PROPOSAL
SUBMISSION
INTRODUCTION:
The responsibility for the implementation,
administration and management of the Navy STTR program is with the Office of
Naval Research (ONR). The Navy STTR
Program Manager is Mr. John Williams, (703) 696-0342, williajr@onr.navy.mil. If you have questions of a specific nature,
contact Mr. Williams. For general
inquiries or problems with the electronic submission, contact the DoD Help Desk
at 866-SBIRHLP (724-7457). For
technical questions about a topic, contact the Topic Authors listed under each
topic only available on the website at http://www.onr.navy.mil/sbir under
“Solicitation” before 01 March 2002. After 1 March, you
must use the SITIS system listed in section 1.5c at the front of the
solicitation or go to the DoD website at http://www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/sbir
for more information.
PHASE
I PROPOSAL SUBMISSION:
Read the DoD front section of this solicitation for
detailed instructions on proposal format and program requirements. When you prepare your
proposal, keep in mind that Phase I should address the feasibility of a
solution to the topic. The Navy only
accepts Phase I proposals with a base effort not exceeding $70,000 and with the
option not exceeding $30,000. The
technical period of performance for the Phase I should be 6 months to commence
on or about 01 July 2002. The Phase I
option should be 3 months and address the transition into the Phase II
effort. Phase I options are typically
only funded after the decision to fund the Phase II has been made. Phase I proposals, including the option,
have a 25-page limit (see section 3.3).
The Navy will evaluate and select Phase I proposals using scientific
review criteria based upon technical merit and other criteria as discussed in
this solicitation document. Due to
limited funding, the Navy reserves the right to limit awards under any topic
and only proposals considered to be of superior quality will be funded. The Navy typically provides a firm fixed
price contract or awards a small purchase agreement as a Phase I award.
NEW REQUIREMENT: ALL PROPOSAL SUBMISSIONS TO THE NAVY
STTR PROGRAM MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY
It is mandatory that the entire technical proposal, DoD
Proposal Cover Sheet, Cost Proposal, and the Company Commercialization Report
are submitted electronically through the DoD SBIR/STTR website at http://www.dodsbir.net/submission. This site will lead you through
the process for submitting your technical proposal and all of the sections
electronically each of these documents are submitted separately through the
website.
If you have any questions or problems with the electronic submission
contact the DoD SBIR Helpdesk at 866-SBIRHLP (724-7457). Your proposal must be submitted via
the submission site on or before the 3:00
p.m. EST, 17 April 2002 deadline. A
hardcopy will NOT be required. A
signature by hand or electronically is not required when you submit your
proposal over the Internet.
Acceptable Formats for Online Submission: All technical proposal files will be converted to
Portable Document Format (PDF) for evaluation purposes; therefore, submissions
may be received in PDF format but other acceptable formats are MS Word,
WordPerfect, Text, Rich Text Format (RTF), and Adobe Acrobat. The Technical Proposal should include all
graphics and attachments, but not include Cover Sheets or Cost Proposal as they
are submitted separately. Technical
Proposals should conform to the limitations on margins and number of pages
specified in the front section of this DoD Solicitation. However, your Cost Proposal will only count
as one page and your Cover Sheets will only count as two, no matter how they
print out after being converted. Most
proposals will be printed out on black and white printers so make sure all
graphics are distinguishable in black and white. It is strongly encouraged that you perform a virus check on each
submission to avoid complications or delays in downloading your Technical
Proposal. To verify that your proposal
has been received, click on the “Check Upload” icon to view your proposal. Typically, your proposal will be uploaded
within the hour. However, if your
proposal does not appear after an hour, please contact the DoD Help Desk. It is recommended that you submit early, as
computer traffic gets heavy nearer the solicitation closing and slows down the
system.
Within one week of the Solicitation
closing, you will receive notification via e-mail that your proposal has been
received and processed for evaluation by the Navy.
PHASE I ELECTRONIC SUMMARY REPORT:
All Phase I award winners
must electronically submit a Phase I summary report through the Navy SBIR
website at the end of their Phase I.
The Phase I Summary Report is a non-proprietary summary of Phase I
results. It should not exceed 700 words
and should include potential applications and benefits. It should require minimal work from the
contractor because most of this information is required in the final
report. The summary of the final report
will be submitted through the Navy SBIR/STTR website at: http://www.onr.navy.mil/sbir, click on “Submission”, then click on “Submit a Phase I or
II Summary Report”.
ADDITIONAL
NOTES:
NAVY
FAST TRACK DATES AND REQUIREMENTS:
The Fast Track application must be
received by the Navy 150 days from the Phase I award start date. Your Phase II Proposal must be submitted
within 180 days of the Phase I award start date. Any Fast Track applications or proposals not meeting these dates
will be declined. All Fast Track
applications and required information must be submitted online through the DoD
Submission website http://www.dodsbir.net/submission, and mailed to
the Navy STTR Program Manager at the address listed on the Navy SBIR/STTR
website under POCs and to the designated Contracting Officer’s Technical
Monitor (the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC)) for the contract. The information required by the Navy, is the
same as the information required under the DoD Fast Track described in the
front part of this solicitation.
PHASE
II PROPOSAL SUBMISSION:
Phase II is the demonstration of the
technology that was found feasible in Phase I.
Only those Phase I awardees which have been invited to submit a Phase II proposal by the proper point of
contact, during or at the end of a successful Phase I effort will be eligible
to participate for a Phase II award. If
you have been invited to submit a Phase II proposal to the Navy, obtain a copy
of the Phase II instructions from the Navy SBIR/STTR website. The Navy will also offer a “Fast Track” into
Phase II to those companies that successfully obtain third party cash
partnership funds (“Fast Track” is described in Section 4.5 of this
solicitation). The Navy typically
provides a cost
plus fixed fee contract as a Phase II award.
The type of award is at the discretion of the contracting officer.
Upon receiving
an invitation, submission of a Phase II proposal should consist of three
elements: 1) A base effort, which is the demonstration phase of the SBIR/STTR
project; 2) A 2 to 5 page Transition/Marketing plan describing how, to whom and
at what stage you will market and transition your technology to the government,
government prime contractor, and/or private sector; and 3) At least one Phase
II Option which would be a fully costed and well defined section describing a
test and evaluation plan or further R&D.
Phase II efforts are typically two (2) years and Phase II options are
typically an additional six (6) months.
Phase II proposals together with the Phase II Option are limited to 40
pages (unless otherwise directed by the TPOC or contract officer). All Phase II proposals must have a complete electronic
submission. Complete electronic
submission includes the submission of the Cover Sheets, Cost Proposal, Company
Commercialization Report, the ENTIRE
technical proposal and any appendices via the DoD Submission site. The DoD proposal submission site http://www.dodsbir.net/submission
will lead you through the process for submitting your technical proposal and
all of the sections electronically.
Each of these documents are submitted separately through the
website. Your proposal must be
submitted via the submission site on or before the specified deadline. The Navy Activity that invited your PH II
may also require a hardcopy of your proposal.
All Phase II award winners must attend a one-day
Commercialization Assistance Program (CAP) meeting typically held in the July
to August time frame in the Washington D.C. area during the second year of the
Phase II effort. If you receive a Phase
II award, you will be contacted with more information regarding this program or
you can visit http://www.navysbir.com/cap.
As with the Phase I award, Phase II award winners
must electronically submit a Phase II summary report through the Navy SBIR
website at the end of their Phase II.
The Phase II Summary Report is a non-proprietary summary of Phase II
results. It should not exceed 700 words
and should include potential applications and benefit. It should require minimal work from the
contractor because most of this information is required in the final report.
The Navy has adopted a New Phase II Enhancement Plan
to encourage transition of Navy STTR funded technology to the Fleet. Since the Law (PL102-564) permits Phase III
awards during Phase II work, the Navy will provide a 1 to 4 match of Phase II
to Phase III funds that the company obtains from an acquisition program. Up to $250,000 in additional STTR funds for
$1,000,000 match of acquisition program funding, can be provided as long as the
Phase III is awarded and funded during the Phase II. If you have questions, please contact the Navy Activity POC.
Effective in Fiscal Year 2000, a Navy Activity will
not issue a Navy STTR Phase II award to a company when the elapsed time between
the completion of the Phase I award and the actual Phase II award date is eight
(8) months or greater; unless the process and the award has been formally
reviewed and approved by the Navy STTR Program Office. Also, any STTR Phase I contract that has
been extended by a no cost extension beyond one (1) year will be ineligible
for a Navy STTR Phase II award using STTR funds.
PHASE I
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION CHECKLIST:
All of the
following criteria must be met or your proposal will be REJECTED.
____1. Your
complete STTR PH I proposal (coversheet, technical proposal, cost proposal, and
DoD Company Commercialization Report) has been submitted electronically through
the DoD submission site by 3:00 p.m. EST 17 April 2002.
____2. The Phase I proposed cost
for the base effort does not exceed $70,000.
The Phase I Option proposed cost does not exceed $30,000. The costs for the base and option are
clearly separate, and identified on the Proposal Cover Sheet, in the cost
proposal, and in the work plan section of the proposal.
N02-T001 Artificial Muscle Technology
N02-T002 Pocketable Language Translation
System for use in Noisy Environments
N02-T003 Securing And Fendering For Skin
To Skin Replenishment
N02-T004 Flexible Solar Cells Using
Biotech Materials Processing
N02-T005 Improved Head-Mounted Displays
for Immersive Virtual Reality
N02-T006 Speech Interface Architecture
For Human To Agent Interactions
N02-T007 Efficient Compact Bio-inspired
Sensory Information Processing
N02-T008 Advanced Rope Materials
N02-T009 Technologies to Support RO/RO
Cargo Transfer in Sea State 5 DELETED
N02-T010 Biology-Based Electro-Magnetic
Underwater Navigation
N02-T011 Non-cooperative Coded Marking of
Vehicles or Personnel
N02-T012 Ultra-wideband Sensor Web
N02-T013 Enabling Hull Structural
Innovations for High-Speed Lighters DELETED
N02-T014 Autonomous
Underwater Sensing of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)
N02-T015 Real-time Multimedia
Communications in Highly Mobile Networks.
N02-T016 Reinforcement Learning and Genetic Learning Classifier Systems for Sensor Management and Adaptive Flight Control System
N02-T017 Real-Time Supervisors and Monitors for Performing Health Monitoring and Fault Detection for Systems Operating in Multiple Regimes
N02-T018 Compact Actuator System DELETED
N02-T019 Active Cooling of High Heat
Electronic Components DELETED
N02-T020 Low Drag Multi-Frequency Radome DELETED
NAVY STTR FY02
TOPIC DESCRIPTIONS
N02-T001 TITLE: Artificial Muscle
Technology
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Materials/Processes
OBJECTIVE: Develop electro-active polymer technology
for flexible underwater propulsor blades.
DESCRIPTION: Mammalian skeletal muscles have
mechanical properties that conventional actuators do not posses. The properties
are large linear strain, moderate stress, efficiency, power, cycle life and
others. Synthetic organic chemistry advances are enabling the creation and
manipulation of molecules that mimic natural mechanisms, which endow such
properties [1 & 2]. Some key progress has been made. The present proposal
topic seeks to develop the electro-active polymer muscle technology spectrum
from molecular design engineering to the fabrication of representative underwater
propulsor blades that dynamically flex as digitally programmed [3].
PHASE I: Define properties of flexible blades for
Naval application. Identify key technology issues for Phase II. Conduct
molecular design. Build sample muscles and demonstrate the key feasibility
issues of Phase II.
PHASE II: Develop muscle technology. Demonstrate
flexible blades working in a laboratory environment.
PHASE III: Develop technology farther. Design,
fabricate and demonstrate a multi-bladed propulsor with several flexible blades
for small underwater vehicles.
COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Would be useful to small
boats, recreational and commercial water vehicles. Has tremendous general
potential in industrial fluid pumping. Would make generic improvement in quiet
pumping and low-energy consumption.
REFERENCES:
1.
Yoseph
Bar-Cohen, Ed., Electroactive Polymer Actuators as Artificial Muscles: Reality,
Potential and Challenges, SPIE Press, Bellingham WA, 2001.
2.
J.
D. Madden, P. G. Madden, I. W. Hunter, (and other articles on various types of
artificial muscles) in Proceedings of SPIE 8th Annual Symposium on Smart
Structures and Materials: Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices, Yoseph
Bar-Cohen, Ed. (SPIE, Bellingham WA, 2001).
3.
Bandyopadhyay,
P. R., Krol, W., Nedderman, W. H. & Mojarrad, M. 2001 “A Biomimetic
Propulsor for Active Noise Control: Experiments,” Proc. 12th Intl. Sympo. On
Unmanned Untethered Submersible Technology, Workshop on Biorobotics, Aug.
27-29, 2001, Publ. by AUSI, NH.
KEYWORDS: Muscle; Polymer; Electro-active polymer;
Molecular Design; Sensor-Measurement technology, Propulsor
N02-T002 TITLE: Pocketable Language
Translation System for use in Noisy Environments
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Human Systems
OBJECTIVE:
Provide a prototype Pocketable Language Translation System that can
identify keywords as they are spoken even though significant background noise
and/or degradation of the audio signal (e.g., static) is present. This system will be used in Advanced
Warfighter Exercises (AWE), Joint Technology Demonstrations (JTD), Advanced
Concept Technology Demonstrations (ACTD) and/or Navy Concept Evaluation
Programs (CEP) which are intended to evaluate emerging technologies to support
Counter Terrorism activities.
DESCRIPTION:
One of the desired capabilities in combating terrorism is the ability to
rapidly interpret conversations being conducted in a foreign language. These conversations typically occur in
situations where significant background noise is present. Because of the extremely poor signal to
noise ratio that may be present, traditional speech recognition approaches will
not suffice. A novel approach to
recognize words that are being spoken in such an environment is needed. It is desired that the system be capable of
recognizing all spoken words, however, it is acknowledged that such a system
operating in the stated environment is not feasible at this time. To fill the immediate need in a timely
manner, rather than achieving a near 100% recognition rate the system must be
capable of identifying user specified keywords as they are spoken. Once such a conversation of interest is
identified, other means can then be implemented to provide a translation of the
complete conversation. To significantly
increase the usefulness of the system, it needs to be field deployable. Thus, the computing platform must be
ruggedized to shock, dust and water, be small in size, lightweight and have an
extended battery life. Ideally, this device
will include a touchscreen color display that is viewable in all lighting conditions
including where direct sunlight is present, indoor conditions where room
lighting is present and in the evening when minimal ambient light is
present. Because stealth may be a
crucial aspect of operations, the system must minimize any emissions of
light. Strong importance needs to be
given in designing the system to minimize the power consumption and thus
maximize the life of the battery.
Finally, the battery must be field replaceable.
PHASE I: Demonstrate a functional prototype version
of the system outlined in the above description along with a design concept to
ruggedize the unit for subsequent field testing.
PHASE II: Develop and fabricate the ruggedized
version of the system and field test the unit in multiple operational
environments.
PHASE III: Once the concept and technology are
proven in an ATD, ACTD, AWE, or CEP, the system may be acquired for use in
field exercises, actual operational deployments, or both.
COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: A ruggedized hand-held computing system for use in Counter
Terrorism activities will also support firefighters, emergency response
operations and civilian law enforcement personnel as they conduct operations
where non-native speakers may be present.
The computing platform will also be applicable in many industrial
settings where ruggidized computing systems are required. This includes applications such as delivery
personnel, utility workers, construction sites, and many assembly/manufacturing
facilities.
KEYWORDS:
Language Translation, Speech Recognition, Counter Terrorism
N02-T003 TITLE: Securing And Fendering
For Skin To Skin Replenishment
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Ground/Sea Vehicles
DOD ACQUISITION PROGRAM SUPPORTING THIS TOPIC:
Littoral Combat and Power Projection FNC, Expeditionary Logistics
OBJECTIVE: Devise methods of securing ships
alongside each other, underway at slow speeds or at anchor, that prevent hull
and superstructure damage while facilitating cargo transfer. Critical
technologies include improved cargo motion control cranes, improved protective
fendering, new ship securing technologies, fuel transfer adaptations, and
surfactants. This is a new objective of
the Navy, and these methods and technologies are not currently in use.
DESCRIPTION: Skin to skin alongside replenishment is
common in commercial fleets, particularly among oil tankers which frequently
have to transfer oil from larger vessels to smaller in order to reach port.
Skin to skin replenishment is defined here as: ships connected to each other
separated by no more than the distance of fendering or securing gear, underway
at less than 10 knots, and transferring liquid or solid cargo deck to deck
using cranes or other direct contact methods. The principal difficulty is to
bring US Navy hulls together in any but the calmest seas without endangering
the superstructures and masts. Skin to skin replenishment may be faster than
traditional underway methods, allows for the handling of heavier weights, and
can act as a supplement to traditional underway methods. It is critical to be able
to control the motion of the cargo being transferred while compensating for the
motion of the sea and ensuring that the vessels are safely and closely
connected. This capability would increase the at-sea capabilities of Naval
forces.
PHASE I: Study methods of conducting skin to skin
replenishment, vessel motion alongside other vessels in up to sea state 5, and
devise methods of mooring ships to each other with minimal separation while
still ensuring the safety of both vessels.
PHASE II: Apply the studies from Phase I to specific
classes of Navy ships and provide preliminary designs and hardware that would
keep ships apart and together while conducting skin to skin replenishment.
Scaled or modeled demonstrations, showing risk reduction and feasibility, are
desired but not required.
PHASE III: The technology should be transitioned to
shipbuilders for implementation on Navy and Commercial ships.
COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Designs would be applicable to
any vessel that has need of being replenished at any site other than a pier,
and would provide valuable flexibility to all vessels.
REFERENCES:
Skin
to Skin Replenishment Additional Web Information
1.
Traditional
and Modern Fendering Systems: http://wmel32.respark.wsu.edu/FenderPres/
2.
J.H.
Menge & Company, Inc.: http://www.jhmenge.com/
3.
Fenders,
Moorings and Anchors: http://www.naval-technology.com/contractors/fenders/
4.
EIRFLOAT
Modular Pontoon System: http://www.eirfloat.cchosting.net/
5.
Petroleum
Place - Float Equipment: http://www.petroleumplace.com/BusinessDirectory/FloatEquipment/
6.
Wind
Waves and Surface Tension: http://earth.agu.org/revgeophys/rogers01/node4.html
7.
Thin
Films with High Surface Tension: http://epubs.siam.org/sam-bin/dbq/article/29284
8.
Department
of Ocean Engineering - Sealift Option for Commercial Viability (SOCV): http://www.hurricane.net/~chrism/sealift1.html
9.
SEAHUB
- The Next Step in InterModal Transportation: http://www.coastal-institute.org/seahub_wp.html
10.
National
Academy Press - Oil Spill Risks From Tank Vessel Lightering: http://www.nap.edu/books/0309061903/html/index.html
KEYWORDS: Logistics; Mooring; Fendering
N02-T004 TITLE: Flexible Solar Cells
Using Biotech Materials Processing
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace
DOD ACQUISITION PROGRAM SUPPORTING THIS TOPIC:
Expeditionary Warfare Operations Technology - FNC
OBJECTIVE:
Develop environmentally benign biotech processes for manufacturable
photovoltaic materials as flexible all-solid state sheets that can be
incorporated into fabrics (e.g. uniforms, tentage, camouflage netting, alice
packs, and helmet covers) and used as solar cells to charge flexible secondary
batteries (a known art). Such integrated solar cell/secondary battery
configurations would be water-proof, light-weight, compliant, deployable and
non-hazardous replacements for primary batteries. The greater military
objective is to reduce the logistical footprint by prioritizing solutions which
optimize smaller, lighter, and more reliable, energy-efficient and survivable
options.
DESCRIPTION:
Macrodye-sensitized nanocrystalline semiconductor-based solar cells are
sought that have high photoelectric conversion efficiencies (e.g. ~5-10 %,
corresponding to ~ 30 watts/meter2) and that are processable into thin films
for use on flexible substrates. The scheme envisaged requires electron transfer
from the excited state of the macrodye to the semiconductor particle (e.g.
TiO2), reduction of the oxidized macrodye by the redox macroelectrolyte, and
then regeneration of the macroelectrolyte through the external circuit. For
environmental reasons, both the macrodye and the macroelectrolyte should be
obtained through enzymatic/microbial or biomimetic polymerization.
PHASE I:
Screen families of chromophoric monomers with desirable spectral
properties and design efficient and scalable biopolymerization strategies for
the synthesis of thermo- and photo-stable macrodyes. Characterize and evaluate
these polymers as macrodye candidates. Similarly, devise enzymatic routes for
the synthesis of polymeric redox electrolytes having suitable molecular
weights, polarities, viscosities, glass transition temperatures and thermal
stabilities, and characterize and evaluate these materials.
PHASE II:
The Phase II deliverable will be the I-V characterization of a
fabricated bench-top photovoltaic cell prototype incorporating a semiconductor
(multi) layer and enzymatically synthesized macrodye and macroelectrolyte
layers, with associated electrodes. Processing and layering optimization of
these new materials will be required; particularly the dye-nanoparticle and
macroelectrolyte components, and I-V characterization will utilize a solar
simulator. Proof of scalable manufacturability will be established.
PHASE III:
The expected transition will be reliable tactical electrical power to
support operations on a digitized battlefield and to insure information
dominance. Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) is the transitional sponsor.
COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Military applications for portable/wearable low power
photovoltaic technology range from individual combat gear, camouflage systems
and sheltering devices. Civilian uses include outdoor recreational applications
and to power stand-alone remote sensors, displays, data logging and
transmission.
REFERENCES:
1.
Deb,
S. K., Renewable Energy 15, p 467 (1998)
2.
O’Reagan,
B., Gratzel, M., Nature 353, p 373 (1991)
3.
Dahmouche,
K. et al., Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells 54, p 1 (1998)
KEYWORDS:
Flexible Solar Cells; Macromolecular Dyes and Electrolytes Through
Bioprocessing; SiO2 Nanoparticles; Primary Battery Replacements; All-Solid
State Sheets; Small Rugged Power Supplies
N02-T005 TITLE: Improved Head-Mounted
Displays for Immersive Virtual Reality
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Human Systems
DOD ACQUISITION PROGRAM SUPPORTING THIS TOPIC:
Capable Manpower FNC, VIRTE
OBJECTIVE:
To develop a better head-mounted display (HMD) for immersive virtual
reality systems for training close quarters battle (CQB) that has a wider
field-of-view; higher resolution; better contrast, color, and linearity of
display; good ergonomics, safety, and reliability; lighter weight; and low
cost.
DESCRIPTION:
VR technology offers a promising approach to providing a family of
realistic, deployable, immersive simulators to train warfighters in the
tactics, techniques, and procedures of CQB that are too dangerous, costly, or
otherwise impossible to practice. An
immersive simulator supports the real-time interaction of a person in a virtual
environment. A virtual environment is
an array of sensory cues generated in response a user’s actions that gives the
user the impression of dealing directly with a three-dimensional model of the
virtual world. Key components of an
immersive simulator are full-body tracking to capture the person’s actions and
an HMD that provides a three-dimensional surround view. The surround view provided by the HMD is
critical for training the warfighter because the warfighter must rapidly
respond to threats that can come from any direction, including from the top of
a building or from behind. The HMD
allows the user to look in any direction and is light enough to allow the user
to turn the head quickly to meet the threat.
The National Research Council [1] has recommended that the development
of adequate head-mounted displays is very important to the field of VR. The authors list deficiencies in current HMD
technology and suggest new technology that might improve the state of the
art. Progress is being made in studying
aspects of the problem [for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6], but to date, an adequate
commercial product with the required field-of-view, resolution, stereo mode,
and weight [7] is not available.
Immersive simulators to train CQB need HMDs with better visual displays
and ergonomics at low cost. The HMD
should better approach the human field-of-view of 120 degrees by 120 degrees
per eye. Field-of-view is critical to
being able to navigate through a virtual world. The HMD should have a significantly higher resolution than 640 by
480. Contrast, lumination, and color
should provide a crisp image that allows the warfighter to distinguish target
indicators close to real world performance at a reasonable update rate. Stereo should be provided. The HMD should be less than two pounds. Good ergonomics should be observed and the
user should be able to adjust the fit of the helmet for head size and
interoccular distance to feel comfortable while running. A wireless HMD would be highly desirable but
should not impact image quality. A tethered
design with a video cable is acceptable.
PHASE I:
Concept exploration resulting in a feasibility study which outlines
currently available or new technologies, capabilities, or design approaches
that could be used in the fabrication of an HMD possessing the above described
attributes. Phase I will also include
the delivery of a technical proposal that outlines a specific design
approach. The design approach will
include: a development plan, the
specification of manufacturing technologies to be used, and the specification
of performance capabilities and trade-offs.
An early prototype of the new approach would be desirable.
PHASE II: Implementation of Phase I design in the
building of an HMD capable of being tested in a VR environment. Data will be collected to verify performance
capabilities and will be provided in a final system evaluation report. The final system evaluation report should
include any recommendations addressing noted deficiencies to further improve
performance.
PHASE III:
Productize an HMD that implements all of the improvements demonstrated
in the Phase II STTR effort. Transition
the HMD to the VIRTE component of the Capable Manpower FNC for use in the
immersive virtual reality systems for training close quarters battle (CQB) and
to VIRTE’s transition sponsors.
COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: An improved HMD is applicable to other military applications,
scientific visualization, and the entertainment and game industries. It can be used in the commercial training
industry such as teaching airplane repair and mission preparation. It can be used for product design of
commodities such as automobiles and to collect ergonomic data. It can be used in the communications
industry for remote conferencing.
REFERENCES:
1.
Virtual
Reality: Scientific and Technical Challenges (1995). National Academy Press, Washington, DC.
2.
Arthur,
D. W. (2000). "Effects of Field of
View on Performance with Head-Mounted Displays." Dissertation from the Department of Computer Science, University
of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
3.
Melzer,
J.E. and Moffitt, K., eds. (1997).
Head-Mounted Displays: Designing
for the User. McGraw-Hill Optical and
Electro-Optical Engineering Series, New York.
4.
Rolland,
J.P. and Vassie, L. (2001).
"Albertian Errors in Head-Mounted Displays: Choice of Eyepoint Location," Technical
Report TR01-001 University of Central Florida.
5.
Robinett,
W. and Rolland, J.P. (1992). "A
Computational Model for the Stereoscopic Optics of a Head-Mounted
Display," Presence, 1,1, 45-62.
6.
Watson,
B.A. and Hodges, L.F. (1995).
"Using Texture Maps to Correct for Optical Distortion in Head-Mounted
Displays," Proceedings of IEEE VRAIS, 172-178.
7.
Latham,
Roy (1998). "Head-Mounted Display
Survey," Real Time Graphics, 7,2, 8-12.
KEYWORDS:
virtual reality; head-mounted display; simulation systems; immersive
displays; stereo; optics
N02-T006 TITLE: Speech Interface
Architecture For Human To Agent Interactions
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Ground/Sea Vehicles,
Human Systems
DOD ACQUISITION PROGRAM SUPPORTING THIS TOPIC:
Capable Manpower FNC, VIRTE
OBJECTIVE:
Develop architecture approaches for optimum integration of speech
recognition/synthesis technology into simulations with human-agent interactions
which account for processing time delays and multi-person communications with
interruptions.
DESCRIPTION:
Years of quality research have addressed technology solutions for speech
recognition and speech synthesis. To
date however many of the application domains have been sequential dialogs
between humans and agents (i.e. telephone operator where timing isn't a
critical factor). In contrast, many of
the proposed applications for military domains require a much more fluid
interplay between human and agent entities.
Research needs to address innovative networking architectures to
integrate these speech interface technologies into dynamic, real-time, complex
systems which rely on humans collaborating with synthetic entities, or agents,
such as virtual reality training simulators and performance support systems.
PHASE I: Examine the state-of-the-art speech
recognition/synthesis technologies, and architectures for networking
combinations of speech interface technologies to address human- agent and
agent-human communications in dynamic, real-time, complex systems which rely on
humans collaborating with synthetic entities or agents such as virtual reality
training simulators and performance support systems.
PHASE II: Develop a prototype speech interface for
human-agent and agent-human interaction which accounts for processing time
delays and multi-person/agent communications with interruptions.
PHASE III: A
successful approach would be integrated into VIRTE Demo II and III, and the
transition beyond.
COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Effective integration of speech recognition/synthesis is a
critical simulation and automated performance support problem. In addition to military uses, emergency
response, and disaster relief simulations would benefit.
REFERENCES:
1.
J.
Stokes: "Speech Interaction and Human Behavior Representations
(HBRs)" Proceedings of the 10th Conference on Computer Generated Forces
& Behavioral Representation, Orlando FL May 15-17, 2001.
2.
http://www.sisostds.org/cgf-br/10th/view-papers.htm Identifier: 10th-CGF-025
3.
S.
Weinschenk and D. Baker: Designing Effective Speech Interfaces, Wiley. New
York. 2000.
KEYWORDS: Human-Agent Interaction, Speech
Recognition, Speech Synthesis, Synthetic Forces, Cognitive Agent, Virtual
Reality
N02-T007 TITLE: Efficient Compact
Bio-inspired Sensory Information Processing
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace
OBJECTIVE: The objective is to demonstrate and
implement the advantages of innovative compact, efficient sensor systems for
navigation and guidance on autonomous mobile platforms. The information
processing systems for these platforms will be based upon recent progress in
understanding of retinal function. Solutions will translate biological
architecture and function into efficient algorithms and hardware.
DESCRIPTION: Compact, efficient image processing is
essential for numerous tactical applications, including navigation and control
of miniature UAV’s, night vision systems, target identification and tracking,
surveillance, air to ground targeting, airborne reconnaissance, search and
rescue operations, piloting and navigation aids, maritime surveillance, missile
seekers and many others. These applications require a high level of
functionality, compactness, low power consumption, and robustness. These
features are only be attainable by using, innovative electronics and
algorithmic design.
Novel designs inspired by biological information
processing systems allow creation of systems with improved capabilities and
efficiency. For example, the vertebrate retina efficiently encodes information
about movement, optical flow, while maintaining an extremely broad dynamic
range and sufficient signal depth.
These concepts can be translated into efficient hardware and algorithm
design. Recent advances in the design of massively parallel analog silicon
design can mimic retinal function using low precision components consuming
little power, in a very small package.
Design concepts to be incorporated into the proposal
should include: multi-spectral sensory information processing, real-time sensor
fusion, massively parallel programmable or fixed-function devices, mixed-signal
analog/digital computing arrays, compact, low power packaging. Proposals should
incorporate biologically-inspired technologies for the solution of the
applications outlined above. Priority
will be given to proposals based upon small, low-cost, low-power modular robust
systems and sensors.
PHASE I. Design concepts will be realized in a
series of prototypes designed to satisfy specific missions as outlined above.
PHASE II. Additional prototype fabrication and
testing will evaluate the advantages of the underlying design concepts as
applied to specific mission areas as outlined above.
PHASE III. The design concepts and prototypes will
be transitioned into both government and commercial programs.
COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Commercial applications
include night vision and vision through fog and smoke, truck and auto
navigation aids, commercial airline navigation and control, and others.
REFERENCES:
1.
Scribner,
J.G. Howard, R. Klein, J. Schuler, P. (2001) Computing Optical Flow Using
Neuromorphic Arrays Warren Naval Research Laboratory Washington D.C.
Distribution authorization to U.S. Government agencies and their Contractors -
Critical Technology, March, 2001. Other requests for this document shall be
referred to Naval Research Laboratory, Code 5630, 4555 Overlook Avenue, S.W.,
Wash., D.C. 20375-5000
KEYWORDS: Sensors, Image Processing, Massively
Parallel Processing, Surveillance, Guidance, Target Recognition, Navigation,
Optical Flow, Bio-inspired design.
N02-T008 TITLE: Advanced Rope
Materials
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Materials/Processes
DOD ACQUISITION PROGRAM SUPPORTING THIS TOPIC:
Littoral Combat and Power Projection FNC, Expeditionary Logistics
OBJECTIVE: To develop new materials and/or
manufacturing techniques to provide high strength, light weight, high
flexibility rope for running rigging that has a high abrasion resistance and
low maintenance.
DESCRIPTION: Wire rope is commonly used in many
applications due to its high strength, high abrasion resistance and low cost.
However, wire rope is very heavy and very inflexible, particularly large
diameter wire ropes. Technical
information on current wire rope applications may be found in the References
listed below. New materials and/or manufacturing methods that improve the
strength to weight ratio of ropes would significantly aid in handling and
rigging for ropes over ¾” diameter. Any new rope technology would have to be at
least as strong as an equivalent diameter wire rope and should be low stretch
like wire rope. The new rope should not be susceptible to long term creep. Heat
buildup generated using the rope as running rigging should not cause
degradation in properties. Current high strength synthetic ropes have a lower
abrasion resistance than wire and therefore require that sheaves or other
turning surfaces be highly polished.
PHASE I: Conduct a preliminary study that would
identify potential material and/or process improvements that would improve rope
handling and rigging, abrasion resistance and temperature sensitivity.
PHASE II: Begin to develop new large diameter, high
strength rope that meets the criteria. Identify materials and process to
develop the rope. Producibility and affordability concerns should be addressed.
The rope is to be tested.
PHASE III: ExLog component of the Littoral Combat
and Power Projection FNC will work with the appropriate NAVSEA and OPNAV
acquisition codes to facilitate transition of the technology.
COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: New rope materials would have
many potential commercial applications. Commercial shipping companies are
transitioning to synthetic mooring lines due to the ease in handling. Mining
applications would likely be interested in new rope technologies. Crane
manufacturers would also be interested in advanced rope technologies.
REFERENCES:
1.
ASTM
A1007-00, Standard Specification for Carbon Steel Wire Rope.
2.
Naval
Ship Technical Manual S9086-UU-STM-010, Chapter 613. This may be downloaded from http://braddock.com/library/nstm
KEYWORDS: Logistics; Cargo; manpower; rope, mooring,
UNREP
N02-T009 TITLE: Technologies to
Support RO/RO Cargo Transfer in Sea State 5
N02-T010 TITLE: Biology-Based
Electro-Magnetic Underwater Navigation
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace
OBJECTIVE: Develop a biology-based Electro-Magnetic
navigation system for underwater use.
DESCRIPTION:
The geo-positioning satellite (GPS) system is not available underwater.
Due to this reason, an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), for example, while
mapping a sea floor needs to come up to the surface to re-calibrate its
position with the GPS system at regular intervals after it has traveled some
distance. The present proposal topic seeks to find an alternative, so that the
frequency of calibration is reduced. The topic proposes that the Lorenz force
based navigation system found in certain aquatic animals be mimicked in an
engineering instrument. The Navy mapped magnetic field of sea floor could be
referenced. A passive low-power system is preferable.
PHASE I:
Study and distill the Lorenz force based navigation superiority of
appropriate aquatic animals suitable for engineering replication. Carry out
engineering design for passive low-energy application. Demonstrate and simulate
key aspects of technological road map in a bench top format. Provide Phase II
industrial development plan.
PHASE II:
Carry out engineering development of sensor and measurement technology.
Demonstrate in laboratory on a Navy representative vehicle and field setting to
the extent feasible. Technology should be amenable to typical Navy vehicles.
PHASE III:
Conduct field tests and demonstrate the Lorenz force based navigation
system in underwater Navy field settings on a Navy representative vehicle.
COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: If sufficiently miniaturized, with MEMS (Micro-Electro Mechanical
System) technology for example, the navigation system could be attached to
diving suits. Could be useful to offshore oil industry. Could be a fallback to
GPS.
REFERENCES:
1.
“Detection
of magnetic inclination angle by sea turtles: A possible mechanism for
determining latitude,” Lohmann-Kenneth-J; Lohmann-Catherine-M-F,
Journal-of-Experimental-Biology. 1994; 194 (0) 23-32, 1994.
2.
“Magnetic
orientation of spiny lobsters in the ocean: Experiments with undersea coil
systems,” Lohmann-Kenneth-J., Pentcheff-N-Dean, Nevitt-Gabrielle-A,
Stetten-George-D, Zimmer-Faust-Richard-K, Jarrard-Hugh-E, Boles-Larry-C,
Journal-of-Experimental-Biology, 198 (10) 2041-2048, 1995.
3.
“Magnetoperception
of some tissues of the pink salmon during migration”, Zagal'-skaya-E-O,
Zhurnal-Evolyutsionnoi-Biokhimii-i-Fiziologii; 30 (5) 662-666, 1994. In
Russian.
4.
“Detection
of weak electric fields,” Kalmijn, Ad. J. 1988 Chapter 6, 151-184, of Atema,
Jelle, Fay, Riehard, R., Popper, A. N. & Tavolga, W. N. (eds), Sensory
Biology of Aquatic Animals, first edn., New York: Springer-Verlag.
KEYWORDS: Magneto-perception; GPS; Shark; Sea
Turtle; Underwater Navigation; Lorenz Force.
N02-T011 TITLE: Non-cooperative Coded
Marking of Vehicles or Personnel
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace
DOD ACQUISITION PROGRAM SUPPORTING THIS TOPIC:
Littoral Combat and Power Projection Future Naval Capability (FNC)
OBJECTIVE:
The objective of this topic area is to develop new tools which would
assist a USMC combat unit in reducing an adversary’s ability to hide among an
indigenous population, displaced refugees or friendly coalition forces in an
urban or confused battlefield environment. Technical approaches may include the
use of organic or inorganic substances, particles, fibers, microscopic
structures or devices that adhere to a marked entity and either passively or
actively contrast it from unmarked entities.
Mandatory attributes include real time detection of markers and the use
of coding to correlate markers to specific operations, locations or dates. Operational simplicity and robustness are
also desirable, however it is likely that the practical applicability of many
tools will be highly scenario dependent.
For example, it is probable that certain technologies will only be
appropriate for use at highly controlled fixed checkpoints whereas others may
be employed at line-of-sight distances. Technologies may also prove useful for
enhancing the targeting of enemy forces on the battlefield.
DESCRIPTION:
Future USMC operations are likely to place Marines among large local
indigenous populations, either in an urban environment or among displaced
refugees. In a confusing sea of
humanity, anonymity can be a powerful tool for concealing hostile forces and
activities. The intent is to infringe
on an enemy’s use anonymity and concealment.
Opportunities for exploiting recent advances in various forms of
spectroscopy (remote and otherwise) together with recent advances in the
fabrication of microscopic particles, layered materials, encapsulated
materials, whiskers and fibers with uniquely tailored signatures may provide an
opportunity for new marking and detection capabilities. The challenge will likely be to extend
concepts that are currently feasible in laboratory environments to practical
field applicability.
PHASE I:
This phase would refine the proposed concept to the point where system
performance capabilities and limitations could be reasonably predicted, and
system design trade-offs could be quantified.
PHASE II:
This phase would fabricate laboratory breadboard experimental prototypes
of both markers and appropriate detection equipment, and demonstrate them in a
laboratory setting which simulates the anticipated key issues associated with
field use.
PHASE III:
Phase III would consist of a simulated operational demonstration as part
of a USMC field exercise.
COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Law enforcement, Wildlife
tagging and monitoring
KEYWORDS: Tagging,
Marking, Tracking, Forensics
N02-T012 TITLE: Ultra-wideband Sensor
Web
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace
DOD ACQUISITION PROGRAM SUPPORTING THIS TOPIC:
Littoral Combat and Power Projection FNC; Knowledge Superiority and Assura
OBJECTIVE:
This effort will explore the feasibility of a disposable battlefield
sensor web based on a fusion of ultra-wideband radio and radar for (1)
establishing relative location of individual sensors, (2) calibration of the
sensor field, (3) mono-static and multi-static sensing of personnel and/or
vehicles and (4) communicating and relaying sensor information. The research task effort will investigate
the extent to which the above four items can be achieved using common
electronics, common waveforms and common transmission/reception protocols.
DESCRIPTION:
Distributed disposable ground based motion sensors are likely to play an
increasingly important role for future maneuvering land forces. Primary applications will likely include
reconnaissance as well as perimeter and flank security. Numerous electro-optical and acoustic
sensing technologies are currently being pursued within the DoD. Various network designs are also being
pursued for communicating with distributed sensors. However, the multiplicity of tasks required of individual sensor
units has tended to require relatively sophisticated devices. As an alternative, it may be possible to
produce an extremely low cost device by choosing an RF waveform (and
implementing electronics) inherently capable of multiple functions. A fusion of two relatively new technologies
may offer the possibility of producing a very low cost, low power RF sensor
with both inherent Low Probability of Intercept/Low Probability of Detection
(LPI/LPD) communication and accurate relative positioning capabilities.
Ultra-wideband radio and micro-power impulse radar are two applications of a
similar technology. Both are
by-products of recent advances in high-speed digital circuitry. Both transmit, receive and measure the
timing between short (nominally nanosecond) impulses. Both are also short-range in nature and both are highly affected
by objects in the propagation path. It may be practical to fuse these similar
concepts into a single device using common electronics and waveforms for
position determination, sensor calibration, sensing and communicating. An array
of such sensors dispersed over an area could conceivably operate in many
combinations of mono and/or multi static modes, providing high-density coverage
as well as orthogonal sensing directions.
Each sensor could also conceivably either communicate its status
directly or via other sensors, depending on ranges and relative placement. Relative positioning information provided
by such a sensor array would in most circumstances be accurate to within 1 foot
(1 nanosecond), without GPS. The
feasibility of consolidating recent developments in this area toward producing
a low-cost disposable sensor web could ultimately provide the USMC with a
simple, inexpensive and versatile tool for reconnaissance, situational
awareness, and area denial.
PHASE I:
This phase will investigate initial feasibility by quantifying overall
system design paramaters and key tradeoffs.
The overall system design will address issues such as practical
detection limitations for mono and bistatic modes, practical communication
ranges, communication link redundancy, power consumption, sensor placement
density, sensor unit cost, sensor timing synchronization (as required),
concepts for analysis and display of monostatic and multistatic sensor web
information, and other issues pertinent to the specific proposed approach. At the end of this phase it should be
possible to estimate the feasibility of further pursuit via experimentation.
PHASE II: Phase II would begin by refining and validating the design
concepts of phase I with specific experimentation, and would complete with a
series of breadboard experiments which demonstrate the capabilities of a small
number of individual sensor units to achieve the four functions in the
objective (above). This phase would
clearly define any issues to be resolved prior to fabrication of a fully
populated sensor network.
PHASE III:
This phase would involve fabrication and field testing of a sensor web
prototype of representative coverage and density. The objective would be to demonstrate the feasibility of the
concept to the extent necessary for the USMC to make a decision on pursuing
product engineering refinements and manufacturing development.
COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Security monitoring of homes or buildings.
KEYWORDS:
Ultra-wideband Radio, Ultra-wideband Radar, Impulse Radar, Sensor
Web, Micropower Impulse Radar
N02-T013 TITLE: Enabling Hull
Structural Innovations for High-Speed Lighters
N02-T014 TITLE: Autonomous Underwater
Sensing of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Chemical/Bio Defense
DOD ACQUISITION PROGRAM SUPPORTING THIS TOPIC:
PMS-EOD (Explosive Ordnance Detection)
OBJECTIVE: This effort will develop an underwater
surveillance system to monitor the water column, the air near the water’s
surface, and shallow bottom sediments for evidence of the presence of weapons
of mass destruction. The sensors suite will be employed on a currently fielded
small autonomous underwater vehicle, and will comprise sensors for radiation,
chemical agents (and related industrial chemicals) and biological warfare
agents.
DESCRIPTION: It is the goal of this project to
develop a system with the ability to sense the water column and the air
immediately above the water surface for the presence of chemical and biological
warfare agents, and related industrial chemicals or by-products of synthesis.
These analyses will be conducted in real time within the payload bay of an
underwater platform. In addition, the system will retrieve water, air, and
sediment samples for post-mission analysis for chemical and biological warfare
agents. The autonomous underwater
vehicle (AUV) to be used as a platform is the Remote Environmental Monitoring
UnitS (REMUS), a version of which is currently fielded in the SPECWAR community
as the SHARV vehicle. The REMUS
platform is small (about 6 ft in length with a 6”diameter nose cone, 80 lbs in
weight) and easily operated by a trained two-man team. A current ONR program, Chemical Sensing in
the Marine Environment, utilizes this vehicle as a platform for underwater
explosive sensors. The REMUS system can operate typically at 2 meters/sec, at
depths of 0 –30 meters, has a range of 110 km, and a run time of 22 hours per
battery charge.
PHASE I:
Design an AUV payload subsystem to sample and pre-concentrate chemical
and biological agents from marine waters and from the air within 0.5 m of the
surface, and to present these samples to appropriate on-board sensors for
on-board analysis. Design a sample retrieval subsystem that will collect air,
water, and bottom sediment samples and preserve and return them for
after-mission analysis for the presence of chemical and biological warfare
agents and for the presence of radiation. Both subsystems must meet operable
temperature range, weight, size, and power requirements, making them
appropriate for use in a REMUS AUV.
Consider currently available or late prototype
chemical, biological, and radiation sensors, and select one or more for use
with the designed sampling subsystem. Determine what constraints the sampling
system design puts on the type of sensor or analysis system selected.
Demonstrate the feasibility of the sampling and sample retrieval subsystem
design using a bench top breadboard system.
Based upon this design and currently available compatible chemical,
biological, and radiation sensors, predict the lower detection limit and time
response for analytes of interest expected from an integrated WMD sensor system.
Conclude Phase I by producing a design for a
prototype integrated WMD analysis system suitable for a REMUS payload, and
provide technical justification for sampling, sample retrieval, and sensor
choices for the design. Suggest the most appropriate available post-mission
analysis system compatible with the sample retrieval subsystem.
PHASE II: Fabricate a prototype integrated
underwater sampling and sample retrieval system suitable for the autonomous
sensing of WMD, based upon the design produced in Phase I. Select appropriate chemical and biological
sensors, and conduct laboratory-based tests of the prototype integrated system
to measure the lower detection limits and time response for the analytes of
interest from water and air samples. Integrate the prototype sampling and
sensor systems as a working payload for a REMUS vehicle. Participate in field tests with an
appropriate on-going ONR program with the prototype system in REMUS to
demonstrate the ability to effectively sample and quantify WMD signatures from
artificially generated sources in water, air, and sediments. Modify the
design of the system based upon field test results, and design a follow-on
integrated WMD sampling, analysis, and sample retrieval payload for the REMUS
vehicle.
PHASE III:
Produce a turnkey integrated REMUS payload for underwater sampling and
analysis, and for water, air, and sediment sample retrieval of WMD signals of
interest for transition to Navy’s COMNAVSPECWARCOM.. Provide working system, personnel training, and test and
evaluation support for testing this system in Joint Exercises in FY 06-08.
COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: There are numerous
private-sector applications for an underwater sampling and analysis system in
areas such as environmental quality as it pertains to state and government
regulations, and in line quality assurance monitoring of industry plant water
discharge. A major dual-use opportunity for the autonomous WMD sensing system
will be to support Defense Treat Reduction Agency programs, and Homeland Defense
projects, aimed at locating weapons of mass destruction in and around public
areas as part of counter-terrorism efforts.
REFERENCES:
1.
Ward,
K.B., A. Ervin, J.R. Deschamps, and A.W. Kusterbeck, "Force Protection:
Explosives Detection Experts Workshop ", NRL/MR-MM/6900--01-8564, CDROM.
(2001).
2.
McGill,
R A et al, "The NRL-SAWRHINO" Sensors and Actuators. B, Chemical. 65,
no. 1, (2000)10-13.
3.
R.A.
McGill, et al; "Performance Optimization of Surface Acoustic Wave Chemical
Sensors"; IEEE Trans. on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics and Freq. Control. 45(5), 1370 (1998).
4.
Whelan,
James P. and Kusterbeck, Anne W. “Continuous-Flow Immunosensor for
Detection of Explosives."
Analytical Chemistry, v.65(24):3561-5, Dec 15.
5.
Purcell,
M., Von Alt, C., Allen, B., Auatin, T.,and Forrester, N. “New capabilities of
the REMUS Autonomous Underwater
Vehicle”, Conference Proceedings, OCEANS 2000 MTS/IEEE, September 11-14, 2000,
Providence, RI. ISBD # 0-7803-6554-2.
KEYWORDS: Detection of chemical/biological warfare
agents; Weapons of mass destruction; autonomous underwater vehicles; Homeland
Defense; Expanded littoral battlespace; Special operations.
N02-T015 TITLE: Real-time Multimedia
Communications in Highly Mobile Networks.
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems
OBJECTIVE:
The objective of this project is to develop innovative technologies to
support reliable, time-critical exchange of information, e.g., voice, video,
image and other types of data in a robust/jam resistant communications network
whose members are in continual motion (this is a key point in so far as
considering a fully mobile network as opposed to the cellular systems of today
which have fixed base stations and mobile users). These new technologies will enable the exchange of critical
command and control information without centralized facilities that increase
system vulnerability and without endangering system security.
DESCRIPTION:
Unmanned air vehicles (UAV's) are to be used as communication nodes for
establishing a fully-mobile-reconfigurable communication network for
intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike support. The goal is to develop technologies and
methods to rapidly configure and manage these networks so that they can share
and disseminate critical data in real-time and to ensure that time-delay,
jitters, and reliability requirements are all met. Technologies to be developed for real-time configuration and
maintaining network connectivity include clustering of nodes to guarantee
connectivity and preventing congestion, positioning relay points, frequency
management, mobile routing, quality of service, managing hand-over during
topology changes, security, multicasting, and addressing. Wireless ATM is currently under investigation
for commercial mobile multimedia communications networks.
PHASE I: Conduct a feasibility and tradeoff study
for dynamic mobile network configuration, and information and control
architectures. Investigate techniques
and procedures for efficient communication protocols, interfaces, and communication
control systems and algorithms for time critical, reliable, and real-time
multimedia data transfer.
PHASE II: Design, develop, and test a protocol suite
for controlling real-time dynamic multimedia communications networks and
message trafficking via air, satellite, sea, and land-based nodes. Design, develop, and test methods for
real-time initial configuration of these networks. Evaluate quality--connectivity--performance with network
simulation.
PHASE III: Implement protocols designed and tested
in Phase II in a scaled commercial network.
COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Personal Communications
Networks, Fleet Management, Emergency Services, Wireless ATM.
REFERENCES:
1.
K.
Pahlavan & A. H. Levesque "Wireless Information Networks", John
Wiley and Son, 1995
2.
K.
Pahlavan & A.H. Levesque, "Wireless Data Communications", Proc.
IEEE: Special Issue on Wireless Networks for Mobile & Personal
Communications, September 1994
3.
C.K.
Toh, "Wireless ATM & Ad Hoc Networks: Protocols &
Architectures", Kluwer Academic Publishers, January 1997, ISBN
0-7923-9822-X
4.
M.M.
Khan, "The Development of Personal Communication Services under the
Auspices of Existing Network Technologies",IEEE Communications Magazine,
Mar 1997,Vol. 35,No.3 pp. 78-82.
5.
Mark
Taylor, William Waung & Moshen Banan, “Internetwork Mobility - The CDPD
Approach”, Prentice Hall, 1997
KEYWORDS:
Multimedia; Communication; Mobile; Networks; ATM; Connectivity
N02-T016 TITLE: Reinforcement
Learning and Genetic Learning Classifier Systems for Sensor Management and
Adaptive Flight Control System
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace
OBJECTIVE:
Develop methods to use reinforcement learning systems and genetic
learning classifier systems for control and allocation of sensor resources and
adaptive flight control system.
DESCRIPTION:
Reinforcement Learning (RL) methods are novel combinations of dynamic
programming (DP) methods, stochastic approximation methods, and learning
methods. Learning classifier systems
(LCS) are ruled-based machine learning systems that use genetic algorithms
(GAs) as their primary rule discovery mechanism. LCS methods allow global optimization and can be used to solve DP
problems.
Sensor management involves the selection and
adaptive allocation of sensors, sensor modes, and sensor parameters to maximize
their collective effectiveness for mission requirements. Sensor management systems for tactical air
vehicles have been constructed using a variety of ad hoc methods. Most often these systems employ rule-based
approaches and rely on the operator to make many real time deployment
decisions. The objective is to
formulate the problem of sensor resource control and allocation within a
mathematical programming framework and use RL to develop an optimal sensor
management system. The applications of
RL and LCS to adaptive flight control systems hold promise in several areas,
for example:
·
Air
combat and evasive maneuvers;
·
Mission
planning and replanning against dynamic threats;
·
Multiple
unmanned air vehicle flight formation and engagement;
·
Trajectory
control for weapon delivery;
·
Gain
scheduling for nonlinear control systems;
·
Sequential
input design for adaptive parametric systems identification.
PHASE I: Determine the scientific and technical
merit and feasibility of the application of reinforcement learning to sensor
management, sensor allocation, and adaptive flight control.
PHASE II:
Use reinforcement learning systems to optimally manage and allocate
sensor resources and demonstrate use of optimization algorithms for adaptive
flight control.
PHASE III: Develop a road map for making these
capabilities operational and ready for transition. Demonstrate real-time performance.
COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: These technologies will be
applicable to commercial avionics systems, and control and decision-making
systems. The technology developed will
provide greater integration at the system level, more affordable
configurations, more efficient and supportable flight control architectures,
and the ability to operate air vehicles safely and effectively in an
inter-netted environment. All
commercial aircraft manufacturers, suppliers, and airline would benefit from
this technology.
REFERENCES:
1.
R.
S. Sutton and A. Barto, “Reinforcement Learning: An Introduction", MIT
Press 1998.
2.
L.P.
Kaebling, M. L. Littman, and A. W. Moore, “Reinforcement Learning: A
Survey", Journal of Artificial Intelligence Research, Volume 4, 1996, pp.
237-284.
3.
S.W.
Wilson,"ZCS: A zeroth level classifier system "Evolutionary
Computation, 2(1), 1994, pp. 1-18.
4.
S.W.
Wilson, “Classifier fitness based on accuracy”, Evolutionary Computation, 3(1),
1995, pp. 149-176.
KEYWORDS: Reinforcement; Genetic; Learning;
Classifier; Sensor; Adaptive; Control
N02-T017 TITLE: Real-Time
Supervisors and Monitors for Performing Health Monitoring and Fault Detection
for Systems Operating in Multiple Regimes
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics
OBJECTIVE:
Develop a real-time monitor and supervisor that would have the following
capability:
·
Robust
health monitoring and fault detection strategies for air vehicles operating in
multiple regimes;
·
Real-time
dynamic performance and model validation;
·
Real-time
reconfiguration and resource management should an unanticipated event occur.
DESCRIPTION:
Verifying performance and safety under all possible operating conditions
for complex systems such as UAVs are very difficult because of unanticipated
faults, or operational circumstances, or design omissions. It is critical to have an autonomous
monitoring system that is capable of real-time diagnostics, fault detection,
and resource management. This project
will develop a real-time monitoring system and supervisor that would have the
following capabilities:
·
Real-time
fault detection and model validation;
·
Real-time
performance prediction;
·
Real-time
reconfiguration and resource management and feedback design.
The proposed supervisor would have hierarchical
structure with continuous as well as discrete controllers. The lower layer of the supervisor would
continuously collect the data from various subsystems and perform the task of
model validation and fault detection.
The higher level of the supervisor would be involved in making decisions
regarding reconfiguration, development of new control strategies/laws, and
resource management. The model
validation approach would be developed based on recent results from robust
multi-variable control theory and would be designed to be robust with respect
to unmodeled dynamic and prior statistical assumptions regarding faulty and
normal dynamics. After a subsystem
malfunction has been determined, the higher level supervisor would design new
control laws and reconfigure the system based on the worst-case analysis which
would be carried out using approaches developed in game theory and optimal
control.
A health monitor/fault detector (HM/FD) for a system
compares the states of the system with certain bounds known to be satisfied by
a "healthy" system, and flags an alarm if these bounds are
violated. More sophisticated algorithms
are capable of classifying faults. One
important assumption followed in the design of current HM/FD algorithms is the
existence of one unique "healthy" operating regime, against which the
running system is compared. Many
practical systems however operate in different regimes. Typical examples are air vehicles, such as
manned or unmanned aircraft or missiles.
“Regime” means a region of state space, defined by bounds on certain
state variables of interest, such as angle of attack, or speed. Dynamics of a system can change from one
regime to the other, so if a system with an HM/FD algorithm designed to operate
on just one regime, will flag as a fault when it switches to a different
regime. This is clearly undesirable,
and points to the need of HM/FD strategies capable of distinguishing between
faults on a given regime and regime switching.
The proposed project will investigate HM/FD
algorithms capable of operating on different regimes using gated networks. The goal is to design HM/FD algorithms,
which work well on a certain regime.
These local algorithms are labeled gated experts, and “adapt” their
width to match the noise level in that regime.
The motivation for using different experts in different regions is that
they can individually focus on the particular subset of state variables
relevant for that specific region. The
gated experts are put together on a gated network, which learns to predict the
probability of each expert.
PHASE I: Investigate the development of a real-time
monitor and supervisor capable of real-time fault detection, performance
prediction, model validation, real-time reconfiguration, feedback design,
resource management should an unanticipated event occur, and gated networks
combined with gated experts for designing HM/FD algorithms for systems
operating in multiple environments.
Investigate the applicability of these methods for health monitoring and
fault detection on Air Vehicles operating on different regimes. The crucial test of the algorithm is to
verify if it can distinguish between faults and regime switching.
PHASE II: Develop a prototype of an autonomous HM/FD
system capable of operating well during the entire course of a flying
procedure. Demonstrate its performance
characteristics. Develop a
commercialization plan, including descriptions of specific tests, evaluations,
and implementations to be performed.
PHASE III: Carry out the commercialization plan
developed in Phase II.
COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: The resulting system will have
broad applications in power industry, manufacturing, commercial aviation
systems, and other areas.
REFERENCE:
1.
R.A.
Jacobs, M.I. Jordan, S.J. Nowlan, G.E. Hinton, “Adaptive mixtures of local
experts”, Neural Computation, vol. 3, pp. 79-87, 1994
KEYWORDS: Reactive; Health; Monitoring, Fault;
Detection, Multiple; Regimes
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