Project Title:

A Practical Real-Time Wavelet Analysis Tool

94-1	03.06	3800		

A Practical Real-Time Wavelet Analysis Tool

Abstract:

Our innovation is a practical, real-time wavelet analysis tool specifically 
designed for the analysis of engineering test data. Wavelet transform 
techniques offer significant advantages over traditional techniques such as 
the Fourier transform for certain types of signals. The infinite wavetrain 
assumed in Fourier analysis cannot adequately describe non-periodic or 
intermittent data. Wavelet transforms provide an alternative analysis tool 
with a localized waveform. A wavelet has limited extent both in time and in 
frequency and is characterized by three features: its shape, size (duration 
or 'frequency') and location. The latter is missing from traditional Fourier 
analysis; variants such as windowing offer a measure of localization, but 
still rely on local periodicity. In Phase I of this project we will implement 
a real-time wavelet analysis algorithm and several useful wavelet post-
processing techniques in IDARS/Scanalyzer, an engineering test data 
acquisition and analysis software package marketed by Creare and currently in 
use at numerous commercial and government installations. The utility of the 
algorithms will be demonstrated through the analysis of selected engineering 
data sets. One focus of the Phase I effort will be to prepare a tutorial 
which describes the wavelet transform technique and useful processing 
techniques for the practicing engineer.

The result of this SBIR project will be a suite of software products which 
bring powerful wavelet analysis to practicing engineers in government and 
industry. The market for these products encompasses a broad range of 
engineering development and test environments including aerospace, 
biomedical, mechanical testing and manufacturing. The Creare team is 
exceptionally positioned to excel at this commercialization because of our 
existing engineering software development and sales infrastructure, client 
base, and our existing software products upon which the wavelet analysis tool 
will be built.

Key Words

Creare Incorporated
Etna Road, P.O. Box 71
Hanover, NH 03755