N131-079 TITLE: Compact Off-board Passive Target-Discriminator

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Battlespace, 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: Develop a concept that utilizes one or more passive compact off-board sensor(s) to rapidly discriminate multiple maritime targets in a high contact density environment. Develop low-power multi-modal data fusion methodology, as required, based on limited data from this and other potentially available compact sensors.

DESCRIPTION: The sea battlespace presents a complex environment for clandestine surveillance and identification of multiple surface, sub-surface, and air targets traveling close together and for communications between sensor nodes. Data sharing and wireless network architectures must be efficient and functional with minimal data transmissions (<1kb) per decision to conserve power, maintain stealth, and enable rapid responses. Mission durations may reach one year, therefore, distributed sensing systems require methods and design tools for extracting maximum value from minimal passive information. The ability to quickly extract information on target type, position, heading, and speed is needed to ensure high probability of successful and timely responses. Tools and methodologies should present single point and summed single point data interpretation methods with an emphasis on low data rates and amounts looking for (but not limited to) target type, bearing, azimuth, and range. Operational methods for data collection and analysis should be compatible with very small (< ½ the volume of an A-size sonobuoy) and ultra-low power (i.e., passive) sensor nodes.

PHASE I: Phase I will generate an operational concept and one, to a few, preliminary hardware designs capable of recording, processing, and sharing data in a wireless manner with other sensors and a remote operator. The method of wireless communication will be determined as needed with the developer and the sponsor. The preliminary hardware design(s) will be given the opportunity to vet, via modeling/simulation, against target signature data from currently available sources prior to final sensor modality selection and for pre-selection laboratory test and evaluation. The deliverables of Phase I will include a preliminary hardware design documentation and related software (up to and including) detailed instructions on firmware setting(s) along with drawings and methodology documentation.

PHASE II: During Phase II, the breadboard sensor(s) and data processing methodology developed during Phase I will be converted into prototypes to collect data against targets of opportunity, prior to an at-sea experiment of the prototype sensor against said targets of interest. The prototype sensor will be expected to discriminate said targets of interest from at least one relative class of targets under the same environmental conditions. The deliverables of Phase II will include all hardware, software (to include detailed instructions on firmware settings) and detailed drawing and design packages for prototypes, and the test results from the at-sea experiment.

PHASE III: During Phase III, the sensor(s) tested during Phase II will be configured into a production-level package and optimally programmed against a high-value target. The sensor(s) will be expected to operationally discriminate said high-value target from at least three relative classes of targets known to present similar signature profiles under the same environmental conditions. The deliverables of Phase III will include all hardware, software (to include detailed instructions on firmware settings) and detailed drawing and design packages for the prototypes, and an assessment the concept’s operational utility.

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

REFERENCES:
1. MacMillan, Neil, and C. Douglas Creelman. 2004. Detection Theory: A User’s Guide. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. ISBN-10: 0805842314.

2. Hassab, Joseph C. 1989. Underwater Signal and Data Processing. University of Michigan: CRC Press. ISBN: 0849368006.

KEYWORDS: Distributed sensors; target discrimination; vessel intent

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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