N141-070 TITLE: In-node Processing for Low Power Target Detection, Classification, Localization, & Tracking

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Weapons

RESTRICTION ON PERFORMANCE BY FOREIGN CITIZENS (i.e., those holding non-U.S. Passports): This topic is "ITAR Restricted". The information and materials provided pursuant to or resulting from this topic are restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120 - 130, which control the export of defense-related material and services, including the export of sensitive technical data. Foreign Citizens may perform work under an award resulting from this topic only if they hold the "Permanent Resident Card", or are designated as "Protected Individuals" as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). If a proposal for this topic contains participation by a foreign citizen who is not in one of the above two categories, the proposal will be rejected.

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to develop sea floor based small, passive, low-power sensors and in-node processing to autonomously detect, classify and localize target vessels sufficiently to facilitate a fire control solution for an autonomous weapon.

DESCRIPTION: This SBIR solicits innovative solutions for short range small sensors (e.g. acoustic/ magnetic/ electric/ pressure/ seismic) and in-node processing capabilities that provide detection and localization in such a way as to facilitate a fire control solution for autonomous engagements. The Research & Development emphasis is to tactically exploit the environment to achieve improved detection, classification, localization and tracking (DCLT) or parts thereof for engagement of sea-born vessels. Sensing prototypes may include very short range proximity sensors where tracking is not possible and the sensor performance range limitation is adequate for a targeting solution. Sensing prototypes may also include longer range capability configurations, where the capacity to localize or track is necessary for a targeting solution for the given weapon. A nominal goal would be a packaged sensing capability, of volume 30 cubic feet prior to deployment, which provides a four nautical mile, shallow water barrier. For classification, innovative optical methods are of interest. The tracking capability would need to be in very low power firmware and would be required to perform against very quiet targets in high ambient noise environments. Modeling and simulation are an important part of the effort and shall be integrated appropriately with data analysis in the development and testing of the technology solution. This is to ensure the performance capability is able to tolerate environment variability, multiple targets, and a diverse set of surface and submerged targets, as needed, for effective weapon performance.

PHASE I: Develop an innovative concept for low-power small sensors and in-node processing for passive threat detection and localization that meets the requirements outlined in the description. Demonstrate the feasibility of the concept in meeting Navy needs and establish that the concept can be feasibly developed into a useful product for the Navy. Feasibility may be established through simulation, data analysis and analytical modeling. Phase I should establish that the technology is able to tolerate environment variability, multiple targets, a diverse set of surface and submerged targets, and engagement performance. Algorithm computational requirements must be addressed during Phase I and demonstrated to be capable of deployment in a real time power constrained system. Required Phase I deliverables will include a Phase II development plan that must address technical risk reduction and provides performance goals and key technical milestones.

PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I and the Phase II development plan, develop a prototype for evaluation. The prototype will be evaluated to determine its capability in meeting the performance goals defined in the Phase II development plan and the Navy requirements for the technology. Demonstrate system performance via thorough prototype evaluation through in-situ testing, combined with modeling and simulation methods over the required range of parameters and operational requirements. Use evaluation results to refine the prototype into an initial design that will meet classified Navy requirements provided during Phase II. Use algorithm and software modularity and open standards, that are not platform specific, and accepts/produces data according to a government specified format. Prepare a Phase III plan to transition the technology to Navy use.

PHASE III: Integrate the prototype according to the Phase III technology plan into the SHD-14-04 FNC EC to address MIW capability/capacity shortfalls in S&T Gap POM14-30 "USW On-Demand Battlespace Shaping."

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: The ability for ports and waterways to be monitored for ship traffic; oil platform surveillance and protection; the ability for long duration at-sea monitoring of whale and fish traffic; long-term standoff seismic monitoring at sea.

REFERENCES:
1. Bar-Shalom, Yaakov et al. Estimation with Applications to Tracking and Navigation. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2001.

2. R. Karlsson and F. GustaFsson, Recursive Baysian Estimation Bearings-only Applications, IEE Proc Radar, Sonar & Navigation Special Issue on Target Tracking: Algorithms and Applications, Vol 152, Issue 5, Oct. 2005.

KEYWORDS: Detection, classification, localization and tracking (DCLT); in-node processing; autonomous engagement; fire control solution; passive sensing

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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