrous consequences. New methodologies, such as the one proposed in this project, are needed to better quantify the economics of power system security, so that competitors can maintain an appropriate level of sysem security without hurting their competitive position by overspending or inefficiently spending on security.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation
PI: Thomas W. Gedra
RAs: Parnjit Damrongkulkamjorn, Seshasayanan Mudumbi, and Aravind Raghunathan

Optional Forward Contracts: Security Applications and Theoretical Extensions

Researchers are investigating the application of optional forward contracts for electric power. The contracts allow purchasers of electric power to select the level of service reliability most appropriate for their needs while not paying for reliability that they do not need. These contracts play a similar role for producers of electric energy. These contracts also provide information about supply and demand, which allows the utility to more efficiently operate the power system and which might be useful in system planning. We are also looking into extending the original theoretical results to more realistic models of consumer and producer behavior.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation
PI: Thomas W. Gedra
RAs: Parnjit Damrongkulkamjorn, Seshasayanan Mudumbi, and Aravind Raghunathan

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GOALI: TeraHertz (THz) Interconnect for Ultra-High Performance Microelectronics

The focus of this program is to explore and develop an interconnect scheme capable of supporting ultra-dense, ultra-fast digital computing requirements in a realm well beyond the evolutionary path established by conventional microelectronics. Our experimental and theoretical study will focus on the transmission and reception of picosecond electromagnetic pulse and level signals along wires and directly through free space. While our main emphasis will be on-chip communication, the free space components of this will also bear directly on input/output, chip-to-chip interconnect, clocking and optoelectronic computing. Key to this whole undertaking is that optoelectronic techniques exist today that can provide us with the waveforms that are representative of what will be required of digital devices 10-20 years from now. It is anticipated that this project will not only produce seminal learning about ultra-high performance interconnect but will also lead to new and vital insight into what the characteristics of ideal ultra-high performance active devices of the future should be.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation
PI: Dan Grischkowsky

THz Time-Domain Spectroscopy of Select, Optically-Dense Materials

We have developed and demonstrated some of the fastest optoelectronic circuitry in the world. Using this circuitry, which is driven by ultrafast repetitive laser pulses, we have developed a complete optoelectronic THz beam system that can generate and detect 200 femtosecond (fsec) pulses of freely propagating THz radiation with a time resolution of 65 fsec and a signal-to-noise ratio of more than 3000. This performance cannot be matched by any other system. Based on the optoelectronic THz beam system, we have pioneered the development and use of THz time-domain spectroscopy (TDS). With this technique, two freely propagating electromagnetic THz pulseshapes are measured--the input pulse and the propagated pulse, which has changed shape due to its passage through the sample under study. Consequently, via Fourier analyses of the input and propagated pulses, the frequency dependent absorption and dispersion of the sample can be obtained. In this study, we plan THz-TDS measurements of three optically dense materials--concrete, sand, and Oklahoma clay. The index of refraction and absorption of the samples will be obtained from 0.05 to 2.5 THz. We also plan to measure the effect on these properties of varying amounts of water content in the sand and clay samples.

Sponsor: U.S. Air Force
PI: Dan Grischkowsky

Limits and Applications of THz Time-Domain Spectroscopy and THz Coherent Transients

This study focuses on applying the unique optoelectronic THz beam system we have developed to THz time-domain spectroscopy (TDS) and THz coherent transients. We plan to precisely compare THz-TDS with the alternative technique of Fourier transform spectroscopy and to demonstrate both theoretically and experimentally the superiority of THz-TDS in the frequency range from 0.1 to 6 THz. Transmission measurements requiring extreme dynamic range will be performed on samples such as semiconductors and normal and superconducting metal films. Previously difficult measurements on hot samples, flames, and plasmas are planned. The sensitivity of the technique to small absorptions will be extended by orders of magnitude using an interferometric approach. We plan the precise measurement of coherent THz transients from molecular vapors and the direct observation of THz propagation effects through dense vapors. These unique type experiments will be pursued with the goals of testing the ideas of coherent pulse propagation, measuring molecular constants and determination, the time duration, and dependence of molecular collisions.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation
PI: Dan Grischkowsky

Modular Control Systems Laboratory

This project concerns the development of a new interdisciplinary control systems laboratory in the Schools of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at OSU. This laboratory will consist of five test benches networked to five workstations supporting real-time computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools. Each test bench will have an experimental control system and an embedded processor. There are several features of the proposed lab that make it unique. It is interdisciplinary, bringing together a significant amount of experience in control and real-time systems from two different departments. The equipment in the lab will be state-of-the-art, including real-time kernels, computer-aided design tools, and networking. An industrial advisory board will assist the principal investigators in insuring that the lab maintains high standards in this area. We want the laboratory experience to be consistent with the latest industrial practice. There will be a wide variety of challenging and visually interesting systems to be controlled. Five such systems will be in the lab during any one semester, but new systems will be rotated through the lab from one semester to the next. All of the systems to be controlled will be designed and built by student teams from the undergraduate capstone design course. There will be an ongoing relationship between this lab and the capstone design course, as new systems will be created each semester for the future. A test of this concept was conducted last semester when a successful system was created by a capstone design team. The main idea is to get students excited about the design of control systems by giving them interesting and challenging problems to solve with the latest equipment.

Sponsor: National Science Foundation
PIs: Martin T. Hagan and Carl D. Latino
Gary E. Young and Eduardo A. Misawa (Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering)

Engineering Energy Laboratory

In addition to involvement in energy research, the Engineering Energy Laboratory organized and conducted the annual Frontiers of Power Conference and the Energy Information Dissemination Program for the sponsoring utilities. Specific research areas under investigation are modeling and analysis of renewable energy sources and systems, utility impacts of distributed generation, and development of knowledge-based tools for the design of Integrated Renewable Energy Systems (IRES).

Sponsors: Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority, and The Empire District Electric Company
PI: Rama Ramakumar
RA: Imad Abouzahr

Frame Relay Access Design Tool

A design tool for routing access lines to Worldcom's Wilpak Frame Relay Service was developed. This tool assists Worldcom engineers in optimally routing access lines to the nearest Frame Relay switch and in forecasting growth and equipment needs for the Frame Relay network.

Sponsor: LDDS Worldcom (formerly WilTel)
PI: George Scheets
RAs: Mark Allen and Su Mingwu

Frame Relay Trunk Design

A design tool for analyzing the impact of Frame Relay Inter-Machine Trunk sizing on the perceived user Quality of Service is being developed. This tool will assist Worldcom engineers in optimally assigning trunk bandwidth to their Frame Relay Network.

Sponsor: LDDS Worldcom
PI: George Scheets
RA: Mark Allen

MBE Speech Coding Algorithm Enhancement

The goal of this project is the development of a new speech coding algorithm for high quality speech communication at 2400 bits per second (bps). This effort is a result of the many advances in low bit rate speech coding that have emerged since the establishment of the current 2400 bps Federal Standard speech coder (FS-1015). The new algorithm, referred to as Enhanced MultiBand Excitation (EMBE), will provide robustness to channel errors and acoustic environments while maintaining intelligibility and naturalness of the speech signal. It will be appropriate for a variety of applications where low bit rate digital speech communication is desired. This voice coder is one of approximately eight being developed simultaneously by a variety of research groups in the U.S. and elsewhere as candidates for a new Federal Standard low bit rate speech coder.

Sponsors: Department of Defense and Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
PI: Keith Teague
RAs: Walter Andrews and Buddy Walls

Numerical Investigation of Radar Scattering from the Sea Surface at Small Grazing Angles

Shipboard radars for detecting on- or near-surface targets illuminate the sea surface at small grazing angles, leading to strong surface clutter in the radar returns. This near-grazing-illumination clutter includes short bursts of strong backscatter that resemble the expected backscatter from actual targets. Numerical calculations are being used to examine the radar scattering from breaking ocean waves to determine if they are responsible for the strong bursts. The results of this work should aid in the development of detection algorithms that can extract the targets from the background clutter.

Sponsor: Office of Naval Research
PI: James West
RAs: Shiou-Jhy Ja and John Fowler

Numerical Study of Bistatic Scattering from Land Surfaces at Grazing Incidence

Recent experimental results have suggested that the effects of self-shadowing of land surfaces to microwave energy may be significantly less than usually assumed, particularly in arid regions. A numerical technique to examine the microwave scattering from highly conducting regions has been adapted to apply to low-conductivity land interfaces. The significance of the surface self-shadowing is being characterized under various land and electromagnetic illumination conditions.

Sponsor: Air Force Office of Scientific Research
PI: James West
RA: J. Michael Sturm

Image Coding and Speaker Recognition

The research is concerned with three topics, namely 1) Fractal Image Compression, 2) Wavelet and Subband Image Coding, and 3) Multimedia Personal Identity Verification. In the image coding area, the images are first transformed using the Naturalness Preserving Transform (NPT) and then coded by wavelet/fractal coding. The images are decoded and then image enhanced using the NPT and the known texture in the image, such as sky, grass, etc. The proposed technique has potential for image transmission in a high-noise environment. The multimedia personal identity verification (PIV) system uses measurements of both voice and facial sequences. The voice and facial image components of the system employ a common underlying statistical model of the observations.

Sponsor: U.S. Army Research Office
PI: Rao Yarlagadda
RAs: Alan Higgins, Charlotte Fore, and Nikki Bruner

Special Signal Processing for Day/Night Linear Array Imager

This research is concerned with image compression and multi-media personal identity verification. The first topic investigates the use of wavelets in image compression and their resolution capabilities. Two wavelets, one based on Daubechies' work and the other based on Thue-Morse sequence, are being used in this part of the project. In addition, the spline and cardinal spline wavelets are under investigation. The second topic addresses the problem of verifying an individual's claimed identity using multiple forms of evidence. Both non-biometric evidence, such as facial features and speech, are considered. The two important areas of priority are face verification and speaker identification algorithms. Concepts of data fusion are used for combining and appropriately weighing the available evidence.

Sponsor: Sandia National Laboratories
PI: Rao Yarlagadda
RAs: Charlotte R. Fore, Roberto Mendoza, and Alan Higgins

Radar Scatter From Ocean Surface

Ship and land radar usually illuminate the ocean surface at very small grazing angles. The reflection from the surface introduces clutter in the signal that makes detection of targets very difficult. Numerical modeling of the scattering is being used to identify the surface features responsible for the clutter-rejection signal processing algorithms.

Sponsor: Office of Naval Research
PI: James West
RAs: J. Michael Sturm and Brent O'Leary