Eugene K. Ressler

Microcomputer program for manipulating large digital terrain models

Abstract The MicroDEM program manipulates large (90,000 elevations per data set) digital terrain models to produce contour and slope maps. topographic profiles. and oblique views. The program runs on industry standard MS-DOS microcomputers. The modular source code, written in Turbo Pascal, allows easy modification and customization. Alternatively, the executable code will run without modification and requires little user understanding of the computer and its operating system. Readily available data covers the entire United States.

Specification and managed development of information technology curricula

The Information Technology (IT) movement in higher education has been growing over several years, leading to a draft ACM CC2004 report that defines Information Technology in relation to other computing disciplines and a draft ABET/CAC accreditation standard that calls for documented educational objectives. As yet, there is no authoritative agreement on educational objectives for Information Technology. While proposing an Information Technology (IT) definition and objectives that compares Information Technology graduates with Computer Science (CS) graduates, this paper more significantly proposes a framework in which dialog about educational objectives can occur. This framework is based on identifying objectives by first identifying recurring concepts we wish to teach and then outlining essential questions and uncovering projects that teach the recurring concepts. This paper then continues by proposing a curricular development methodology based on the use of three-course threads that combine to reveal the previously identified recurring concepts. The significance of this methodology to an academic unit considering implementing an Information Technology (IT) curriculum is its ability to use existing courses in computer science and related cognate areas and thus to minimize the impact on existing resources while presenting an opportunity for gradual and managed curricular change.

A practical approach to reinforcing concepts in introductory operating systems

The challenge of including both theory and practical experience to reinforce the concepts of theory in Introductory Operating Systems is discussed. The traditional approaches to answering this challenge are presented. A practical approach that uses straightforward programming problems rather than problems that involve modification of an existing operating system is described. Examples of the types of problems used are presented and experience with the proposed approach is described.

Analog-to-digital conversion using single-layer integrate-and-fire networks with inhibitory connections

We discuss a method for increasing the effective sampling rate of binary A/D converters using an architecture that is inspired by biological neural networks. As in biological systems, many relatively simple components can act in concert without a predetermined progression of states or even a timing signal (clock). The charge-fire cycles of individual A/D converters are coordinated using feedback in a manner that suppresses noise in the signal baseband of the power spectrum of output spikes. We have demonstrated that these networks self-organize and that by utilizing the emergent properties of such networks, it is possible to leverage many A/D converters to increase the overall network sampling rate. We present experimental and simulation results for networks of oversampling 1-bit A/D converters arranged in single-layer integrate-and-fire networks with inhibitory connections. In addition, we demonstrate information transmission and preservation through chains of cascaded single-layer networks.

Intelligent simulation of the battlefield (ISB)

Abstract This paper discusses the development of a meta-expert system, the Intelligent Simulation of the Battlefield (ISB), for assisting military commanders with managing battlefield information and decision making. The three main components of the ISB are the Standard Army Training System-Training Exercise Development System (SATS-TREDS), the Janus combat simulation model and the Command Support System (ComSS). Integrating simulation with artificial intelligence, the three main components of the ISB merge to enhance the command and control process. ISB creates an environment to measure the effectiveness of battle commanders to focus and operate in a simulated, yet realistic, dynamic, information-driven, knowledge-assisted environment. The front-end training preparation component of the ISB structures the exercise based on mission requirements and tasks. Once the training scenario is specified through SATSTREDS, the ISB utilizes a command interface designed to build information templates for displaying information based on a commanders profile and the particular mission. The ISB systems network is configured to accommodate the flow of information generated by the Janus simulation program. With assistance by ISRA intelligent agents and associates, the information is then pushed to the ComSS decision support system. Due to the enormous flow of information, only certain, preselected data are queried and reported during the battle. Through the SATS-TREDS program, the remainder of the information is stored for later preference and review for feedback on future training needs. The ISB system promises to be a beneficial tool for classroom, training and operational environments as it conforms to the demanding requirements of realistic, dynamic and flexible simulation users.

Optimal error diffusion for digital halftoning using an optical neural network

A novel technique for digital image halftoning is proposed based on a symmetric error diffusion algorithm and an optical realization of a neural network. Using this approach, all pixel quantization decisions are computed in parallel and therefore the diffusion filter need not be causal. Visual artifacts resulting from the causality of the diffusion filter are reduced and therefore halftoned image quality is improved. Also, the inherent parallelism associated with optical processing can reduce the computational requirements while decreasing the total convergence time of the halftoning process.<<ETX>>

An error diffusion neural network for digital image halftoning

A novel technique for digital image halftoning is proposed, based on a symmetric error diffusion algorithm and a new form of artificial neural network. Using an error diffusion neural network, all pixel quantization decisions are computed in parallel and therefore visual artifacts resulting from the causality of the diffusion filter in classical error diffusion techniques are reduced and the resulting halftoned image quality is improved.

Design and analysis of a diffractive optical filter for use in an optoelectronic error-diffusion neural network.

The design, fabrication, experimental characterization, and system-performance analysis of a diffractive optical implementation of an error-diffusion filter for use in digital image halftoning is reported. A diffractive optical filter was fabricated as an eight-level phase element that diffuses the quantization error nonuniformly in both the weighting and the spatial dimensions, according to a prescribed algorithm. Ten identical diffractive elements were fabricated on ten different wafers and subsequently characterized experimentally. A detailed error analysis including both fabrication and instrumentation errors was carried out to quantify the performance of the fabrication process as well as the expected system performance of the filters. Halftone system performance was evaluated by use of the experimental filters performance and both quantitative and qualitative performance metrics. The results of this analysis demonstrate that multiple identical copies of a diffractive optical filter can be produced with sufficient accuracy that no loss in the halftoning system performance results.

A novel smart pixel network for signal processing applications

Taking advantage of the versatility of silicon integrated circuits and the developing flip chip bonding technology, we have designed a smart pixel neural network for digital image halftoning applications and implemented the electronics portion of the system in CMOS.

A curriculum framework for evolving an information technology program

Curriculum development is always a challenging and interesting experience since it usually must be done while continuing to teach and support an existing curriculum. This paper outlines a methodology for the creation of a new information technology major at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. The methodology uses the notion of a three-course thread of existing courses that typically have a shared prerequisite structure. Over time, these threads can evolve as new courses and new threads are developed. The new West Point Information Technology major consists of a four-course core curriculum, multiple three-course threads, and a senior-level integrative experience. Information technology threads cover a wide range of topics in depth, including such diverse subjects as sensors, computer programming, information assurance, electrical engineering fundamentals, computer science fundamentals, computer theory, information systems engineering, databases, network and web technologies, and human factors. Students are allowed to select three threads.