Award Data

The proposed research focuses on achieving significant gains in the ability to compress the information contained within raster images of nautical charts in such a manner that aids the characterization and acquisition of metadata pertaining to individual chart features. Present NOAA electronic nautical charts, which consist of raster images that are inherently difficult to compress without loss of ...

Mayur Tech demonstrated a prototype web based system for submitting and storing observational station metadata for NOAA NWS programs during phase 1. We propose to develop this prototype into a complete metadata operational system leading to the development of commercial tools in phase 2. Mayur Tech plans to enhance the current CSSA metadata system, and add new functionality to NWS and FAA sites. T ...

The proposal is to develop a system to monitor fire-induced structural vibrations that provide real time data correlating with structural integrity. The system is designed to bridge an "information void" and provide firefighters with information that can warn of impending collapse. The system, based on accelerometer technology, will monitor structural integrity through the algorithmic analysis of ...

Southwest Sciences proposes continuing development of an instrument for use on a lightweight aircraft capable of measuring tropospheric concentrations of ammonia. Gas phase ammonia plays important roles in determining the formation and composition of aerosol particles. Understanding the chemical and physical properties of aerosol particles is critical towards understanding global climate change, ...

The hydrodynamic characteristics of a vessel are affected in restricted waters by the proximity of nearby moving or moored vessels. Interactions can result in large motions, potential collisions and significant loads on nearby structures, banks, and sediments. In Phase 1, we developed and demonstrated feasibility of a PC-Based numerical code for the prediction of the hydrodynamics of multiple vess ...

A NOVEL PHOTOSTIMULABLE PHOSPHOR IMAGING TECHNIQUE IS PROPOSED TO REPLACE BULKY COUNTING SYSTEMS CURRENTLY USED IN NEUTRON DIFFRACTION AND SCATTERING INVESTIGATIONS. THE SIZE AND SHAPE OF THE PROPOSED DETECTOR CAN BE VARIED TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE TO MOVE THE DETECTION SYSTEM CLOSER TO THE SCATTERING SAMPLE, THEREBY INCREASING THE NEUTRONS AVAILABLE FOR DETECTION AND SHRINKING THE SIZE OF THE EXPERIME ...

SOUTHWEST SCIENCES PROPOSES THE DEVELOPMENT OF A DIODE LASER-BASED MOISTURE SENSOR. THE INSTRUMENT DYNAMIC RANGE WILL SPAN WATER VAPOR MIXING RATIOS OF 100 PPM TO BETTER THAN 10 PPB. THE PLANNED INSTRUMENT DETECTS ABSOLUTE WATER VAPOR CONCENTRATIONS USING OPTICAL SPECTROSCOPY WITH A CUSTOM-FABRICATED INGAASP DIODE LASER OPERATING AT 1393 NM. OPTICAL ABSORBANCE MEASUREMENTS ARE MADE USING HIGH FREQ ...

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT: InnovaPrep proposes to develop a rapid sample-to-answer monitoring system for detecting pathogens in marine aquaculture waters. An assessment of industry needs will include a kickoff meeting with NOAA and a visit to Toby Island Bay Oyster Farm. Following the assessment and report, a TRL-4 breadboard prototype system will be developed that will include the combination of sample ...

We propose to create an advanced forensic analysis tool called TheSieve. This tool will use machine learning techniques that can classify files as malicious or benign as well as suggesting files for closer inspection. Built upon custom enhancements to the National Software Reference Library (NSRL), TheSieve will allow forensic investigators to spend theirvaluable time examining the most significan ...

The proposed effort utilizes the by-product of an existing lossless compression process for digitized raster GIS charts as the basis for vector conversion. This process uses mutiple resolutions of the raster image to recognize and extract text, symbol, contour, and color data while preserving the original chart features. These data are stored as objects in an electronic database optimized for data ...