Data compression applied to HHVT

Abstract

A task order was written by the High Resolution, High Frame Rate Video Technology (HHVT) project engineers to study data compression techniques that could be applied to the HHVT system. Specifically, the goals of the HHVT data compression study are to accomplish the following: (1) Determine the downlink capabilities of the Space Shuttle and Space Station Freedom to support HHVT data (i.e., determine the maximum data rates and link availability); (2) Determine current and projected capabilities of high speed storage media to support HHVT data by determining their maximum data acquisition/transmission rates and volumes; (3) Identify which experiment in the HHVT Users' Requirement data base need data compression, based on the experiments' imaging requirements; (4) Select the best data compression technique for each of these users by identifying a technique that provides compression but minimizes distortion; and (5) Investigate state-of-the-art technologies for possible implementation of selected data compression techniques. Data compression will be needed because of the high data rates and larger volumes of data that will result from the use of digitized video onboard the Space Shuttle and Space Station Freedom