DARPA STTR 2007 Phase I Award Winners
| 21ST CENTURY SYSTEMS, INC. 6825 Pine Street, Suite 141 Omaha, NE 68106 (402) 505-7887 PI: Mr. Kevin Blenkhorn (703) 236-6993 Contract #: W31P4Q-07-C-0280 |
MISSOURI STATE UNIV. 901 South National Avenue Springfield, MO 65897 (417) 836-5972 ID#: 07ST1-0094 Agency: DARPA Topic#: 07-009 Awarded: 15AUG07 |
| Title: DigitalTripwire - A Small, Automated Human-Detection System | |
| Abstract: We currently have thousands of security cameras in the war zone. Automated Target Recognition (ATR) is essential for reducing the manpower required for monitoring the security cameras. Having human operators staring at video screens for hours at a time is not an effective use of our forces. ATR is a terrific force-multiplier since it reduces the number of security personnel required to monitor surveillance systems. A combined system with software-agents monitoring multiple cameras, backed up by a small number of security personnel will make a very powerful system, with minimal false-negatives or false-positives. The team of 21st Century Systems Incorporated and Missouri State University is pleased to propose to research and develop our DigitalTripwire concept. The DigitalTripwire system is a small, self-contained sensor that can operate unattended for weeks or months on battery power. It is intended to augment security operations by providing persistent surveillance for the area in the camera's field of view. The device itself consists of a small single-board computer connected to a video camera and a wireless network interface. The heart of the system is computer vision software that analyses the video stream from the camera and classifies objects into categories. | |
| ACTINIX 229 Technology Circle Scotts Valley, CA 95066 (831) 440-9388 PI: Dr. Andrew Merriam (831) 440-9388 Contract #: W31P4Q-07-C-0262 |
SANDIA NATIONAL LABORATORIES Department 1118 Albuquerque, NM 87185-1423 (505) 844-5810 ID#: 07ST1-0051 Agency: DARPA Topic#: 07-006 Awarded: 02AUG07 |
| Title: Long Coherence Length 193 nm Laser for High-Resolution Nano-Fabrication | |
| Abstract: Immersion lithography using available 193 nm optics and laser sources provides an attractive near-term path to reducing the printable feature sizes of integrated circuits by using a high-index fluid to reduce the wavelength at the wafer, rather than using light with higher photon energy and shorter vacuum wavelength. An interferometric immersion lithography (IIL) tool has demonstrated rapid fabrication of grating structures with half-pitches of 35 nm over exposure areas of 0.5 mm. This Phase I project involves the design of a new fiber laser based 193 nm light source with very high spatial- and temporal-coherence to allow uniform high-contrast intensity fringes (35 nm HP) to illuminate a wafer surface over a substantially larger exposure area, on the order of one square cm per exposure site. In addition, the laser will have high power stability and be sufficiently robust to allow extended periods of operation with little maintenance or operator intervention. | |
| ADVANCED ANTI-TERROR TECHNOLOGIES CORP. (A2T2) 896 W. Minneola Ave. Suite 57 Clermont, FL 34711 (407) 924-7529 PI: Dr. James Bliss (757) 683-4051 Contract #: |
VMASC, OLD DOMINION Virginia Modeling, Analysis&Si Suffolk, VA 23435 (757) 686-6209 ID#: 07ST1-0024 Agency: DARPA Topic#: 07-004 Selected for Award |
| Title: Next-Generation Behavior Composer for Military Simulation | |
| Abstract: Users of OneSAF are offered the potential to specify entity behaviors using a flowchart-based composer. However, that tool lacks utility because it is schematic instead of graphical, and does not foster intuitive understanding of temporal relationships. The goal of the proposed project is to simplify the behavior composing process, supplementing the composer architecture with a graphical interface, allowing users to better visualize, understand and communicate the nature of scripted behaviors. Associated benefits include heightened tactical and strategic planning and user assessment of entity interdependencies. We will leverage technology from related projects into an integrated, intuitive, tactician-centric GUI to enable soldiers and marines to sketch standard 2525B symbology and directives on maps. A processing engine will facilitate the process through script aiding similar to Microsoft Wizards and real-time previews and dialogs to insure the user's intent is realized. User preferences will be logged for subsequent sketch recognition and aiding. Our interface should allow experts to build better behaviors faster, and allow the processor to learn tactics and rapidly generate courses of action. Ultimately, we will generalize interface improvements to apply to civilian applications as well, including reduced screen sizes associated with portable data entry devices. | |
| B & W TEK, INC. #19 Shea Way Newark, DE 19713 (302) 368-7824 PI: Dr. Jie Yao (302) 368-7824 Contract #: W31P4Q-07-C-0284 |
PRINCETON UNIV. Office of Research&Project Adm Princeton, NJ 08544 (609) 256-3090 ID#: 07ST1-0099 Agency: DARPA Topic#: 07-009 Awarded: 22AUG07 |
| Title: Universal Imaging Sensor: Robotic Broadband Night Vision Camera | |
| Abstract: Imaging sensors are a crucial component of modern defense. The ideal sensor has acute visual sensing capabilities and communicates instantly when threats are identified. It should also have night vision capabilities and cover a broadband spectral range including near ultraviolet and infrared. A robotic broadband night vision camera is highly desirable. Such a robotic broadband low-light-level camera is feasible today. We propose to integrate a broadband semiconductor image intensifier with night vision sensitivity with a commercial-off-the-shelf camera cellular phone, and modify the cell phone circuitry and program it with image recognition and compression algorithms developed by Galaxy Scientific, whose image compression products have been installed on United States Navy 3rd Fleet and seen action in the Persian Gulf in support of Middle Eastern military campaign. Such an autonomous system will combine night vision sensitivities and the broadband ultra-violet, visible and near infrared coverage over 200 - 1650 nm with the light weight, small size and low cost of the commercial camera cell phone. Phase I will see the proof of concept. Phase II will see the integration of the proposed camera into a robotic image requisition, recognition, compression and transmission system for evaluation at DoD laboratories. | |
| BOULDER LABS, INC. 6380 Bluebird Ct Niwot, CO 80503 (303) 652-0725 PI: Mr. David Van Wie (303) 652-0725 Contract #: W31P4Q-07-C-0283 |
UNIV. OF COLORADO Department of Physics Boulder, CO 80309-0440 (303) 492-5202 ID#: 07ST1-0002 Agency: DARPA Topic#: 07-001 Awarded: 16AUG07 |
| Title: Atom Interferometer Modeling Tool | |
| Abstract: Develop software visualization modeling tool to assist in the design and fabrication of cold atom chips. Tool will calculate the magnetic field from a specification of conductor geometry and currents flowing through them. | |
| FIORE INDUSTRIES, INC. PO Box 80900 Albuquerque, NM 87102 (505) 255-9797 PI: Mr. Dar Johnson (505) 255-9797 Contract #: W31P4Q-07-C-0249 |
NEW MEXICO TECH New Mexico Tech EMERTC Socorro, NM 87801-4796 (505) 835-5857 ID#: 07ST1-0009 Agency: DARPA Topic#: 07-002 Awarded: 25JUL07 |
| Title: Portable Lightweight Rescue Tools | |
| Abstract: The objective is to demonstrate the feasibility of producing light weight rescue tools using solid propellant cool gas generators as the energy source. While there have been a number of advances in space based applications and the commercialization of solid propellant cool gas generators by the Europeans, work in the US has largely been limited to fire suppression. It is our goal to define practical methods of implementing and controlling the gas generation process to fully realize the unique benefits this technology for "long storage" "single use" applications. To keep a system small and light we match the gas generation capability as tightly to the demand as possible. For our rescue tool application we would provide exactly the right amount of high pressure gas instantly available to move a piston or rotate a turbine. Essentially we propose a gas container with packets of energetic material that can be individually activated with an electronic match to generate just the right amount of gas required at a particular point in time. Our teammates at the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center (EMRTC), a division of the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech - NMT) in Socorro, New Mexico have significant experience and resources. Fiore Industries has significant experience and resources to apply to the development and testing of the electronic controller and pulse power electronic matches. Fiore's fire fighting unit located at NASA's White Sands Test Facility NM has extensive experience in using the very bulky existing equipment. Fiore together with NMT have the Mechanical engineering, design and prototyping capability to integrate the power source to a light weight mechanism meeting or exceeding all of the requirements of ST071-002. | |
| GEOSEMBLE TECHNOLOGIES 2041 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 245 El Segundo, CA 90245 (310) 414-9849 PI: Dr. Jason Chen (310) 414-9849 Contract #: W31P4Q-07-C-0261 |
UNIV. OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Dept. of Contracts & Grants Los Angeles, CA 90089-1147 (213) 821-1106 ID#: 07ST1-0037 Agency: DARPA Topic#: 07-005 Awarded: 16AUG07 |
| Title: Open Source Information Geospatial Overlay (OSIGO) | |
| Abstract: There is an abundance of text documents, news articles, intelligence reports, etc. containing information that is particularly valuable in understanding and analyzing aerial/satellite imagery. These text documents can be annotated with the corresponding lat/long coordinates of the geospatial references using commercial tools, such as MetaCarta. However, this approach is 1) not scalable since new documents should continuously be annotated and 2) limited to only those geographical features that already exist in the MetaCarta gazetteer. Even if the document is annotated, numerous "links" to all the related documents from a target image is not an effective presentation method. In this project, we will develop the technology for automatically 1) finding text documents relevant to a given imagery without any a priori annotation of the documents (similar to a search engine), 2) ranking the documents based on their geospatial relevance to the imagery, 3) summarizing the documents, and 4) linking the documents to their corresponding location on the imagery. The resulting technology will allow an analyst to view a satellite image for any place in the world, automatically find and link the geospatially related documents, and then browse the summary of the documents to better understand the information shown in an image. | |
| GNOSYS, INC. 198 Broadway Providence, RI 02903 (401) 632-0280 PI: Dr. Mikel Petty (256) 824-3468 Contract #: |
UNIV. OF ALABAMA Office of Sponsored Programs Huntsville, AL 35899 (256) 824-2658 ID#: 07ST1-0020 Agency: DARPA Topic#: 07-003 Selected for Award |
| Title: Alternative Aggregate Combat Modeling Algorithms | |
| Abstract: We propose to develop a means of combining unit-level and entity-level combat simulations that combines the best features of both and avoids the problems and overhead of multi-resolution simulations and inter-level interactions. The essential idea, which will be elaborated in the following sections, is to develop new alternative aggregate-level algorithms for key combat phenomenology (moving, sensing, and shooting) that are based on entity-level models, with their associated natural entity level of resolution and direct supportability by data, but have been abstracted to allow their responsive execution in the context of a unit-level simulation. These new algorithms will eliminate the need for aggregation, disaggregation, and entity control handoff, at least for purposes of resolving unit-level combat. | |
| KAZAK COMPOSITES, INC. 10F GIll Street Woburn, MA 01801 (781) 932-5667 PI: Mr. Robert DaSilva (781) 932-5667 Contract #: |
UNIV. OF MASSACHUSETTS-LOWELL 600 Suffolk Street Lowell, MA 01854 (978) 934-3417 ID#: 07ST1-0010 Agency: DARPA Topic#: 07-002 Selected for Award |
| Title: Innovative, Low Cost Hydraulic Spreader with Portable Compressed Gas Power and Manual Override | |
| Abstract: KaZaK, assisted by the University of Massachusetts - Lowell, proposes to develop and produce an innovative, low cost hydraulic spreader with compressed gas cartridge power source and optional manual override. Features include low weight, portability, quick-load high energy density compressed gas cartridge, fuel flexibility, and multiple quick-change extraction tool attachments. Additionally, a manual override mode is available as a failsafe, allowing the tool to be manually powered by the operator via hand cranking as a backup. The motivation for this portable extrication tool concept, referred to as KAGAK (KaZaK Advanced Gas Actuated Klaw), is driven by the current need to enhance operational efficiency of airborne Pararescue jumpers at a remote extraction site. Currently, rescue personnel utilize a Halligan bar to slowly and inefficiently pry structures apart during the extrication process. Alternatively, KaZaK's handheld tool will provide quick and powerful automated spreading / shearing of the structure through the combination of combustible gas and hydraulics. KaZaK and UMass Lowell will combine novel lightweight composite material approaches along with innovative mechanical systems design to optimize form, fit, and functionality of the spreader. KaZaK has considerable experience in novel device design and packaging, and has demonstrated 60% weight savings is several similar system designs. | |
| KNEXIENT 4201 West Parmer Ln. Bldg C Austin, TX 78727 (512) 423-7787 PI: Erik Larson (512) 986-6109 Contract #: W31P4Q-07-C-0307 |
UNIV. OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN Taylor Hall 2.124 Austin, TX 78712-0233 (512) 471-9719 ID#: 07ST1-0041 Agency: DARPA Topic#: 07-005 Selected for Award |
| Title: Processor for Open source INTelligence (POINT) | |
| Abstract: Knexient proposes POINT, a processing
system for OSI on the Web. Specifically, POINT's text processing engine
finds the primary or main event in online new stories and relates the
event to its location and time of occurrence. The location of the event
is converted into Google's KML language and presented as a text overlay
on GoogleEarth, enabling military image analysts to quickly aggregate
relevant information about events in particular locations. POINT uses an
innovative hierarchical classification system, the Hierarchical Document
Classifier (HDC), to classify primary events down to the granularity of
particular actions (e.g., a suicide bombing), and to classify very large
volumes of semantically heterogenous text, such as (to take a few
examples) reports about meetings, bombings, elections, or vehicle
accidents. Specifically, HDC classifies news according to the specific
event that is primary in the story (e.g., a suicide bombing), and the
event context for the specific event (the IraqWar). The |
|
| LATEL CORP. 217 OAK LEE DR. RANSON, WV 25438 (304) 699-4396 PI: Mr. HENRY DAY (304) 699-4396 Contract #: W31P4Q-07-C-0264 |
AUBURN UNIV. Dept. of Computer Science Auburn, MD 36849-5347 (334) 844-6326 ID#: 07ST1-0109 Agency: DARPA Topic#: 07-009 Awarded: 09AUG07 |
| Title: Universal Imaging Sensor | |
| Abstract: In the conduct of modern warfare, situation awareness of forces and the locality of hostile elements are of paramount importance. Other non-imaging sensors such as acoustic and seismic ones are helpful toward this end, but their probability of detect and target identification ability are limited. The only absolute representation of the situation is a video image. This proposal presents the design of a wireless imaging sensor that could deliver a video frame of the targeted object area back to the base station for analysis and action. Commercial-off-the-shelf components will be exploited for their cost-effectiveness. Packaging schemes will be designed to integrate the video sensor and transmitter for a compact structure. These low-cost imaging sensors can be deployed in an autonomous mode, or be configured in a network for maximum coverage. This video network will contain adaptive protocols for maximum efficiency. To conserve power, novel power supply techniques will be implemented, and other triggers will be deployed to activate the sensors when necessary. Transceiver-repeaters will be strategically positioned for video transmission range extension. This imaging sensor incorporates object recognition algorithms so that only significant intrusion will be processed and alerted for further action. | |
| MYTEK, LLC 6901 E. Fish Lake Road Maple Grove, MN 55369 (763) 463-4814 PI: Dr. Klein Johnson (763) 463-4814 Contract #: W31P4Q-07-C-0284 |
UNIV. OF ILLINOIS University of Illinois at U/C Urbana, IL 61801 (217) 265-0563 ID#: 07ST1-0088 Agency: DARPA Topic#: 07-008 Awarded: 27AUG07 |
| Title: High Speed Coupled Cavity VCSEL | |
| Abstract: This project will investigate the high speed modulation properties of monolithically integrated coupled-cavity VCSEL arrays with the aim of developing manufacturable, very high speed (>20GHz) directly modulated integrated laser arrays which have very low power dissipation (<2 mW per laser) for optical interconnects at the board and chip levels, and and for short-haul high-density optical communication applications. | |
| NEXTGEN AERONAUTICS 2780 Skypark Drive Torrance, CA 90505 (310) 626-8384 PI: Dr. Jay Kudva (310) 891-2814 Contract #: W31P4Q-07-C-0274 |
PURDUE UNIV. Young Hall, 302 Wood Street West Lafayette, IN 47907-2108 (765) 494-1063 ID#: 07ST1-0131 Agency: DARPA Topic#: 07-010 Awarded: 23JUL07 |
| Title: Innovative Reconfigurable Wing Designs for Future Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) Aircraft | |
| Abstract: A promising application of a morphing wing whose geometry can be significantly changed is to reduce aircraft takeoff and landing speeds. Wing morphing can provide both an increase in wing area and change in wing camber, resulting in significantly reduced wing stall speed and hence landing and take-off distances. As the stall speed of the aircraft is decreased, a morphing-wing intra-theater transport aircraft could replace current helicopters. Such a morphing wing concept can be used to complement direct lift from additional thrust producing devices. NextGen Aeronautics, with support from Purdue University, plans to build on its prior and on-going work to develop and mature morphing wing concepts for application to future ESTOL/VTOL aircraft designs. The specific morphing structural concept being investigated is based on a single degree of freedom moving truss system with flexible skins to transfer air-loads. Phase 1 objectives include system-level trade studies, maturation of morphing wing design, and wind tunnel testing of small rigid models in a low-speed wind tunnel. A potential Phase 2 effort will address detailed design, fabrication and testing of an actuated morphing wing model, benefits and costs of a morphing aircraft for the target application, and development of technology transition/insertion plans. | |
| SJT MICROPOWER, INC. 16411 N SKYRIDGE LN FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ 85268 (480) 816-8077 PI: Mr. JOSEPH ERVIN (480) 298-1847 Contract #: |
ARIZONA STATE UNIV. ORSPA TEMPE, AZ 85287-3503 (480) 965-0273 ID#: 07ST1-0083 Agency: DARPA Topic#: 07-007 Selected for Award |
| Title: SOI MESFETs for Ultra-Low Power Electronic Circuits | |
| Abstract: Simulations of high performance silicon-on-insulator (SOI) MESFETs show that they can be used for ultra-low power (ULP) radio frequency electronics with power added efficiencies (PAE) that are 10 times higher than existing solutions. The high PAE comes from the enhanced voltage swing that the MESFETs can tolerate (5-50V) compared to current VLSI CMOS technologies (1-5V). The SOI MESFETs can be fabricated economically using existing SOI CMOS foundries with no changes to the CMOS process flow. This means the SOI MESFETs can be integrated with state-of-the-art CMOS for ULP mixed signal circuit applications, something that is impossible with GaAs based devices. We propose to design an SOI MESFET based Class E amplifier for ULP communications applications in the Industrial-Scientific-Medical band of frequencies. The MESFET based designs will be compared to equivalent CMOS circuits to quantify the anticipated improvement in the PAE of the MESFET circuits. A hardware demonstrator of the Class E amplifier will be designed and tested using existing SOI MESFETs from a previous SBIR contract. Other examples of ULP circuits in which inductive loads lead to device voltages that would cause failure in traditional CMOS will be explored in any Phase II activity. | |
| ZIVA CORP. 6160 Lusk Blvd San Diego, CA 92121 (858) 550-0596 PI: Dr. Anis Husain (858) 509-2836 Contract #: |
UNIV. OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA Dept of Electrical & Computer Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9560 (805) 893-4486 ID#: 07ST1-0093 Agency: DARPA Topic#: 07-008 Selected for Award |
| Title: Ultra-Fast 3 Terminal VCSEL (U-VCSEL) | |
| Abstract: Ziva Corporation in collaboration with UCSB will conduct feasibility study for the concept design of a directly modulated laser with capability of modulation of >40GHz with power dissipation <2mW, with optical output power of ~.5 mW. Our approach is to exploit a three terminal VCSEL structure where the third terminal modulates the optical gain by means of current steering while maintaining the lasing pump current constant. Maintaining the pump current constant during modulation eliminates conventional limits imposed on directly modulated VCSEL speeds and promises to achieve ultra-high speed VCSELs approaching the intrinsic bandwidth ~90 Ghz (fmax) of VCSELs or ~180Gbps. By using a third terminal, the requirements for efficient lasing can be in principle decoupled from requirements imposed by fast modulation (e.g. relaxing modal volume/RC time constant tradeoff). This will be a major breakthrough in the ability to cost effectively directly modulate lasers (even in 2-D arrays) at speeds that have hitherto been only possible by using expensive, bulky and lossy external modulators. The approach is extendable to | |