Abstract: A modular distortion correcting real-time SSM/I imagery decommutator applies earth curvature corrections to operational line scan (OLS) and special sensor meteorological image (SSM/I) data which is generated by OLS and SSM/I sensors on board a Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellite scanning the earth's surface. The OLS image data is resampled to remove a number of image pixels near the center of a scan line and to interpolate additional pixels toward the edge of the scan line. The SSM/I data is resampled to remove long track and cross track distortions caused by the SSM/I sensor scan angle. The resampled SSM/I data is then adjusted to compensate for the scan position of the SSM/I sensor. The OLS data image from the OLS sensor and at least one environmental data record (EDR) image obtained from the SSM/I sensor, for a particular geolocation, are displayed by embedding at least one EDR image into the OLS data image to produce a single combined image which can then be displayed.

Abstract: A data decommutator architecture for decommutating an input data stream has a sync correlator section for synchronizing the input data stream including a sync code correlator formed of a first field programmable gate array allowing the sync code correlator to be programmed for synchronizing different data formats. A data storage buffer, having two storage banks is coupled to the sync code correlator for receiving sync data, correlator address and correlator write signals. A data decommutator section is provided for decommutating the data received from the data storage buffer. The data decommutator section includes a serial to parallel conversion circuit formed of a second field programmable gate array and a primary decommutating transputer. The second field programmable gate array is programmable to allow decommutation of different data formats.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for producing comparative data in a visually assimilable form. The method comprises providing a substrate which is divided into visually distinct zones each representative of a different area of comparison, providing first means over said substrate aligned with at least one said zone and visually indicative of first data relative to said at least one zone, and providing second means over said first means aligned with at least one said zone and visually indicative of second data relevant to said at least one zone, said second means being visually different to said first means. Said first and second means where they coincide in a said zone combine to provide third means visually different to said first and second means, whereby to provide an immediate visual comparison between the data represented by said first and second means for each of said zones.