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Below is a cache of http://www.acq.osd.mil/osbp/sbir/solicitations/sttr07/army07.pdf. It's a snapshot of the page taken as our search engine crawled the Web.
The web site itself may have changed. You can check the current page or check for previous versions at the Internet Archive. Yahoo! is not affiliated with the authors of this page or responsible for its content. ARMY - 1 ARMY ARMY - 1 ARMY PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL The United States Army Research Office (ARO), reporting to the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) manages the
Armys Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program. The following pages list topics that have been
approved for the fiscal year 2007 STTR program. Proposals addressing these areas will be accepted for
consideration if they are received no later than the closing date and hour of this solicitation. The Army anticipates funding sufficient to award one or two STTR Phase I contracts to small businesses with their
partner research institutions in each topic area. Awards will be made on the basis of technical evaluations using the
criteria contained in the solicitation, within the bounds of STTR funds available to the Army. If no proposals within
a given area merit support relative to those in other areas, the Army will not award any contracts for that topic.
Phase I contracts are limited to a maximum of $100,000 over a period not to exceed six months. Please Note! The Army requires that your entire proposal (consisting of Proposal Cover Sheets, the full Technical
Proposal, Cost Proposal-using the template provided and Company Commercialization Report) must be
submitted electronically through the DoD-wide SBIR/STTR Proposal Submission Website
(http://www.dodsbir.net/submission). A hardcopy is NOT required. Hand or electronic signature on the
proposal is also NOT required. The DoD-wide SBIR/STTR Proposal Submission system (available at http://www.dodsbir.net/submission) will lead
you through the preparation and submission of your proposal. Refer to section 3.0 at the front of this solicitation for
detailed instructions on Phase I proposal format. You must include a Company Commercialization Report as part of
each proposal you submit; however, it does not count against the proposal page limit. If you have not updated your
commercialization information in the past year, or need to review a copy of your report, visit the DoD SBIR/STTR
Proposal Submission site. Please note that improper handling of the Commercialization Report may result in the
proposal being substantially delayed and that information provided may have a direct impact on the review of the
proposal. Refer to section 3.5d at the front of this solicitation for detailed instructions on the Company
Commercialization Report.
If you collaborate with a university, please highlight the research that they are doing and verify that the work is
FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH. Be reminded that if your proposal is selected for award, the technical abstract and discussion of anticipated benefits
will be publicly released on the Internet therefore, do not include proprietary or classified information in these
sections. DoD will not accept classified proposals for the STTR Program. Note also that the DoD web site contains
timely information on firm, award, and abstract data for all DoD SBIR/STTR Phase I and II awards going back
several years. This information can be viewed on the DoD SBIR/STTR Awards Search website at
www.dodsbir.net/awards.
Based upon progress achieved under a Phase I contract, utilizing the criteria in Section 4.3, a firm may be invited to
submit a Phase II proposal (with the exception of Fast Track Phase II proposals see Section 4.5 of this
solicitation). Phase II proposals should be structured as follows: the first 10-12 months (base effort) should be
approximately $375,000; the second 10-12 months of funding should also be approximately $375,000. The entire
Phase II effort should generally not exceed $750,000. Contract structure for the Phase II contract is at the discretion
of the Armys Contracting Officer after negotiations with the small business.
The Army does not issue interim or option funding between STTR phase I and II efforts, but will provide
accelerated phase II proposal evaluation and contracting for projects that qualify for fast-track status.
Army STTR Contracts may be fully funded or funded using options or incremental funding.
ARMY - 2 CONTRACTOR MANPOWER REPORTING (CMR) (Note: Applicable only to U.S. Army issued STTR
contracts) Accounting for Contract Services, otherwise known as Contractor Manpower Reporting (CMR), is a Department of
Defense Business Initiative Council (BIC) sponsored program to obtain better visibility of the contractor service
workforce. This reporting requirement applies to all STTR contracts issued by an Army Contracting Office. Offerors are instructed to include an estimate for the cost of complying with CMR as part of the cost proposal for
Phase I ($100,000 max) and Phase II ($750,000 max), under CMR Compliance in Other Direct Costs. This is an
estimated total cost (if any) that would be incurred to comply with the CMR requirement. Only proposals that
receive an award will be required to deliver CMR reporting, i.e. if the proposal is selected and an award is made, the
contract will include a deliverable for CMR. To date, there has been a wide range of estimated costs for CMR. While most final negotiated costs have been
minimal, there appears to be some higher cost estimates that can often be attributed to misunderstanding the
requirement. The STTR program desires for the Government to pay a fair and reasonable price. This technical
analysis is intended to help determine this fair and reasonable price for CMR as it applies to STTR contracts. The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower & Reserve Affairs) operates and maintains the secure CMR System. The CMR website is located here: https://contractormanpower.army.pentagon.mil/ . The CMR requirement consists of the following 13 items, which are located within the contract document, the contractor's existing cost accounting system (i.e. estimated direct labor hours, estimated direct labor
dollars), or obtained from the contracting officer representative: (1) Contracting Office, Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer's Technical Representative; (2) Contract number, including task and delivery order number; (3) Beginning and ending dates covered by reporting period; (4) Contractor name, address, phone number, e-mail address, identity of contractor employee entering
data; (5) Estimated direct labor hours (including sub-contractors); (6) Estimated direct labor dollars paid this reporting period (including sub-contractors); (7) Total payments (including sub-contractors); (8) Predominant Federal Service Code (FSC) reflecting services provided by contractor (and separate
predominant FSC for each sub-contractor if different); (9) Estimated data collection cost; (10) Organizational title associated with the Unit Identification Code (UIC) for the Army Requiring
Activity (The Army Requiring Activity is responsible for providing the contractor with its UIC for the
purposes of reporting this information); (11) Locations where contractor and sub-contractors perform the work (specified by zip code in the
United States and nearest city, country, when in an overseas location, using standardized nomenclature
provided on website); (12) Presence of deployment or contingency contract language; and (13) Number of contractor and sub-contractor employees deployed in theater this reporting period (by
country). The reporting period will be the period of performance not to exceed 12 months ending September 30 of each government fiscal year and must be reported by 31 October of each calendar year. According to the required CMR contract language, the contractor may use a direct XML data transfer to the Contractor Manpower Reporting System database server or fill in the fields on the Government website. The
CMR website also has a no-cost CMR XML Converter Tool. The CMR FAQ explains that a fair and reasonable price for CMR should not exceed 20 hours per contractor. Please note that this charge is PER CONTRACTOR not PER CONTRACT, for an optional one ARMY - 3 time set up of the XML schema to upload the data to the server from the contractor's payroll systems
automatically. This is not a required technical approach for compliance with this requirement, nor is it likely
the most economical for small businesses. If this is the chosen approach, the CMR FAQ goes on to explain
that this is a ONE TIME CHARGE, and there should be no direct charge for recurring reporting. This would
exclude charging for any future Government contract or to charge against the current STTR contract if the
one time set up of XML was previously funded in a prior Government contract. Given the small size of our STTR contracts and companies, it is our opinion that the modification of contractor payroll systems for automatic XML data transfer is not in the best interest of the Government.
CMR is an annual reporting requirement that can be achieved through multiple means to include manual
entry, MS Excel spreadsheet development, or use of the free Government XML converter tool. The annual
reporting should take less than a few hours annually by an administrative level employee. Depending on
labor rates, we would expect the total annual cost for STTR companies to not exceed $500 annually, or to be
included in overhead rates. ARMY - 4 Army STTR 07 Topic Index
A07-T001 Long life, low power, multicell battery A07-T002 Software Anti-Tamper for Matrix based Algorithms A07-T003 Modular and Authorable Intelligent Tutoring System for Immersive Scenario-Based Training A07-T004 DRIVING WISDOM: Web-based Training for Young Adults to Improve Operator Judgments that
Mitigate Crash Risk in Privately Owned Vehicles A07-T005 Interband Resonant-Tunneling-Diode (I-RTD) Hybrid Terahertz Oscillator A07-T006 Nanostructures for dislocation blocking in infrared detectors A07-T007 Efficient and Robust Algorithms for Real-time Video Tracking of Multiple Moving Targets A07-T008 Algorithms for Image Content Indexing and Information Retrieval from Unstructured or Semi-
structured Complex Database A07-T009 Frequency-agile monolithic Ka-band filter A07-T010 Development of Amorphous Alloy Surface Coatings as Replacement for Chromate Technology A07-T011 A Compact Membrane-Reactor Methanol Reformer A07-T012 Molecular Shape Detection for Chemical Analysis A07-T013 Dynamic Data-Driven Prognostics and Condition Monitoring of On-board Electronics A07-T014 Discontinuous Element Software for Computing 2D and 3D Failure of Materials under Ballistic
Impact A07-T015 Portable Fully-Automated Soil Property Measurement Probe A07-T016 Synthesis and Scaleup of Fuel-Cell Compatible Alkaline Electrolyte Membranes A07-T017 Ultrasound Assisted Oxidative Desulfurization of JP-8 Fuel A07-T018 High efficiency deep green light emitting diode A07-T019 Super-resolution adaptive laser beam projection system A07-T020 Fiber nonlinearity based entangled-photon sources A07-T021 Low Data Rate Frequency-Shifted Reference Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Communication Systems A07-T022 Diluted-Magnetic Semiconductor (DMS) Tunneling Devices for the Terahertz Regime A07-T023 Modular Protein Manufacturing Platform A07-T024 Aerosolization of Densified Powders Using Sublimable Solids A07-T025 Passive Detection and Prediction of Degradation in Critical Utility Pipeline Infrastructure A07-T026 Statistical Mobility Prediction for Small Unmanned Ground Vehicles A07-T027 Terrain Analysis from Unmanned Ground Vehicle Sensors A07-T028 Reduced-Order High-Fidelity Models for Signature Propagation A07-T029 Development of an Advanced Comfortable Prosthetic Socket A07-T030 Chromatophore-Based Toxicity Sensor for Water A07-T031 Development of Virtual Reality Tools for Training and Rehabilitation of Patient Using Advanced
Prosthesis A07-T032 Improved Lightweight Surgical Instrument and Linen Field Sterilization via Chlorine Dioxide or
Alternative Methodology A07-T033 Novel Topical Arthropod Repellent Formulation(s) with Superior Efficacy and High User
Acceptability A07-T034 High-Throughput Screening of Natural Product Extracts for Biologically Active Small Molecules A07-T035 Multi-Analyte, Wearable Chemical Nanosensor for Warfighter Physiological Status Monitor
(WPSM) A07-T036 Innovative Lightweight Energy and Water Efficient Treatment System for Fluid Medical Waste in
an Austere Deployed Environment A07-T037 Retinal Oximeter for Scientific and Clinical Applications A07-T038 Military Surgical Information System A07-T039 Real-Time, In Vivo Imaging to Identify Tumor Margins A07-T040 Standoff Remote Triage Sensor Array for Robotic Casualty Extraction Systems ARMY - 5 Army STTR 07 Topic Descriptions
A07-T001 TITLE: Long life, low power, multicell battery
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Ground/Sea Vehicles, Electronics
The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which
controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of
foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in
accordance with section 3.5.b.(7) of the solicitation.
OBJECTIVE: Develop a low-power miniature (coin cell or similar) battery with a 30-plus year operational lifespan
that is suitable for battery-backed static random access memory (SRAM) and environmentally friendly with minimal
disposal issues.
DESCRIPTION: This effort will focus on identifying new and innovative multi-cell battery technologies suitable for
powering battery-backup, low power static random access memories (SRAM). The new multi-cell battery shall be a
low power miniature (coin cell or similar) battery with a 30 plus year operational lifespan. The new battery
technology shall not incorporate toxic metals like cadmium, lead, mercury, etc. and minimize the amount of
hazardous materials. New battery technology shall not be constructed from energetic materials that may be
explosive under certain conditions. New battery shall not use radioactive materials. New battery technology shall not
use high temperature thermal battery technologies. The goal is to create an environmentally friendly battery with
minimal disposal issues. The new battery technology will be suitable for battery-backed SRAM memories and
SRAM memories for bitstream keys inside field programmable gate arrays (FPGA).
Current battery technology has focused on extending the life of the battery. An alternate approach would be to
combine multiple cells inside a battery. Each cell is initially in an inert state. After activation, a cell will operate as a
traditional low power battery-backup for low power SRAM typically used to store FPGA bitstream keys. A low
activation energy of less than 1% of each cells capacity is desired. The time to activate the cell should be less than 1
hour.
In concept, when a cell is approaching the end-of-life, another cell is activated, effectively extending the life of the
multi-cell battery. In a four cell battery, with 5 years of operational life per cell; a 20 year lifetime is possible.
Minimum lifetime for each cell, once activated, under an average 0.25/n mW load, is one month (approximately
0.2/n watt-hours) where n is the number of cells ( n >=1 ) inside the battery. The weighting, for evaluating the
technical merits of the new and innovative battery technology, will be battery life (2), nontoxic, non-hazardous
materials (1), and disposal (1).
PHASE I: Contractor will analyze and design a novel concept battery cell. The new battery technology shall not
incorporate hazardous or toxic materials like cadmium, lead, mercury, etc. New battery technology shall not be
constructed from energetic materials that may be explosive under certain conditions. New battery shall not use
radioactive materials. New battery technology shall not use high temperature thermal battery technologies. The goal
is to create an environmentally friendly battery with minimal disposal issues.
While in an inert state, the battery has a shelf life of 25 plus years at 25 degrees Celsius. Nominal operating
temperature range with slightly reduced performance: -10 degrees Celsius to +40 degrees Celsius. Operation over
the industrial temperature range of -40 to +85 degrees Celsius with reduced performance is desired. Battery
operation with reduced performance over part or all of the full military temperature range of -50 degrees Celsius to
+125 degrees Celsius will be considered a plus.
Upon activation, a cell will provide power for a battery-backed SRAM memory for 0.1 (lower limit) to 5 plus years
at 25 degrees Celsius. The energy for activation should be less than 10 % of each individual cells energy capacity
with a goal of less than 1 %. Contractor shall perform an accelerated aging test on the cell to determine the shelf life
in the inert, inactivated state and the operational lifespan of the cell for a simulated SRAM battery back-up memory.
ARMY - 6 The requirement for the new battery is to operate over the industrial temperature range of -40 to +85 degrees
Celsius. We are also interested in the potential performance of the battery over the full military temperature range
of -50 to +125 degrees C. The contractor shall conduct an accelerated aging test over the industrial temperature
range of -40 to +85 C. Operation over a wider temperature range up to the full military temperature range of -50 to
+125 C will be considered a plus.
Contractor shall provide a report describing accelerated aging test and battery lifespan for current levels of 0.1 to 10
equivalent loads for a SRAM with at least 256 bit memory capacity.
PHASE II: Contractor shall develop a multi-cell battery based on the technologies from Phase I to create a battery
with greater than a 25 year operational lifespan powering a battery backed SRAM at 25 degrees Celsius. Contractor
shall have an independent verification and validation (IV&V) to validate the batteries performance over the
industrial temperature range of -40 to +85 degrees Celsius and for current levels of 0.1 to 10 equivalent loads for a
SRAM with at least 256 bit memory capacity. Operation over a wider temperature range up to the full military
temperature range of -50 to +125 C will be considered a plus. Contractor shall provide a report on the IV&V.
PHASE III: Contractor shall team with a prime contractor and commercialize the new battery technology. The
contractor is encouraged to team with a defense prime contractor and a traditional commercial corporation to market
the technology to both military and commercial end users. Contractor shall provide an IV&V report on accelerated
aging tests for a production level battery showing mean battery life as a function of temperature over the industrial
temperature range of -40 to +85 degrees Celsius and for current levels of 0.1 to 10 equivalent loads for a SRAM
with at least 256 bit memory capacity. Operation over a wider temperature range up to the full military temperature
range of -50 to +125 degrees Celsius will be considered a plus. Contractor shall have an independent laboratory test
the battery to flight safety requirements of the FAA. Contractor shall provide an independent laboratory report on
the batterys materials and disposal issues. Contractor shall provide a material safety data sheet on battery family.
REFERENCES:
1. N. Weste, and D. Harris: CMOS VLSI Design: A Circuits and Systems Perspective, Addison Wesley, 2004.
ISBN: 0321149017.
2. R. Kaushik, S. Prasad: Low Voltage CMOS VLSI Circuit Design, Wiley, 1999, ISBN: 047111488X.
3. D. Linden and T. Reddy: Handbook of Batteries, McGraw-Hill Companies, 2001, ISBN: 0071359788.
4. University of California: Researchers create first nanofluidic transistor,
http://www.physorg.com/news4815.html.
5. Gillette Company: Zinc-Air Bulletin, 2004, http://www.duracell.com/oem/Primary/Zinc
/Zinc_Air_Tech_Bulletin.pdf.
6. V. Barsukov and F. Beck: New Promising Electrochemical Systems for Rechargeable Batteries: Proceedings of
the NATO Advanced Research Workshop, Springer London, Limited, 1996, ISBN: 0792339487.
7. R. Dell, and D. Rand: Understanding Batteries, Royal Society of Chemistry, 2001, ISBN: 0854046054.
8. T. Minami, et al.: Solid State Ionics for Batteries, Springer-Verlag New York, LLC, 2005, ISBN: 4431249745.
9. N. Nguyen and S. Wereley: Fundamentals and Applications of Microfluidics, Second Edition, Artech House,
2006, ISBN: 1580539726.
10. C. Liu: Foundations of MEMS, Prentice Hall, 2005, ISBN: 0131472860.
11. N. Maluf and K. Williams: Introduction to Microelectromechanical Systems Engineering, Artech House,
ISBN: 1580535909.
ARMY - 7 12. Technology Review: Higher-Capacity Lithium-Ion Batteries
http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=17017&ch=nanotech , June 2006.
13. J. Walko: Nanobattery technology could eliminate fire risks,
http://www.embedded.com/showArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=TSOLYR5YS2YPMQSNDLRSKH0CJUNN2JVN?article
ID=192203405 August 23, 2006.
14. MIT Tech Talk: Researchers employ virus to build tiny batteries, Vol. 50, No. 23, April 2006,
http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2006/techtalk50-23.pdf.
15. D. Teeters, et al.: Nano-battery systems, US Patent 6,586,133, July 2003. http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-
Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=5
0&s1=6586133.PN.&OS=PN/6586133&RS=PN/6586133
16. Brown University: Brown University engineers create a better battery with plastic,
http://www.physorg.com/news77371085.html.
KEYWORDS: Electronics, battery, field programmable gate arrays, FPGA, SRAM, micro-electromechanical
systems, MEMS, micro-fluidic systems.
A07-T002 TITLE: Software Anti-Tamper for Matrix based Algorithms
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems
The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which
controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of
foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in
accordance with section 3.5.b.(7) of the solicitation.
OBJECTIVE: Research objective is to investigate improving software level obfuscation for highly regular matrix
based algorithms. A number, of recursive algorithms or adaptive algorithms, consists of an iterative matrix equation
W(k+1) = f [W(k)] + other terms where W( ) is a matrix. The highly regular structure makes reverse engineering
trivial. Software obfuscation increases the difficulty of reverse engineering software. For matrix equations, there
are other options for obfuscation at the algorithm level: similarity transforms, transformations for sparse matrix
equations, etc. The goal here is to combine iterative matrix equations with clever matrix transformations (possibly
time varying transformations) with traditional code obfuscation techniques to improve software anti-tamper for
matrix intensive algorithms. Some possible applications for obfuscation at the matrix equation level include:
Kalman filtering, least-mean squares (LMS) algorithm, state space control theory, short-term Fourier transform,
wavelet signal processing, Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm, and streaming real-time image processing. The contractor
is asked to select a matrix intensive algorithm and examine obfuscation at the matrix equation level. Contractor may
also select an appropriate function domain(s): time, frequency, time-frequency, space, wavelet, etc.
DESCRIPTION: All U.S. Army Program Executive Offices (PEOs) and Program Managers (PMs) are now charged
with executing Army and Department of Defense (DoD) anti-tamper policies in the design and implementation of
their systems to afford maximum protection of U.S. technologies, thus providing maximum protection against them
being obtained and utilized and/or exploited by foreign adversaries. One area of vulnerability is in the software in a
weapons system, where there are many critical technologies that can be compromised. Techniques are now
emerging to begin to try to combat this loss of the U.S. technological advantage, but further advances are necessary
to provide useful toolsets to the U.S. Army PEOs and PMs for employment in their systems. As AT is a relatively
new area of concern, the development of AT techniques is in a somewhat immature state and new ideas are always
needed.
The goal of software obfuscation is, through transformations, clever disguise, or restructuring of the program, to
make it more difficult to reverse engineer computer software. Army and DoD systems use navigation software
where data from several sensors are blended together with a Kalman filter. A Kalman filter is a highly, regular, ARMY - 8 recursive matrix equation. The structured nature of a Kalman filter makes software obfuscation more difficult. We
would like to investigate the possibility of obfuscation at the algorithm level combined with traditional software
obfuscation for anti-tamper. The objective section describes some other possible matrix equations for study.
No technique is invulnerable or even clearly superior to the others in all circumstances; therefore, a mix of
protection techniques allows the defense to capitalize on the strengths of each technique while also masking the
shortfalls of other techniques. http://www.stsc.hill.af.mil/crosstalk/2004/11/0411atallah.html.
It should also be noted, that the use of off-the-shelf components in a system can seriously compromise an AT design
due to the ready availability of open-source documentation. The effort should therefore focus on denying an
adversary access to enough information to begin such a data search. The technologies/techniques developed should
inhibit an adversarys exploitation and/or reverse engineering effort to a point where it will require a significant
resource investment to compromise, allowing the U.S. time to advance its own technology or otherwise mitigate the
loss. As a result, the U.S. Army can continue to maintain a technological edge in support of its warfighters.
PHASE I: Contractor shall select a recursive or iterative matrix intensive algorithm. Some possible algorithms are
presented in the objective section. Contractor shall propose algorithm level obfuscation technique(s) for the selected
algorithm. Some potential challenges for obfuscating matrix equations include performance degradation, error
propagation, algorithm stability, and convergence issues. Series approximations to matrix and integral equations
may lead to difficulties with convergence. A series of obfuscated terms may lead to problems with correctly
deciding the appropriate point to truncate series terms. Problems with finite numerical precision may cause
convergence and stability problems. Obfuscation of near singular matrices may result in additional convergence and
stability problems. Other numerical, convergence issues, and algorithm stability issues may also be present.
Contractor shall propose an algorithm level obfuscation technique(s) for a selected matrix intensive algorithm.
Contractor shall provide a report discussing the feasibility of matrix equation level obfuscation and address the
limitations imposed by performance degradation, error propagation, approximations, convergence and stability.
Contractor shall provide an estimate, based on his past software anti-tamper knowledge and experience, of the level
of anti-tamper protection provided by the proposed matrix algorithm obfuscation concepts.
PHASE II: Contractor shall develop the concepts from Phase I into a functional prototype. Contractor shall provide
a report discussing numerical, convergence, and stability issues for the matrix algorithm obfuscation. Contractor
shall describe conditions where the matrix level obfuscation provides good convergence and stability. Contractor
shall also describe conditions where convergence and stability are poor. Contractor shall combine matrix level
obfuscation with tradition software obfuscation techniques.
Contractor shall demonstrate matrix algorithm obfuscation and software obfuscation running on an embedded
computer with an operating system. Contractor shall have an independent verification and validation (IV&V)
performed to test the anti-tamper/anti-reverse engineering provided by the matrix algorithm level obfuscation and
traditional software obfuscation. Contractor shall provide a detailed IV&V report of the anti-tamper/anti-reverse
engineering provided by the matrix algorithm level obfuscation and software obfuscation. Contractor shall provide
a detailed report(s) describing functionality of the anti-tamper tool.
PHASE III: Contractor shall develop a production grade matrix algorithm obfuscation and traditional software
obfuscation tool. Contractor is encourage to team with a prime contractor to apply the new obfuscation technology
to a current production level system. Contractor is encourage to consider a version of the obfuscation tool for
Homeland Security applications.
Contractor shall demonstrate matrix algorithm obfuscation and software obfuscation running on an embedded
computer with an operating system. Contractor shall have an independent verification and validation (IV&V)
performed to test the anti-tamper/anti-reverse engineering provided by the matrix algorithm obfuscation and
traditional software obfuscation. Contractor shall provide a detailed IV&V report of the anti-tamper/anti-reverse
engineering provided by the matrix algorithm obfuscation and software obfuscation. Contractor shall provide a
detailed report(s) describing functionality of anti-tamper tool.
REFERENCES:
1. P. Zarchan, and H. Musoff: Fundamentals of Kalman Filtering: A Practical Approach, American Institute of
Aeronautics & Astronautics, March 2005, ISBN: 1563476940.
2. M. Grewal, and A. P. Andrews: Kalman Filtering: Theory and Practice Using MATLAB, Wiley, Jan. 2001,
ISBN: 0471392545. ARMY - 9 3. G. Welch and G. Bishop: An Introduction to the Kalman Filter, Department of Computer Science, University
of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, February 2001,
http://terra.cs.nps.navy.mil/DistanceEducation/online.siggraph.org/2001/Courses/cd2/courses/51/Papers/kalman_intr
o.pdf .
4. J. Podesta: Brief Tutorial on the Kalman Filter, RDEC, Picatinny, Nov. 1994,
http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/ADA286571.
5. S. Haykin: Least-Mean-Square Adaptive Filters, Wiley, September 2003, ISBN: 0471215708.
6. A. D. Poularikas, and Z. M. Ramadan: Adaptive Filtering Primer with MATLAB, CRC Press, February 2006,
ISBN: 0849370434.
7. S. Qian: Introduction to Time-Frequency and Wavelet Transforms, Pearson Education, November 2001,
ISBN: 0130303607.
8. D. Hill and B. Kolman: Modern Matrix Algebra, Prentice Hall, 2000, ISBN: 0139488529.
9. D. Poole: Linear Algebra: A Modern Introduction (with CD-ROM), Brooks/Cole, February 2005, ISBN:
0534998453.
10. M. J. Atallah, E. D. Bryant, and M. R. Stytz, A Survey of Anti-Tamper Technologies, Cross Talk, Nov. 2004,
http://www.stsc.hill.af.mil/crosstalk/2004/11/0411atallah.html.
11. E. Eilam: Secrets of Reverse Engineering, Wiley, April 2005, ISBN: 0764574817.
12. L. M. Willis and P. Newcomb (editors): Reverse Engineering, Springer-Verlag, New York, July 1996, ISBN:
079239756.
13. K. A Ingle: Reverse Engineering, McGraw-Hill Professional, 1994, ISBN: 0070316937.
14. P. Cerven: Crackproof Your Software: Protect Your Software Against Crackers, No Starch Press, 2002,
ISBN: 1886411794.
15. B. Friedland: Control System Design: An Introduction to State-Space Methods, Dover Publications, March
2005, ISBN: 0486442780.
16. K. Ogata: Modern Control Engineering, Prentice Hall Professional Technical Reference, November 2001,
ISBN: 0130609072.
17. S. Janardhanan: Discrete-time Sliding Mode Control, Springer-Verlag, New York, October 2005, ISBN:
3540281401.
18. Wikipedia.org Short term Fourier transform, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Short_Term_Fourier_Transform.
19. J. R. Fienup: "Phase retrieval algorithms: a comparison," Applied Optics, Vol. 21, No. 15, pp. 2758-2769,
August 1, 1982. http://www.optics.rochester.edu/workgroups/fienup/PUBLICATIONS/AO82_PRComparison.pdf
20. Wikipedia.org: Gerchberg-Saxton Algorithm, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Gerchberg_saxton_algorithm.
21. Wikipedia.org: Singular value decomposition, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Singular_value_decomposition.
22. Wikipedia.org: Pseudoinverse, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudoinverse.
23. T. Maggiano: "Phase Retrieval Algorithms and their Applications," University of Arizona-Optical Science
Center, http://www.u.arizona.edu/~tlmaggia/Fienup.pdf.
KEYWORDS: Information technology devices, software obfuscation, Kalman filter, least-mean-square, LMS,
signal processing, image processing, adaptive filter, matrix algebra, linear algebra, state space, anti-tamper, AT,
reverse engineering, anti-reverse engineering, ARE, software protection
A07-T003 TITLE: Modular and Authorable Intelligent Tutoring System for Immersive Scenario-Based
Training
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Human Systems
OBJECTIVE: To develop an intelligent tutoring system that could be linked with multiple immersive scenario-based
training systems and could be updated by a person without specialized computer experience. The system would
monitor trainee performance, provide targeted instructional feedback, and evaluate how well the trainee performed
during a training scenario based on training objectives.
DESCRIPTION: Scenario-based training games are currently being used in the Army for a broad range of training
domains (e.g., military tactics, support and stability operations, weapons operation, and language training). The
research indicates that effectiveness of these training tools is currently mixed (Beal, 2005; Hays, 2005). One reason
why training games may not be living up to the hype is that the instructor functions of training environments are ARMY - 10 not regularly included as part of the system (Hays 2005; Belanich, Mullin, Dressel, 2004; Bloom, 1984). One goal
of this project is to develop a modular intelligent tutoring system that could be linked to different Army-based
training games in order to provide the needed instructor functionality that is currently lacking in many game-based
training systems.
For a modular ITS to work appropriately, it would need to exchange data with multiple scenario-based training
platforms. The data coming from the training platform would indicate the state of the scenario and provide a low-
level depiction of trainee performance. The ITS would use this data to develop a high-level understanding of trainee
performance as compared to a model of the training domain. Data going to the training platform would include data
to modify the scenario to meet the instructional need of the trainee, which would include instructional feedback.
For scenario-based training systems to be useful to a rapidly evolving military, they need to be easily authorable to
keep up with the ever-changing current operating environment. This flexibility needs to be provided to the
instructors who implement these types of training systems so they can adequately match the scenario content with
the appropriate training objectives (Ainsworth & Fleming, 2006). Therefore, a second goal of this project is to
develop an ITS that can be easily authorable by a typical instructor (i.e., person without highly specialized computer
skills).
Intelligent tutors are effective training tools, but usually require skilled personnel to develop the system for a
particular training platform. An ITS that can be adapted to work with multiple Army-based training platforms and is
easily updateable would offer powerful training options to the military that are currently not available. While
scenario-based (game-based) training systems have demonstrated limited effectiveness (Hays. 2005), if they are
armed with a robust ITS companion to elicit important lessons and training objectives, these training systems may
reach their full potential for training todays Soldiers.
PHASE I: Phase I should determine the feasibility of producing a modular intelligent tutoring system that works
with multiple immersive Army scenario-based training systems and covers a range of actions (e.g., speech acts and
physical acts). The deliverable for this phase includes a feasibility study with specific recommendations for the
system to be developed during the Phase II effort.
PHASE II: In Phase II, the findings of Phase I should be used to develop a working prototype of the system to be
assessed by instructors using immersive Army scenario-based training systems. Integration of the ITS with two
different scenario-based training platforms would be considered success.
PHASE III: Ownership of a modular intelligent tutor system that can be used by various scenario-based training
systems should position the company well for integrating their system into game-based training programs in use by
the military, as well as private and public sectors. Because the system is modular, it could be linked with a variety of
scenario-based training systems. The system would also find a receptive market in both the training and educational
fields, where scenario-based training systems are growing.
REFERENCES:
1. Shaaron Ainsworth & Piers Fleming, Evaluating authoring tools for teachers as instructional designers,
Computers in Human Behavior, v. 22, p. 131-148, 2006
2. Scott Beal, Using Games for Training Dismounted Light Infantry Leaders: Emergent Questions and Lessons
Learned (ARI Research Report 1841). U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences:
Arlington, VA, September 2005
3. James Belanich, Laura N. Mullin, & J. Douglas Dressel, Symposium on PC-based simulations and gaming for
military training (ARI Research Product 2005-01). Alexandria, VA: US Army Research Institute for the Behavioral
and Social Sciences, October 2004
4. Benjamin S. Bloom, The 2 sigma problem: the search for methods of group instruction as effective as one-to-one
tutoring. Educational Researcher, v. 13, n. 6, p. 416, June-July 1984
ARMY - 11 5. Robert T. Hays, The effectiveness of instructional games: A literature review and discussion. (Tech Report 2005-
004). Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, FL, November 2005
KEYWORDS: intelligent tutoring system, scenario, game-based training, simulation, serious games, authoring,
instruction
A07-T004 TITLE: DRIVING WISDOM: Web-based Training for Young Adults to Improve Operator
Judgments that Mitigate Crash Risk in Privately Owned Vehicles
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Human Systems
OBJECTIVE: Develop new transformative technologies to improve driver safety. Analyze and develop a
knowledge base of driver judgments that balance moderately risky but common hazards with ongoing, transportation
requirements; and evaluate web-based, training methods in order to motivate young adults (moderately experienced
drivers aged 20 to 35) to learn and apply this information in their daily driving. The tutoring module will tailor
instructional feedback to student responses and personal characteristics.
DESCRIPTION: In recent years, between 110 and 130 Soldiers have died annually because of crashes in privately
owned vehicles (POV) (https://crc.army.mil/). Therefore, understanding and improving driver safety remains an
important Army objective. Driver safety models theorize that risk assessment is critical to driver safety (Evans,
1991, 1993; Jonah, 1986; Deery 1999; Gregersen & Bjurulf, 1996), and empirical data have demonstrated: (a)
differences in risk assessment between novice and experienced drivers (Trankle, Gelau & Metker, 1990), and (b)
correlations between risk assessment accuracy and POV crash involvement for experienced drivers (Legree,
Heffner, Psotka, Martin & Medsker, 2003; Legree, Martin, Medsker & Gregory, 1999). In these research
formulations, risk assessment has been conceptualized to include identification, assessment, and reaction to driving
hazards and risks. According to these results, drivers who are more likely to be involved in vehicle crashes are less
able to detect driving hazards and assess the risk associated with specific hazards, especially those risks involving
internal psychological states (e.g., fatigue, stress, illness) as well as poorly-documented external factors (e.g.,
surface quality, distracting children). Such drivers are less likely to act to mitigate those risks, even when proficient
with the mechanics of driving, as are experienced drivers in the targeted age range.
However, reviews of driver education curricula and traffic safety guidance indicate that training programs typically
support risk assessment only poorly, and improvements with most driver-training programs have been limited to
very specific behaviors (Mayhew & Simpson, 1995; Mayhew & Simpson, 2002). These programs often focus on
the mechanics of driving and may address the importance of physical risks (e.g., icy roads), but seldom deal with
risks derived from internal states. In fact, research has not fully documented the many conceptual and inherently
subtle hazards that influence a drivers psychological state and are frequently encountered by experienced (rather
than novice) drivers between the ages of 20 and 35. Moreover, research has not identified actions that might
mitigate the risks associated with these specific hazards. Consequently, driving tutorials could be greatly improved
by identifying and teaching this knowledge to populations that are fully versant with the mechanics of driving and
capable of responding to physical risks.
This project is intended to address this scientific gap by supporting applied research that:
Surveys young, experienced drivers (between the ages of 25 and 35) to document frequently encountered driving
hazards (including internal states) in sufficient detail to identify actions that proactively avoid or reactively mitigate
those risks, while balancing transportation requirements.
Empirically links expectations regarding those hazards & actions to crash involvement metrics.
Develops web-based tutorials that effectively teach this knowledge to drivers who are 20 to 35 years old using
adaptive simulation technologies, which are commercially available and compliant with the Shareable Content
Object Reference Model (SCORM) format.
PHASE I: Phase I should determine the feasibility of using critical incident interviews and resulting surveys to
document safety risks that are commonly encountered by young, experienced drivers and identify strategies to
mitigate and/or avoid those risks. A variety of inductive procedures, such as Latent Semantic Analyses and ARMY - 12 Consensus Based Assessment may be considered to analyze these data. The resultant guidance is intended to be
practical, balancing travel requirements while minimizing risk. Concurrent with initial efforts to identify safety risks
and related strategies, Phase I will design a SCORM compliant modular tutoring system to provide information to
students that:
1. Mitigates all risks that are most likely to be experienced by individual students, particularly those based on their
internal states and characteristics.
2. Reinforces learning using simulation technologies that emotionally engage students.
The deliverable for this phase includes a detailed experimental study with specific recommendations for the research
to be conducted and a working prototype (based on one external risk and two internal risk factors) of the system to
be developed during the Phase II effort.
PHASE II: Phase II should expand on Phase I accomplishments to expand the identified risks and actions, while
linking understandings of those risks and actions to crash involvement metrics. Phase II will develop web-based
modules to effectively teach this information to the target population using intelligent simulation technologies.
PHASE III: Ownership of a web-based driver tutorial that can be used to train hazard recognition and reduce crash
risk should position the company well for integrating their product into applications designed to enhance driver
safety. The system is envisioned to find a receptive market in private and public sectors oriented towards improving
driver safety in young adult populations. These sectors include other military services, student support services for
colleges and universities, and the insurance industry.
REFERENCES:
1. Deery, H. A. (1999). Hazard and risk perception among young novice drivers. Journal of Safety Research, 30,
225-236.
2. Evans, L. (1993). Comments on driver behavior and its role in traffic crashes. Alcohol, Drugs and Driving, 9,
185-195.
3. Evans, L. (1991). Traffic Safety and the Driver. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
4. Gregersen, N. P., & Bjurulf, P. (1996). Young novice drivers: Towards a model of their accident involvement.
Accident, Analysis, & Prevention, 28, 229-241.
5. Jonah, B. A. (1986). Accident risk and risk-taking behaviour among young drivers. Accident, Analysis &
Prevention, 18, 255-271.
6. Legree, P. J., Heffner, T. S., Psotka, J. Martin, D. E., & Medsker G. J., (2003). Traffic Crash Involvement:
Experiential Driving Knowledge and Stressful Contextual Antecedents. Journal of Applied Psychology, 88, 15-26.
7. Legree, P. J., Martin, D. E., Medsker G. J. & Gregory, E. (1999). Tacit Driving Knowledge and Traffic Accident
Risk: Safety Implications. (U.S. Army Research Institute Study Note 99-03). Alexandria, VA: U.S. Army Research
Institute.
8. Mayhew, D., & Simpson, H. M. (1995). The Role of Driving Experience. Ottawa, Ont.: Traffic Injury Research
Foundation of Canada.
9. Mayhew, D., & Simpson, H. M. (2001). The safety value of driver education and prevention. Injury Prevention, 8,
113-118.
10. Trankle, U., Gelau, C., & Metker, T. (1990). Risk perception and age-specific accidents of young drivers.
Accident, Analysis & Prevention, 22, 119-125.
ARMY - 13 KEYWORDS: driver safety, risk assessment, accident and crash risk, game-based training and simulation, web-
based instruction, SCORM Compliant
A07-T005 TITLE: Interband Resonant-Tunneling-Diode (I-RTD) Hybrid Terahertz Oscillator
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Chemical/Bio Defense
OBJECTIVE: To design, build and demonstrate a novel hybrid terahertz (THz) oscillator that utilizes optical-
triggering of an interband resonant-tunneling diode (I-RTD) device to achieve record output power performance
(e.g., > 3-10 milliwatts) across broad portions of the THz frequency band (e.g., 300-600 GHz) from an all solid-state
design operating at room temperature. Military relevant applications of this new source technology include point and
remote monitoring for chemical and biological threat agents; standoff imaging of concealed weapons and
explosives; ultra-high speed/frequency data processing and communications; and characterization of bio-molecular
based devices and systems.
DESCRIPTION: The technological goal of developing a robust and powerful source of controllable electromagnetic
radiation within the so-called THz frequency regime (i.e., often defined as the portion of the submillimeter-
wavelength electromagnetic (EM) spectrum between approximately 1 millimeter (300 GHz) and 100 micrometers(3
THz)) remains one of the long-standing grand challenges of high frequency electronics. As is well known, the THz
regime spans across the frequency domain from RF electronics (where devices primarily utilize transport
mechanisms) to photonics (where devices primarily utilize quantum mechanical state transitions) and challenging
engineering problems exist in this quasi-optical "gap" where EM wavelength is on the order of component size.
Specifically, fundamental physical factors have severely limited the performance (i.e., power and efficiency) of all
traditional devices concepts - i.e., in attempts both to extend upward from the millimeter-wave and to extrapolate
down from the far infrared. Due to these basic factors, the solid-state electronics capability at THz frequencies
remains somewhat limited from a basic signal source and systems perspective. However, while technology limits
persist, there has been a great wave of growing scientific interest in THz-related phenomenon, and this includes
many military-relevant applications areas - e.g., THz spectroscopic detection, identification and characterization of
biological agents and standoff imaging of concealed weapons and explosives.
Indeed, these high priority defense and security applications within the THz regime, along with the unique potential
payoffs to the fundamental sciences, previously motivated the U.S. Army Research Program to make significant
investments into a number of novel, high-risk, solid-state oscillator concepts. This has subsequently led to an
important recent breakthrough where an interband-tunneling mechanism present in staggered-bandgap resonant
tunneling diodes (RTDs) has been shown useful for accessing instability processes at the nanoscale [1]. This is
important because it allows for the elimination of certain broad-band design requirements (i.e., prevent unwanted
low-frequency modes) that had severely limited output power performance within fundamental RTD oscillators.
Furthermore, as a direct result of a long-term research investment by the by U.S. Army Research Office, accurate
models for describing the electron transport phenomenon within Interband RTDs (I-RTDs) were developed for the
first time [2, 3] and this led to comprehensive theoretical studies [4] of a Hybrid I-RTD oscillator that utilized
optical-triggering to realize record output power performance (i.e., > 3 milliwatts) over a significant portion of the
THz band (i.e., 300-600 GHz). Optimization studies have also been used to show the great promise of alternative
types of staggered-bandgap hetero-systems [5, 6] that allow for the design of Hybrid I-RTD oscillators which utilize
state-of-the-art laser technology (i.e., 1.55 micrometers) to realize predicted output power performance at room
temperature that exceeds all other known types of all solid-state oscillators. This research work has provided a
detailed design criterion for the entire hybrid circuit design, along with a practical implementation strategy for
integrating the optical triggering and an analysis of the heating induced during large signal operation [7] and
motivates the development of a new collaborative effort between small business and fundamental research that can
be used to realize a practical demonstration of this important new technological capability.
PHASE I: The Phase I effort should apply new physics-based models towards the specification and conceptual
design of a novel I-RTD hybrid oscillator that employs optical-triggering to achieve superior output power
performance at THz frequencies. The design and optimization studies should also consider alternative types of
staggered-bandgap hetero-systems and determine their potential for performance enhancements. The Phase I studies ARMY - 14 should also specify experimental methods for indirect testing/measurement of device dynamics and acquire data for
critical device and circuit parameters where possible.
PHASE II: The Phase II effort should build and demonstrate a prototype I-RTD hybrid THz oscillator that exhibits
state-of-the-art output power performance (e.g., > 3-10 milliwatts) across a significant portion of the THz frequency
band. The Phase II effort is expected to include strong contributions from staggered-bandgap hetero-systems
materials growth/fabrication, device/circuit design and optimization and oscillator measurment and characterization.
The Phase II effort should also document the utility of the new oscillator in one or more military relevant THz
applications.
PHASE III: The initial goals of the program are to demonstrate the performance and value of the new THz source in
highly military relevant applications - i.e., such as monitoring of chemical and biological agents and standoff
imaging of concealed threats. However, this same technology would have relevance to a number of private sector
areas i.e., such as advanced laboratory components for scientific characterization studies and for materials/process
monitoring in commerical manufactering. Hence, a Phase III effort is expected that would explore these type or
near-term private sector opportunities, and possible the exploration of longer-term opportunities such as short-range
/wide-bandgap communications and ultra-fast data processing.
REFERENCES:
1. D. Woolard, W. Zhang, and B. Gelmont, A Novel Interband-Resonant-Tunneling-Diode (I-RTD) Based High-
Frequency Oscillator, Sol. St. Electr., 9, 257 (2005).
2. B. Gelmont, D. Woolard, W. Zhang and T. Globus, Electron Transport within Resonant Tunneling Diodes with
Staggered-Bandgap Heterostructures, Sol. St. Electr., 46, 1513 (2002).
3. D. L. Woolard, et. al, Advanced Theory of Instability in Tunneling Nanostructure, Chap. 8 in Terahertz
Sensing Technology, Vol.II (World Scientific, Singapore, 2003).
4. W. Zhang, D. Woolard, E. Brown and B. Gelmont, A Novel I-RTD Based Optically-Pulsed Hybrid Device for
Generaing THz oscillations, Pro. SPIE Symp. Opt. East, 5995, 59950S (2005).
5. D. Woolard, W. Zhang, E. Brown, B. Gelmont and R. Trew, An Optically-Triggered I-RTD Hybrid Device for
Continuous-Wave Generation of THz Oscillations, Pro. SPIE Symp.on Defense & Security, 6212, 621207 (2006).
6. W. Zhang, D. Woolard, E. Brown, B. Gelmont and R. Trew, Design and Optimization of an I-RTD Hybrid THz
Oscillator based upon In1-xGaxAs/GaSbyAs1-y Heterostructure Systems, accepted to the IJHSES (2006).
7. D. Woolard, W. Zhang, E. Brown, B. Gelmont and R. Trew, An Optically-Triggered I-RTD Hybrid THz
Oscillator Design, accepted to the IJHSES (2006).
KEYWORDS: Interband Tunneling, Resonant Tunneling Diodes, Terahertz Frequency, Oscillator Source
A07-T006 TITLE: Nanostructures for dislocation blocking in infrared detectors
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Electronics
OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative nanostructures to block Si substrate associated dislocations from propagating into
the active volumes of infrared photon detectors.
DESCRIPTION: Present day semiconductor technology requires that infrared focal plane arrays (IRFPAs) employ
read out integrated circuits (ROICs) based on silicon (Si). As such, the growth of HgCdTe or III-V quantum
structures on Si substrates offers significant advantages of lattice and thermal matching between the ROIC and the
substrate. Si substrates are also of low cost and provide the potential for larger array formats. The main difficulties
encountered in the growth of these detectors on Si are the large lattice and thermal mismatch between the materials
(~19% for HgCdTe/Si) that gives rise to a high density of defects in the epilayers. Both difficulties have been
partially overcome using buffer layers, as evidenced by the significant increase in crystal quality in the last 15 years.
However, the defect density in the subsequently grown long wavelength infrared (LWIR) layers still is higher than
that of epilayers grown on other substrates which are more expensive and often fragile as in CdZnTe substrates. The
strain-induced defects propagate into the epilayers, which significantly reduce the sensitivity of LWIR infrared
sensing devices and also create pixel to pixel nonuniformity. As research and development efforts advance, it has
become obvious that defects are impeding the progress of IRFPAs with Si substrates. ARMY - 15 This solicitation seeks to make use of nanotechnology to lower substrate related dislocation densities and increase
uniformity for IRFPAs of interest to the Army. It has been recently noted that strain fields induced by quantum dot
buffer layers may be employed to suppress the propagation of dislocations(1,2). It has also been suggested that
several layers of quantum dots may be most effective in bending or merging dislocations(3). On the other hand, it is
important that the quantum dot buffer layers should not themselves create additional defects(4). Thus, dot
composition, dot size, and energy coherence are important parameters to control the strain and suppress the
dislocation growth. Uniform quantum dot buffer layers may also improve the spatial uniformity of the remaining
dislocations and the subsequent detector array. Other novel nanostructures may also provide the desired dislocation
filtering properties(5,6).
PHASE I: Demonstrate a reduction in dislocation density by use of nanostructure buffer layers between Si-based
substrates and LWIR infrared detector material. Estimate the yield of low defect layers, the improvement of array
photoresponse uniformity compared to other techniques, and assess cost effectiveness.
PHASE II: Optimize the physical conditions necessary for effective suppression of dislocation growth. Fabricate and
demonstrate LWIR infrared detectors grown on substrates with nanostructured buffer layers that effectively suppress
dislocation propagation.
PHASE III: A large number of commercial applications will benefit from low cost infrared photon detectors to
include night surveillance, product control, and system thermal management. This technique should also be useful to
interface lasers, light emitting diodes, and Microwave/Millimeter Wave Monolithic Integrated Circuits (MIMIC)to
silicon electronics. For this STTR, a Phase III effort should be devoted to developing a manufacturing process for
infrared detector arrays with improved uniformity and sensitivity.
REFERENCES:
1. M. Bavencoffe, E. Houdart and C. Priester, Strained heteroepitaxy on nanomesas: a way toward perfect lateral
organization of quantum dots J. Cryst. Growth 275, 305 (2005)
2. Z. Mi, J. Yang, P. Bhattacharya, P.K.L. Chan and K.P. Pipe, High performance self-organized InGaAs quantum
dot lasers on silicon J. Vac. Sci. Technol. B 24, 1519 (2006)
3. M. Gutierrez, M. Hopkinson, H.Y. Liu, J.S. Ng, M. Herrera, D. Gonzalez, R. Garcia and R. Beanland, Strain
interactions and defect formation in stacked InGaAs quantum dot and dot-in-well structures, Physica E 26, 245
(2005)
4. K. Sears, J. Wong-Leung, H.H. Tan and J. Jagadish, The role of arsine in the self-assembled growth of
InAs/GaAs quantum dots by metal organic chemical vapor deposition J. Appl. Phys. 99, 113503 (2006)
5. Y. Chang, J. Zhao, H. Abad, C.H. Grein, S. Sivananthan, T. Aoki and D.J. Smith, Performance and
reproducibility enhancement of HgCdTe molecular beam epitaxy growth on CdZnTe substrates using interfacial
HgTe/CdTe superlattice layers Appl. Phys. Lett. 86, 131924 (2005);
6. K.M. Kim, Y.J. Park, S.H. Son, S.H. lee, J.I. Lee, J.H. Park and S.-K. Park, Artificial array of InAs quantum
dots on a strain-engineered superlattice Physica E 24, 148 (2004)
KEYWORDS: nanostructure, quantum dot, silicon substrate, dislocation
A07-T007 TITLE: Efficient and Robust Algorithms for Real-time Video Tracking of Multiple Moving
Targets
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors
OBJECTIVE: To develop novel computational algorithms for real-time tracking of multiple moving targets. The
algorithms need to maintain robust performance in complex urban environments and for tracking nonlinear motions.
DESCRIPTION: Video tracking technologies find applications in surveillance systems, autonomous vehicles,
sensor networks, and precision munitions. For example, video surveillance plays a key role in force protection.
Video tracking is a desirable targeting approach to terminal homing for smart weapons because of anti-jamming
capabilities compared to GPS-based solutions. Key components of video tracking include target detection, track
association, and target motion estimation. The major drawback of the approach of traditional Extended Kalman ARMY - 16 Filtering (EKF) is its performance degradation for tracking nonlinear motions and for handling non-Gaussian noises
under high clutter. Improvements to EKF and various alternative approaches such as particle filtering or multiple-
hypothesis tracking algorithms have been proposed to improve the performance and robustness of tracking
algorithms, but often at the cost of intensive computation [1-7]. Current video tracking systems may work well in
laboratory environments or under benign operational conditions, but perform inadequately under severe conditions
with low signal-to-noise-ratio [5-7]. Target detection and track association remain challenging issues under such
conditions.
The U.S. Army seeks development of novel video tracking algorithms with improved performance for military
applications. The intended application is monitoring surroundings for stationary facilities or patrolling military
vehicles such as High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). Available inputs are visual and/or
infrared video streams. Recent advances have lead to algorithms with significant reduction in computation
requirements and to new approaches integrating detection with motion estimation [1-5, 8-9], which points to
potential improvements of tracking performance. The algorithms developed under this STTR topic must be
innovative and need to meet the following requirements. (1) They are computationally efficient and can be
implemented for real-time tracking of multiple moving targets. (2) They maintain robust performance in the
presence of high clutter, occlusion, dynamic range, illumination variation, orientation changes, and moderate image
distortion. (3) They track several types of targets in urban environments including human, civilian vehicles, and
military targets that could exhibit highly nonlinear motions. For example, a person of interest may walk, run, or stop.
(4) They should be able to track a number of targets of different types simultaneously. No assumption of constant
number of targets should be made. Its anticipated that temporal information should be utilized in order to achieve
robustness to mitigate temporary loss of frames or bad frames. The algorithms should deliver satisfactory
performance for publicly available representative civilian and military data.
PHASE I: Effort in Phase I may be directed to the development of basic tracking algorithms, analysis of details of
issues involved, and development of tools such as quantitative analysis or simulation software for the
characterization and testing of the algorithms under simplified scenarios. Quantitative characterization of tracking
performance should be obtained. Advantages and disadvantages of the proposed algorithms should be explicitly
identified and documented.
PHASE II: Efforts are suggested to focus on improving efficiency and robustness of tracking algorithms.
Simulation tools should be expanded to consider practical operation conditions with realistic modeling of urban
clutter and nonlinear target motion. Tracking performance should be documented and characterized based on
experimental data including publicly available representative civilian and military data.
PHASE III: Phase III will further develop and refine algorithms for commercial and military applications. Dual-use
applications include navigation of autonomous systems and security surveillance.
REFERENCES:
1. Chang, C., and R. Ansari, Kernel particle filter for visual tracking, IEEE Signal Processing Letters, Vol.12, No.3, pp.242-245, 2005.
2. Zhou, S.K., R. Chellappa, and B. Moghaddam, Visual tracking and recognition using appearance-adaptive models in particle filters, IEEE Trans. on Image Processing, Vol.13, No.11, pp.1491-1506, 2004.
3. Latecki, L.J., R. Miezianko, and D. Pokrajac, Tracking motion objects in infrared videos, Proc. IEEE Conf. Advanced Video and Signal Based Surveillance, 2005, pp.99-104.
4. Sebe, I.O., S. You, and U. Neumann, Globally optimum multiple object tracking, Acquisition, Tracking, and Pointing XIX, Proc. of SPIE, Vol.5810, pp.82-93, 2005.
5. Bar-Shalom, Y., X.R. Li, and T. Kirubarajan, Estimation with Applications to Tracking and Navigation, Wiley,
2001.
6. Philips, M.A., and S.R.F. Sims, A signal to clutter measure for ATR performance comparison, Automatic Target Recognition VII, Proc. of SPIE, Vol.3069, pp.74-81, 1997.
7. Bruno, M.G.S., and J.M.F. Moura, Multiframe detection/tracking in clutter: optimal performance, IEEE Trans. Aerosp. Electron. Syst., Vol.37, pp.925-946, 2001.
8. Bartesaghi, A., and G. Sapiro, Tracking of moving objects under severe and total occlusion, Proc. 2005 Intl Conf. Image Processing (ICIP 2005), Vol.1, pp.249-252, 2005. ARMY - 17 9. Vermaak, J., S. Maskell, and M. Briers, A unifying framework for multi-target tracking and existence, Proc. 2005 7th Intl. Conf. Info. Fusion (FUSION), pp.250-258, 2005.
KEYWORDS: Target detection, target tracking, filtering, infrared, video tracking, surveillance.
A07-T008 TITLE: Algorithms for Image Content Indexing and Information Retrieval from Unstructured or
Semi-structured Complex Database
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems
OBJECTIVE: To develop innovative computational algorithms for effective image content indexing and
information retrieval that retrieve relevant information from unstructured or semi-structured complex database. The
retrieved information should be associated with statistical measures of its relevance.
DESCRIPTION: Human can recognize objects with ease even in complex scenes because of the availability of a
massive knowledge base and the ability to efficiently retrieve information from it. Therefore, an alternative approach
to automatic target recognition is to create a comprehensive database that contains objects under as many variations
of environments and operation conditions as possible, to continuously update the database as new images collected,
and efficiently compare observations with objects in the database, all by utilizing increasing computing capabilities.
As a first step toward this goal, this STTR topic is aimed at developing effective algorithms for analyzing and
indexing image contents from unstructured or semi-structured (e.g., keyword indexed) database with minimum
human intervention to reduce false classifications. One potential approach is segmenting objects in an image and
indexing the objects based on the contextual information of the image such as scene. Image indexing can be further
restricted to defense relevant objects such as military vehicles. Algorithms for information retrieval should allow
flexible input formats such as sketches and sample images and must return search results within fraction of a second
after searching through a potentially large database created by the outputs of image content analysis and indexing
process. Successful retrieval requires intelligent elimination (e.g., through cognitive reasoning) of false positives.
The retrieved information should be associated with statistical measures of its relevance.
While text search engines have met with commercial success, the development for image search engines is still in its
infancy. Commercial image search engines are limited to keyword search. The main challenges for image indexing
and retrieval include (1) lack of low level signatures that can uniquely describe an object of interest, (2) the
difficulty of converting low level signatures into high level searchable features, and (3) the wide range of potential
variations of such characterizations under different operation environments and conditions when data were collected
[1-6]. Over the last decade, a number of testbeds for content-based image retrieval have been established with
various aspects of emphasis based on rudimentary features such as color, texture and shape [5-7]. Advances in a few
relevant fields (e.g., music information retrieval [4]) also provide knowledge and experience that can be used to aid
image retrieval. Recent research suggests that performance can be improved by semantic retrieval [5, 7].
The purpose of this project is to leverage recent progress to advance technologies for military relevant image
indexing and information retrieval. The intended application to automatic creation of knowledge base for automatic
target recognition systems and decision-making is of critical importance to the Armys Future Combat Systems.
PHASE I: Phase I may be directed to the analysis and design of algorithms for image content extraction and
indexing, and query-based information retrieval. A small-scale computer test should be established. Feasibility study
should be performed with documented results to prove that the proposed approach has the potential of success.
PHASE II: Efforts in Phase II are suggested to focus on expanding the scale and scope of the algorithms. Innovative
approaches are needed to maintain robust performance for handling large complex unstructured or semi-structured
database. Representative examples of publicly available civilian and military data should be processed and added to
the database. Potential tasks include (i) demonstration of the capability to analyze content of generic images with
minimum human intervention to reduce false classifications, (ii) design of approaches to efficient image-content
indexing, and (iii) demonstration of quality of performance for information retrieval with sketch or image query
input. A proof of concept prototype system is anticipated.
ARMY - 18 PHASE III: Phase III military applications include automated creation of target knowledge database for automatic
target recognition. Creation of new image indexing systems and launching of the next generation image search
engines will have enormous technological impact on both civilian and military sectors with unlimited
commercialization potential.
REFERENCES:
1. Berry, M., M. Browne, and J. Dongarra, Understanding Search Engines: Mathematical Modeling and Text Retrieval (2 Ed), Cambridge University Press, 2005.
2. Witten, I.H., A. Moffat, and T.C. Bell, Managing Gigabytes: Compressing and Indexing Documents and Images, Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1994.
3. Grossman, D.A., and O. Frieder, Information Retrieval: Algorithms and Heuristics, Springer, 2004. 4. Special issue on music information retrieval (MIR), IEEE Signal Processing Letters, Vol.13, No.8, 2006. 5. Leow, W., M.S. Lew, T. Chua, W. Ma, L. Chaisorn, and E.M. Bakker (eds.), Image and Video Retrieval, Proc. CIVR 2005, Singapore, July 2005.
6. Lew, M.S. (ed), Principles of Visual Information Retrieval, Springer, 2001. 7. Stix, G., A farewell to keywords, Scientific American, Vol.295, No.1, July 2006, pp.91-93.
KEYWORDS: Image indexing, image retrieval, search engine, automatic target recognition, database
A07-T009 TITLE: Frequency-agile monolithic Ka-band filter
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Electronics
OBJECTIVE: The goal of this research and development is an efficient, light weight and small footprint radio
frequency filter that is widely tunable within the Ka band.
DESCRIPTION: Though technology utilizing the Ka band (~26 40 GHz) is readily available, applications are
constrained by insufficient temperature stability, reliability, size and efficiency. Recent research in the growth of
bulk, thin film and nanocomposite active materials has resulted in material systems that respond naturally and
efficiently within the Ka band. Some ferroelectric and ferromagnetic materials, for example, are active in the Ka
band and can be continuously tuned through applied electric or magnetic fields. Recent breakthroughs have
demonstrated that ferroic materials and device structures can be harnessed for frequency-agile monolithic radio-
frequency (RF) devices in the Ka band without the need for prohibitively large external fields.
This topic seeks the identification of a ferroic material and device geometry for a frequency-agile Ka band filter and
a subsequent device demonstration with tuning fields generated by monolithically integrated circuitry. Features of
the filter that should be targeted are: (i) low insertion loss, targeting < 1 dB, (ii) high out-of-band rejection, targeting
> 20 dB, (iii) small size with preferably integrated solutions, (iv) the ability to operate at high power levels, targeting
> 2 Watts, (v) low power consumption in the device and control circuit, (vi) fast switching speed, and (vii)
temperature stability. Theoretical analysis of ferroic materials and candidate device designs are sought to determine
device characteristics. The control circuit is also an important part of the system and offerers are encouraged to
consider this aspect of the system. Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies have not been able to
collectively address all of the above requirements and novel alternate technological solutions are encouraged. The
resulting data will be used to produce a device design, process flow and test plan for a working prototype device to
be fabricated and fully tested in Phase II.
PHASE I: The offerer will demonstrate feasibility and predict device performance through extensive theoretical
investigation and modeling. The offerer will develop and document the design, decision path forward and
performance testing plan that will lead to a working prototype in Phase II.
PHASE II: The offerer will construct, test and evaluate the performance of the fully packaged device designed in
Phase I, including documentation of the final design and performance. The offerer will further provide a cost model
and draft a preliminary path to large-scale commercial manufacturability of the device.
ARMY - 19 PHASE III: This device and variants thereof can serve as an integral component of numerous commercial
applications including light-weight satellite communications, Local Multipoint Distribution Services (LMDS)
systems, network analyzers and spectroscopic instrumentation.
REFERENCES:
1. M. K. Roy and J. Richter, Tunable ferroelectric filters for software defined tactical radios, presented at the 15th
IEEE International Symposium on the Application of Ferroelectrics, July, 2006.
2. E. Schloemann, et. al. J. Appl. Phys. 63, 3140 (1988). (Fe, ferromagnetic, no dielectric)
3. B. Kuanr, et. al. IEEE Trans. on Mag. 41, 3538 (2005). (ferromagnetic w/ dielectric; avoids loss tangent issues.)
KEYWORDS: Microwave, millimeter wave, Ka band, filter, ferroics, ferroelectric, ferromagnetic
A07-T010 TITLE: Development of Amorphous Alloy Surface Coatings as Replacement for Chromate
Technology
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Materials/Processes
OBJECTIVE: The goal of the research is to identify cost effective manufacturing processes which are capable of
production of environmentally benign amorphous alloy surface coatings as replacement for chromate technology.
These surface coatings shall exhibit extremely high strength and modulus and provide the potential for very
effective friction, corrosion, and sand erosion resistance.
DESCRIPTION: Historically, chromium plating is used in a wide variety of applications from decorative hardware
to tribological friction/wear coatings for aerospace. Electrodeposited chromium films are highly effective in both
their corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. However, hard chrome is plated in the hexavalent state and in
this form any residuals from processing are highly toxic. The recent reduction in maximum allowed exposure level
of chromate ions (reduced from 52 to 5
The web site itself may have changed. You can check the current page or check for previous versions at the Internet Archive. Yahoo! is not affiliated with the authors of this page or responsible for its content. ARMY - 1 ARMY ARMY - 1 ARMY PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL The United States Army Research Office (ARO), reporting to the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) manages the
Armys Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program. The following pages list topics that have been
approved for the fiscal year 2007 STTR program. Proposals addressing these areas will be accepted for
consideration if they are received no later than the closing date and hour of this solicitation. The Army anticipates funding sufficient to award one or two STTR Phase I contracts to small businesses with their
partner research institutions in each topic area. Awards will be made on the basis of technical evaluations using the
criteria contained in the solicitation, within the bounds of STTR funds available to the Army. If no proposals within
a given area merit support relative to those in other areas, the Army will not award any contracts for that topic.
Phase I contracts are limited to a maximum of $100,000 over a period not to exceed six months. Please Note! The Army requires that your entire proposal (consisting of Proposal Cover Sheets, the full Technical
Proposal, Cost Proposal-using the template provided and Company Commercialization Report) must be
submitted electronically through the DoD-wide SBIR/STTR Proposal Submission Website
(http://www.dodsbir.net/submission). A hardcopy is NOT required. Hand or electronic signature on the
proposal is also NOT required. The DoD-wide SBIR/STTR Proposal Submission system (available at http://www.dodsbir.net/submission) will lead
you through the preparation and submission of your proposal. Refer to section 3.0 at the front of this solicitation for
detailed instructions on Phase I proposal format. You must include a Company Commercialization Report as part of
each proposal you submit; however, it does not count against the proposal page limit. If you have not updated your
commercialization information in the past year, or need to review a copy of your report, visit the DoD SBIR/STTR
Proposal Submission site. Please note that improper handling of the Commercialization Report may result in the
proposal being substantially delayed and that information provided may have a direct impact on the review of the
proposal. Refer to section 3.5d at the front of this solicitation for detailed instructions on the Company
Commercialization Report.
If you collaborate with a university, please highlight the research that they are doing and verify that the work is
FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH. Be reminded that if your proposal is selected for award, the technical abstract and discussion of anticipated benefits
will be publicly released on the Internet therefore, do not include proprietary or classified information in these
sections. DoD will not accept classified proposals for the STTR Program. Note also that the DoD web site contains
timely information on firm, award, and abstract data for all DoD SBIR/STTR Phase I and II awards going back
several years. This information can be viewed on the DoD SBIR/STTR Awards Search website at
www.dodsbir.net/awards.
Based upon progress achieved under a Phase I contract, utilizing the criteria in Section 4.3, a firm may be invited to
submit a Phase II proposal (with the exception of Fast Track Phase II proposals see Section 4.5 of this
solicitation). Phase II proposals should be structured as follows: the first 10-12 months (base effort) should be
approximately $375,000; the second 10-12 months of funding should also be approximately $375,000. The entire
Phase II effort should generally not exceed $750,000. Contract structure for the Phase II contract is at the discretion
of the Armys Contracting Officer after negotiations with the small business.
The Army does not issue interim or option funding between STTR phase I and II efforts, but will provide
accelerated phase II proposal evaluation and contracting for projects that qualify for fast-track status.
Army STTR Contracts may be fully funded or funded using options or incremental funding.
ARMY - 2 CONTRACTOR MANPOWER REPORTING (CMR) (Note: Applicable only to U.S. Army issued STTR
contracts) Accounting for Contract Services, otherwise known as Contractor Manpower Reporting (CMR), is a Department of
Defense Business Initiative Council (BIC) sponsored program to obtain better visibility of the contractor service
workforce. This reporting requirement applies to all STTR contracts issued by an Army Contracting Office. Offerors are instructed to include an estimate for the cost of complying with CMR as part of the cost proposal for
Phase I ($100,000 max) and Phase II ($750,000 max), under CMR Compliance in Other Direct Costs. This is an
estimated total cost (if any) that would be incurred to comply with the CMR requirement. Only proposals that
receive an award will be required to deliver CMR reporting, i.e. if the proposal is selected and an award is made, the
contract will include a deliverable for CMR. To date, there has been a wide range of estimated costs for CMR. While most final negotiated costs have been
minimal, there appears to be some higher cost estimates that can often be attributed to misunderstanding the
requirement. The STTR program desires for the Government to pay a fair and reasonable price. This technical
analysis is intended to help determine this fair and reasonable price for CMR as it applies to STTR contracts. The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower & Reserve Affairs) operates and maintains the secure CMR System. The CMR website is located here: https://contractormanpower.army.pentagon.mil/ . The CMR requirement consists of the following 13 items, which are located within the contract document, the contractor's existing cost accounting system (i.e. estimated direct labor hours, estimated direct labor
dollars), or obtained from the contracting officer representative: (1) Contracting Office, Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer's Technical Representative; (2) Contract number, including task and delivery order number; (3) Beginning and ending dates covered by reporting period; (4) Contractor name, address, phone number, e-mail address, identity of contractor employee entering
data; (5) Estimated direct labor hours (including sub-contractors); (6) Estimated direct labor dollars paid this reporting period (including sub-contractors); (7) Total payments (including sub-contractors); (8) Predominant Federal Service Code (FSC) reflecting services provided by contractor (and separate
predominant FSC for each sub-contractor if different); (9) Estimated data collection cost; (10) Organizational title associated with the Unit Identification Code (UIC) for the Army Requiring
Activity (The Army Requiring Activity is responsible for providing the contractor with its UIC for the
purposes of reporting this information); (11) Locations where contractor and sub-contractors perform the work (specified by zip code in the
United States and nearest city, country, when in an overseas location, using standardized nomenclature
provided on website); (12) Presence of deployment or contingency contract language; and (13) Number of contractor and sub-contractor employees deployed in theater this reporting period (by
country). The reporting period will be the period of performance not to exceed 12 months ending September 30 of each government fiscal year and must be reported by 31 October of each calendar year. According to the required CMR contract language, the contractor may use a direct XML data transfer to the Contractor Manpower Reporting System database server or fill in the fields on the Government website. The
CMR website also has a no-cost CMR XML Converter Tool. The CMR FAQ explains that a fair and reasonable price for CMR should not exceed 20 hours per contractor. Please note that this charge is PER CONTRACTOR not PER CONTRACT, for an optional one ARMY - 3 time set up of the XML schema to upload the data to the server from the contractor's payroll systems
automatically. This is not a required technical approach for compliance with this requirement, nor is it likely
the most economical for small businesses. If this is the chosen approach, the CMR FAQ goes on to explain
that this is a ONE TIME CHARGE, and there should be no direct charge for recurring reporting. This would
exclude charging for any future Government contract or to charge against the current STTR contract if the
one time set up of XML was previously funded in a prior Government contract. Given the small size of our STTR contracts and companies, it is our opinion that the modification of contractor payroll systems for automatic XML data transfer is not in the best interest of the Government.
CMR is an annual reporting requirement that can be achieved through multiple means to include manual
entry, MS Excel spreadsheet development, or use of the free Government XML converter tool. The annual
reporting should take less than a few hours annually by an administrative level employee. Depending on
labor rates, we would expect the total annual cost for STTR companies to not exceed $500 annually, or to be
included in overhead rates. ARMY - 4 Army STTR 07 Topic Index
A07-T001 Long life, low power, multicell battery A07-T002 Software Anti-Tamper for Matrix based Algorithms A07-T003 Modular and Authorable Intelligent Tutoring System for Immersive Scenario-Based Training A07-T004 DRIVING WISDOM: Web-based Training for Young Adults to Improve Operator Judgments that
Mitigate Crash Risk in Privately Owned Vehicles A07-T005 Interband Resonant-Tunneling-Diode (I-RTD) Hybrid Terahertz Oscillator A07-T006 Nanostructures for dislocation blocking in infrared detectors A07-T007 Efficient and Robust Algorithms for Real-time Video Tracking of Multiple Moving Targets A07-T008 Algorithms for Image Content Indexing and Information Retrieval from Unstructured or Semi-
structured Complex Database A07-T009 Frequency-agile monolithic Ka-band filter A07-T010 Development of Amorphous Alloy Surface Coatings as Replacement for Chromate Technology A07-T011 A Compact Membrane-Reactor Methanol Reformer A07-T012 Molecular Shape Detection for Chemical Analysis A07-T013 Dynamic Data-Driven Prognostics and Condition Monitoring of On-board Electronics A07-T014 Discontinuous Element Software for Computing 2D and 3D Failure of Materials under Ballistic
Impact A07-T015 Portable Fully-Automated Soil Property Measurement Probe A07-T016 Synthesis and Scaleup of Fuel-Cell Compatible Alkaline Electrolyte Membranes A07-T017 Ultrasound Assisted Oxidative Desulfurization of JP-8 Fuel A07-T018 High efficiency deep green light emitting diode A07-T019 Super-resolution adaptive laser beam projection system A07-T020 Fiber nonlinearity based entangled-photon sources A07-T021 Low Data Rate Frequency-Shifted Reference Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Communication Systems A07-T022 Diluted-Magnetic Semiconductor (DMS) Tunneling Devices for the Terahertz Regime A07-T023 Modular Protein Manufacturing Platform A07-T024 Aerosolization of Densified Powders Using Sublimable Solids A07-T025 Passive Detection and Prediction of Degradation in Critical Utility Pipeline Infrastructure A07-T026 Statistical Mobility Prediction for Small Unmanned Ground Vehicles A07-T027 Terrain Analysis from Unmanned Ground Vehicle Sensors A07-T028 Reduced-Order High-Fidelity Models for Signature Propagation A07-T029 Development of an Advanced Comfortable Prosthetic Socket A07-T030 Chromatophore-Based Toxicity Sensor for Water A07-T031 Development of Virtual Reality Tools for Training and Rehabilitation of Patient Using Advanced
Prosthesis A07-T032 Improved Lightweight Surgical Instrument and Linen Field Sterilization via Chlorine Dioxide or
Alternative Methodology A07-T033 Novel Topical Arthropod Repellent Formulation(s) with Superior Efficacy and High User
Acceptability A07-T034 High-Throughput Screening of Natural Product Extracts for Biologically Active Small Molecules A07-T035 Multi-Analyte, Wearable Chemical Nanosensor for Warfighter Physiological Status Monitor
(WPSM) A07-T036 Innovative Lightweight Energy and Water Efficient Treatment System for Fluid Medical Waste in
an Austere Deployed Environment A07-T037 Retinal Oximeter for Scientific and Clinical Applications A07-T038 Military Surgical Information System A07-T039 Real-Time, In Vivo Imaging to Identify Tumor Margins A07-T040 Standoff Remote Triage Sensor Array for Robotic Casualty Extraction Systems ARMY - 5 Army STTR 07 Topic Descriptions
A07-T001 TITLE: Long life, low power, multicell battery
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Ground/Sea Vehicles, Electronics
The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which
controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of
foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in
accordance with section 3.5.b.(7) of the solicitation.
OBJECTIVE: Develop a low-power miniature (coin cell or similar) battery with a 30-plus year operational lifespan
that is suitable for battery-backed static random access memory (SRAM) and environmentally friendly with minimal
disposal issues.
DESCRIPTION: This effort will focus on identifying new and innovative multi-cell battery technologies suitable for
powering battery-backup, low power static random access memories (SRAM). The new multi-cell battery shall be a
low power miniature (coin cell or similar) battery with a 30 plus year operational lifespan. The new battery
technology shall not incorporate toxic metals like cadmium, lead, mercury, etc. and minimize the amount of
hazardous materials. New battery technology shall not be constructed from energetic materials that may be
explosive under certain conditions. New battery shall not use radioactive materials. New battery technology shall not
use high temperature thermal battery technologies. The goal is to create an environmentally friendly battery with
minimal disposal issues. The new battery technology will be suitable for battery-backed SRAM memories and
SRAM memories for bitstream keys inside field programmable gate arrays (FPGA).
Current battery technology has focused on extending the life of the battery. An alternate approach would be to
combine multiple cells inside a battery. Each cell is initially in an inert state. After activation, a cell will operate as a
traditional low power battery-backup for low power SRAM typically used to store FPGA bitstream keys. A low
activation energy of less than 1% of each cells capacity is desired. The time to activate the cell should be less than 1
hour.
In concept, when a cell is approaching the end-of-life, another cell is activated, effectively extending the life of the
multi-cell battery. In a four cell battery, with 5 years of operational life per cell; a 20 year lifetime is possible.
Minimum lifetime for each cell, once activated, under an average 0.25/n mW load, is one month (approximately
0.2/n watt-hours) where n is the number of cells ( n >=1 ) inside the battery. The weighting, for evaluating the
technical merits of the new and innovative battery technology, will be battery life (2), nontoxic, non-hazardous
materials (1), and disposal (1).
PHASE I: Contractor will analyze and design a novel concept battery cell. The new battery technology shall not
incorporate hazardous or toxic materials like cadmium, lead, mercury, etc. New battery technology shall not be
constructed from energetic materials that may be explosive under certain conditions. New battery shall not use
radioactive materials. New battery technology shall not use high temperature thermal battery technologies. The goal
is to create an environmentally friendly battery with minimal disposal issues.
While in an inert state, the battery has a shelf life of 25 plus years at 25 degrees Celsius. Nominal operating
temperature range with slightly reduced performance: -10 degrees Celsius to +40 degrees Celsius. Operation over
the industrial temperature range of -40 to +85 degrees Celsius with reduced performance is desired. Battery
operation with reduced performance over part or all of the full military temperature range of -50 degrees Celsius to
+125 degrees Celsius will be considered a plus.
Upon activation, a cell will provide power for a battery-backed SRAM memory for 0.1 (lower limit) to 5 plus years
at 25 degrees Celsius. The energy for activation should be less than 10 % of each individual cells energy capacity
with a goal of less than 1 %. Contractor shall perform an accelerated aging test on the cell to determine the shelf life
in the inert, inactivated state and the operational lifespan of the cell for a simulated SRAM battery back-up memory.
ARMY - 6 The requirement for the new battery is to operate over the industrial temperature range of -40 to +85 degrees
Celsius. We are also interested in the potential performance of the battery over the full military temperature range
of -50 to +125 degrees C. The contractor shall conduct an accelerated aging test over the industrial temperature
range of -40 to +85 C. Operation over a wider temperature range up to the full military temperature range of -50 to
+125 C will be considered a plus.
Contractor shall provide a report describing accelerated aging test and battery lifespan for current levels of 0.1 to 10
equivalent loads for a SRAM with at least 256 bit memory capacity.
PHASE II: Contractor shall develop a multi-cell battery based on the technologies from Phase I to create a battery
with greater than a 25 year operational lifespan powering a battery backed SRAM at 25 degrees Celsius. Contractor
shall have an independent verification and validation (IV&V) to validate the batteries performance over the
industrial temperature range of -40 to +85 degrees Celsius and for current levels of 0.1 to 10 equivalent loads for a
SRAM with at least 256 bit memory capacity. Operation over a wider temperature range up to the full military
temperature range of -50 to +125 C will be considered a plus. Contractor shall provide a report on the IV&V.
PHASE III: Contractor shall team with a prime contractor and commercialize the new battery technology. The
contractor is encouraged to team with a defense prime contractor and a traditional commercial corporation to market
the technology to both military and commercial end users. Contractor shall provide an IV&V report on accelerated
aging tests for a production level battery showing mean battery life as a function of temperature over the industrial
temperature range of -40 to +85 degrees Celsius and for current levels of 0.1 to 10 equivalent loads for a SRAM
with at least 256 bit memory capacity. Operation over a wider temperature range up to the full military temperature
range of -50 to +125 degrees Celsius will be considered a plus. Contractor shall have an independent laboratory test
the battery to flight safety requirements of the FAA. Contractor shall provide an independent laboratory report on
the batterys materials and disposal issues. Contractor shall provide a material safety data sheet on battery family.
REFERENCES:
1. N. Weste, and D. Harris: CMOS VLSI Design: A Circuits and Systems Perspective, Addison Wesley, 2004.
ISBN: 0321149017.
2. R. Kaushik, S. Prasad: Low Voltage CMOS VLSI Circuit Design, Wiley, 1999, ISBN: 047111488X.
3. D. Linden and T. Reddy: Handbook of Batteries, McGraw-Hill Companies, 2001, ISBN: 0071359788.
4. University of California: Researchers create first nanofluidic transistor,
http://www.physorg.com/news4815.html.
5. Gillette Company: Zinc-Air Bulletin, 2004, http://www.duracell.com/oem/Primary/Zinc
/Zinc_Air_Tech_Bulletin.pdf.
6. V. Barsukov and F. Beck: New Promising Electrochemical Systems for Rechargeable Batteries: Proceedings of
the NATO Advanced Research Workshop, Springer London, Limited, 1996, ISBN: 0792339487.
7. R. Dell, and D. Rand: Understanding Batteries, Royal Society of Chemistry, 2001, ISBN: 0854046054.
8. T. Minami, et al.: Solid State Ionics for Batteries, Springer-Verlag New York, LLC, 2005, ISBN: 4431249745.
9. N. Nguyen and S. Wereley: Fundamentals and Applications of Microfluidics, Second Edition, Artech House,
2006, ISBN: 1580539726.
10. C. Liu: Foundations of MEMS, Prentice Hall, 2005, ISBN: 0131472860.
11. N. Maluf and K. Williams: Introduction to Microelectromechanical Systems Engineering, Artech House,
ISBN: 1580535909.
ARMY - 7 12. Technology Review: Higher-Capacity Lithium-Ion Batteries
http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=17017&ch=nanotech , June 2006.
13. J. Walko: Nanobattery technology could eliminate fire risks,
http://www.embedded.com/showArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=TSOLYR5YS2YPMQSNDLRSKH0CJUNN2JVN?article
ID=192203405 August 23, 2006.
14. MIT Tech Talk: Researchers employ virus to build tiny batteries, Vol. 50, No. 23, April 2006,
http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2006/techtalk50-23.pdf.
15. D. Teeters, et al.: Nano-battery systems, US Patent 6,586,133, July 2003. http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-
Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=5
0&s1=6586133.PN.&OS=PN/6586133&RS=PN/6586133
16. Brown University: Brown University engineers create a better battery with plastic,
http://www.physorg.com/news77371085.html.
KEYWORDS: Electronics, battery, field programmable gate arrays, FPGA, SRAM, micro-electromechanical
systems, MEMS, micro-fluidic systems.
A07-T002 TITLE: Software Anti-Tamper for Matrix based Algorithms
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems
The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which
controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of
foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in
accordance with section 3.5.b.(7) of the solicitation.
OBJECTIVE: Research objective is to investigate improving software level obfuscation for highly regular matrix
based algorithms. A number, of recursive algorithms or adaptive algorithms, consists of an iterative matrix equation
W(k+1) = f [W(k)] + other terms where W( ) is a matrix. The highly regular structure makes reverse engineering
trivial. Software obfuscation increases the difficulty of reverse engineering software. For matrix equations, there
are other options for obfuscation at the algorithm level: similarity transforms, transformations for sparse matrix
equations, etc. The goal here is to combine iterative matrix equations with clever matrix transformations (possibly
time varying transformations) with traditional code obfuscation techniques to improve software anti-tamper for
matrix intensive algorithms. Some possible applications for obfuscation at the matrix equation level include:
Kalman filtering, least-mean squares (LMS) algorithm, state space control theory, short-term Fourier transform,
wavelet signal processing, Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm, and streaming real-time image processing. The contractor
is asked to select a matrix intensive algorithm and examine obfuscation at the matrix equation level. Contractor may
also select an appropriate function domain(s): time, frequency, time-frequency, space, wavelet, etc.
DESCRIPTION: All U.S. Army Program Executive Offices (PEOs) and Program Managers (PMs) are now charged
with executing Army and Department of Defense (DoD) anti-tamper policies in the design and implementation of
their systems to afford maximum protection of U.S. technologies, thus providing maximum protection against them
being obtained and utilized and/or exploited by foreign adversaries. One area of vulnerability is in the software in a
weapons system, where there are many critical technologies that can be compromised. Techniques are now
emerging to begin to try to combat this loss of the U.S. technological advantage, but further advances are necessary
to provide useful toolsets to the U.S. Army PEOs and PMs for employment in their systems. As AT is a relatively
new area of concern, the development of AT techniques is in a somewhat immature state and new ideas are always
needed.
The goal of software obfuscation is, through transformations, clever disguise, or restructuring of the program, to
make it more difficult to reverse engineer computer software. Army and DoD systems use navigation software
where data from several sensors are blended together with a Kalman filter. A Kalman filter is a highly, regular, ARMY - 8 recursive matrix equation. The structured nature of a Kalman filter makes software obfuscation more difficult. We
would like to investigate the possibility of obfuscation at the algorithm level combined with traditional software
obfuscation for anti-tamper. The objective section describes some other possible matrix equations for study.
No technique is invulnerable or even clearly superior to the others in all circumstances; therefore, a mix of
protection techniques allows the defense to capitalize on the strengths of each technique while also masking the
shortfalls of other techniques. http://www.stsc.hill.af.mil/crosstalk/2004/11/0411atallah.html.
It should also be noted, that the use of off-the-shelf components in a system can seriously compromise an AT design
due to the ready availability of open-source documentation. The effort should therefore focus on denying an
adversary access to enough information to begin such a data search. The technologies/techniques developed should
inhibit an adversarys exploitation and/or reverse engineering effort to a point where it will require a significant
resource investment to compromise, allowing the U.S. time to advance its own technology or otherwise mitigate the
loss. As a result, the U.S. Army can continue to maintain a technological edge in support of its warfighters.
PHASE I: Contractor shall select a recursive or iterative matrix intensive algorithm. Some possible algorithms are
presented in the objective section. Contractor shall propose algorithm level obfuscation technique(s) for the selected
algorithm. Some potential challenges for obfuscating matrix equations include performance degradation, error
propagation, algorithm stability, and convergence issues. Series approximations to matrix and integral equations
may lead to difficulties with convergence. A series of obfuscated terms may lead to problems with correctly
deciding the appropriate point to truncate series terms. Problems with finite numerical precision may cause
convergence and stability problems. Obfuscation of near singular matrices may result in additional convergence and
stability problems. Other numerical, convergence issues, and algorithm stability issues may also be present.
Contractor shall propose an algorithm level obfuscation technique(s) for a selected matrix intensive algorithm.
Contractor shall provide a report discussing the feasibility of matrix equation level obfuscation and address the
limitations imposed by performance degradation, error propagation, approximations, convergence and stability.
Contractor shall provide an estimate, based on his past software anti-tamper knowledge and experience, of the level
of anti-tamper protection provided by the proposed matrix algorithm obfuscation concepts.
PHASE II: Contractor shall develop the concepts from Phase I into a functional prototype. Contractor shall provide
a report discussing numerical, convergence, and stability issues for the matrix algorithm obfuscation. Contractor
shall describe conditions where the matrix level obfuscation provides good convergence and stability. Contractor
shall also describe conditions where convergence and stability are poor. Contractor shall combine matrix level
obfuscation with tradition software obfuscation techniques.
Contractor shall demonstrate matrix algorithm obfuscation and software obfuscation running on an embedded
computer with an operating system. Contractor shall have an independent verification and validation (IV&V)
performed to test the anti-tamper/anti-reverse engineering provided by the matrix algorithm level obfuscation and
traditional software obfuscation. Contractor shall provide a detailed IV&V report of the anti-tamper/anti-reverse
engineering provided by the matrix algorithm level obfuscation and software obfuscation. Contractor shall provide
a detailed report(s) describing functionality of the anti-tamper tool.
PHASE III: Contractor shall develop a production grade matrix algorithm obfuscation and traditional software
obfuscation tool. Contractor is encourage to team with a prime contractor to apply the new obfuscation technology
to a current production level system. Contractor is encourage to consider a version of the obfuscation tool for
Homeland Security applications.
Contractor shall demonstrate matrix algorithm obfuscation and software obfuscation running on an embedded
computer with an operating system. Contractor shall have an independent verification and validation (IV&V)
performed to test the anti-tamper/anti-reverse engineering provided by the matrix algorithm obfuscation and
traditional software obfuscation. Contractor shall provide a detailed IV&V report of the anti-tamper/anti-reverse
engineering provided by the matrix algorithm obfuscation and software obfuscation. Contractor shall provide a
detailed report(s) describing functionality of anti-tamper tool.
REFERENCES:
1. P. Zarchan, and H. Musoff: Fundamentals of Kalman Filtering: A Practical Approach, American Institute of
Aeronautics & Astronautics, March 2005, ISBN: 1563476940.
2. M. Grewal, and A. P. Andrews: Kalman Filtering: Theory and Practice Using MATLAB, Wiley, Jan. 2001,
ISBN: 0471392545. ARMY - 9 3. G. Welch and G. Bishop: An Introduction to the Kalman Filter, Department of Computer Science, University
of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, February 2001,
http://terra.cs.nps.navy.mil/DistanceEducation/online.siggraph.org/2001/Courses/cd2/courses/51/Papers/kalman_intr
o.pdf .
4. J. Podesta: Brief Tutorial on the Kalman Filter, RDEC, Picatinny, Nov. 1994,
http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/ADA286571.
5. S. Haykin: Least-Mean-Square Adaptive Filters, Wiley, September 2003, ISBN: 0471215708.
6. A. D. Poularikas, and Z. M. Ramadan: Adaptive Filtering Primer with MATLAB, CRC Press, February 2006,
ISBN: 0849370434.
7. S. Qian: Introduction to Time-Frequency and Wavelet Transforms, Pearson Education, November 2001,
ISBN: 0130303607.
8. D. Hill and B. Kolman: Modern Matrix Algebra, Prentice Hall, 2000, ISBN: 0139488529.
9. D. Poole: Linear Algebra: A Modern Introduction (with CD-ROM), Brooks/Cole, February 2005, ISBN:
0534998453.
10. M. J. Atallah, E. D. Bryant, and M. R. Stytz, A Survey of Anti-Tamper Technologies, Cross Talk, Nov. 2004,
http://www.stsc.hill.af.mil/crosstalk/2004/11/0411atallah.html.
11. E. Eilam: Secrets of Reverse Engineering, Wiley, April 2005, ISBN: 0764574817.
12. L. M. Willis and P. Newcomb (editors): Reverse Engineering, Springer-Verlag, New York, July 1996, ISBN:
079239756.
13. K. A Ingle: Reverse Engineering, McGraw-Hill Professional, 1994, ISBN: 0070316937.
14. P. Cerven: Crackproof Your Software: Protect Your Software Against Crackers, No Starch Press, 2002,
ISBN: 1886411794.
15. B. Friedland: Control System Design: An Introduction to State-Space Methods, Dover Publications, March
2005, ISBN: 0486442780.
16. K. Ogata: Modern Control Engineering, Prentice Hall Professional Technical Reference, November 2001,
ISBN: 0130609072.
17. S. Janardhanan: Discrete-time Sliding Mode Control, Springer-Verlag, New York, October 2005, ISBN:
3540281401.
18. Wikipedia.org Short term Fourier transform, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Short_Term_Fourier_Transform.
19. J. R. Fienup: "Phase retrieval algorithms: a comparison," Applied Optics, Vol. 21, No. 15, pp. 2758-2769,
August 1, 1982. http://www.optics.rochester.edu/workgroups/fienup/PUBLICATIONS/AO82_PRComparison.pdf
20. Wikipedia.org: Gerchberg-Saxton Algorithm, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Gerchberg_saxton_algorithm.
21. Wikipedia.org: Singular value decomposition, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Singular_value_decomposition.
22. Wikipedia.org: Pseudoinverse, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudoinverse.
23. T. Maggiano: "Phase Retrieval Algorithms and their Applications," University of Arizona-Optical Science
Center, http://www.u.arizona.edu/~tlmaggia/Fienup.pdf.
KEYWORDS: Information technology devices, software obfuscation, Kalman filter, least-mean-square, LMS,
signal processing, image processing, adaptive filter, matrix algebra, linear algebra, state space, anti-tamper, AT,
reverse engineering, anti-reverse engineering, ARE, software protection
A07-T003 TITLE: Modular and Authorable Intelligent Tutoring System for Immersive Scenario-Based
Training
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Human Systems
OBJECTIVE: To develop an intelligent tutoring system that could be linked with multiple immersive scenario-based
training systems and could be updated by a person without specialized computer experience. The system would
monitor trainee performance, provide targeted instructional feedback, and evaluate how well the trainee performed
during a training scenario based on training objectives.
DESCRIPTION: Scenario-based training games are currently being used in the Army for a broad range of training
domains (e.g., military tactics, support and stability operations, weapons operation, and language training). The
research indicates that effectiveness of these training tools is currently mixed (Beal, 2005; Hays, 2005). One reason
why training games may not be living up to the hype is that the instructor functions of training environments are ARMY - 10 not regularly included as part of the system (Hays 2005; Belanich, Mullin, Dressel, 2004; Bloom, 1984). One goal
of this project is to develop a modular intelligent tutoring system that could be linked to different Army-based
training games in order to provide the needed instructor functionality that is currently lacking in many game-based
training systems.
For a modular ITS to work appropriately, it would need to exchange data with multiple scenario-based training
platforms. The data coming from the training platform would indicate the state of the scenario and provide a low-
level depiction of trainee performance. The ITS would use this data to develop a high-level understanding of trainee
performance as compared to a model of the training domain. Data going to the training platform would include data
to modify the scenario to meet the instructional need of the trainee, which would include instructional feedback.
For scenario-based training systems to be useful to a rapidly evolving military, they need to be easily authorable to
keep up with the ever-changing current operating environment. This flexibility needs to be provided to the
instructors who implement these types of training systems so they can adequately match the scenario content with
the appropriate training objectives (Ainsworth & Fleming, 2006). Therefore, a second goal of this project is to
develop an ITS that can be easily authorable by a typical instructor (i.e., person without highly specialized computer
skills).
Intelligent tutors are effective training tools, but usually require skilled personnel to develop the system for a
particular training platform. An ITS that can be adapted to work with multiple Army-based training platforms and is
easily updateable would offer powerful training options to the military that are currently not available. While
scenario-based (game-based) training systems have demonstrated limited effectiveness (Hays. 2005), if they are
armed with a robust ITS companion to elicit important lessons and training objectives, these training systems may
reach their full potential for training todays Soldiers.
PHASE I: Phase I should determine the feasibility of producing a modular intelligent tutoring system that works
with multiple immersive Army scenario-based training systems and covers a range of actions (e.g., speech acts and
physical acts). The deliverable for this phase includes a feasibility study with specific recommendations for the
system to be developed during the Phase II effort.
PHASE II: In Phase II, the findings of Phase I should be used to develop a working prototype of the system to be
assessed by instructors using immersive Army scenario-based training systems. Integration of the ITS with two
different scenario-based training platforms would be considered success.
PHASE III: Ownership of a modular intelligent tutor system that can be used by various scenario-based training
systems should position the company well for integrating their system into game-based training programs in use by
the military, as well as private and public sectors. Because the system is modular, it could be linked with a variety of
scenario-based training systems. The system would also find a receptive market in both the training and educational
fields, where scenario-based training systems are growing.
REFERENCES:
1. Shaaron Ainsworth & Piers Fleming, Evaluating authoring tools for teachers as instructional designers,
Computers in Human Behavior, v. 22, p. 131-148, 2006
2. Scott Beal, Using Games for Training Dismounted Light Infantry Leaders: Emergent Questions and Lessons
Learned (ARI Research Report 1841). U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences:
Arlington, VA, September 2005
3. James Belanich, Laura N. Mullin, & J. Douglas Dressel, Symposium on PC-based simulations and gaming for
military training (ARI Research Product 2005-01). Alexandria, VA: US Army Research Institute for the Behavioral
and Social Sciences, October 2004
4. Benjamin S. Bloom, The 2 sigma problem: the search for methods of group instruction as effective as one-to-one
tutoring. Educational Researcher, v. 13, n. 6, p. 416, June-July 1984
ARMY - 11 5. Robert T. Hays, The effectiveness of instructional games: A literature review and discussion. (Tech Report 2005-
004). Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, FL, November 2005
KEYWORDS: intelligent tutoring system, scenario, game-based training, simulation, serious games, authoring,
instruction
A07-T004 TITLE: DRIVING WISDOM: Web-based Training for Young Adults to Improve Operator
Judgments that Mitigate Crash Risk in Privately Owned Vehicles
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Human Systems
OBJECTIVE: Develop new transformative technologies to improve driver safety. Analyze and develop a
knowledge base of driver judgments that balance moderately risky but common hazards with ongoing, transportation
requirements; and evaluate web-based, training methods in order to motivate young adults (moderately experienced
drivers aged 20 to 35) to learn and apply this information in their daily driving. The tutoring module will tailor
instructional feedback to student responses and personal characteristics.
DESCRIPTION: In recent years, between 110 and 130 Soldiers have died annually because of crashes in privately
owned vehicles (POV) (https://crc.army.mil/). Therefore, understanding and improving driver safety remains an
important Army objective. Driver safety models theorize that risk assessment is critical to driver safety (Evans,
1991, 1993; Jonah, 1986; Deery 1999; Gregersen & Bjurulf, 1996), and empirical data have demonstrated: (a)
differences in risk assessment between novice and experienced drivers (Trankle, Gelau & Metker, 1990), and (b)
correlations between risk assessment accuracy and POV crash involvement for experienced drivers (Legree,
Heffner, Psotka, Martin & Medsker, 2003; Legree, Martin, Medsker & Gregory, 1999). In these research
formulations, risk assessment has been conceptualized to include identification, assessment, and reaction to driving
hazards and risks. According to these results, drivers who are more likely to be involved in vehicle crashes are less
able to detect driving hazards and assess the risk associated with specific hazards, especially those risks involving
internal psychological states (e.g., fatigue, stress, illness) as well as poorly-documented external factors (e.g.,
surface quality, distracting children). Such drivers are less likely to act to mitigate those risks, even when proficient
with the mechanics of driving, as are experienced drivers in the targeted age range.
However, reviews of driver education curricula and traffic safety guidance indicate that training programs typically
support risk assessment only poorly, and improvements with most driver-training programs have been limited to
very specific behaviors (Mayhew & Simpson, 1995; Mayhew & Simpson, 2002). These programs often focus on
the mechanics of driving and may address the importance of physical risks (e.g., icy roads), but seldom deal with
risks derived from internal states. In fact, research has not fully documented the many conceptual and inherently
subtle hazards that influence a drivers psychological state and are frequently encountered by experienced (rather
than novice) drivers between the ages of 20 and 35. Moreover, research has not identified actions that might
mitigate the risks associated with these specific hazards. Consequently, driving tutorials could be greatly improved
by identifying and teaching this knowledge to populations that are fully versant with the mechanics of driving and
capable of responding to physical risks.
This project is intended to address this scientific gap by supporting applied research that:
Surveys young, experienced drivers (between the ages of 25 and 35) to document frequently encountered driving
hazards (including internal states) in sufficient detail to identify actions that proactively avoid or reactively mitigate
those risks, while balancing transportation requirements.
Empirically links expectations regarding those hazards & actions to crash involvement metrics.
Develops web-based tutorials that effectively teach this knowledge to drivers who are 20 to 35 years old using
adaptive simulation technologies, which are commercially available and compliant with the Shareable Content
Object Reference Model (SCORM) format.
PHASE I: Phase I should determine the feasibility of using critical incident interviews and resulting surveys to
document safety risks that are commonly encountered by young, experienced drivers and identify strategies to
mitigate and/or avoid those risks. A variety of inductive procedures, such as Latent Semantic Analyses and ARMY - 12 Consensus Based Assessment may be considered to analyze these data. The resultant guidance is intended to be
practical, balancing travel requirements while minimizing risk. Concurrent with initial efforts to identify safety risks
and related strategies, Phase I will design a SCORM compliant modular tutoring system to provide information to
students that:
1. Mitigates all risks that are most likely to be experienced by individual students, particularly those based on their
internal states and characteristics.
2. Reinforces learning using simulation technologies that emotionally engage students.
The deliverable for this phase includes a detailed experimental study with specific recommendations for the research
to be conducted and a working prototype (based on one external risk and two internal risk factors) of the system to
be developed during the Phase II effort.
PHASE II: Phase II should expand on Phase I accomplishments to expand the identified risks and actions, while
linking understandings of those risks and actions to crash involvement metrics. Phase II will develop web-based
modules to effectively teach this information to the target population using intelligent simulation technologies.
PHASE III: Ownership of a web-based driver tutorial that can be used to train hazard recognition and reduce crash
risk should position the company well for integrating their product into applications designed to enhance driver
safety. The system is envisioned to find a receptive market in private and public sectors oriented towards improving
driver safety in young adult populations. These sectors include other military services, student support services for
colleges and universities, and the insurance industry.
REFERENCES:
1. Deery, H. A. (1999). Hazard and risk perception among young novice drivers. Journal of Safety Research, 30,
225-236.
2. Evans, L. (1993). Comments on driver behavior and its role in traffic crashes. Alcohol, Drugs and Driving, 9,
185-195.
3. Evans, L. (1991). Traffic Safety and the Driver. New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
4. Gregersen, N. P., & Bjurulf, P. (1996). Young novice drivers: Towards a model of their accident involvement.
Accident, Analysis, & Prevention, 28, 229-241.
5. Jonah, B. A. (1986). Accident risk and risk-taking behaviour among young drivers. Accident, Analysis &
Prevention, 18, 255-271.
6. Legree, P. J., Heffner, T. S., Psotka, J. Martin, D. E., & Medsker G. J., (2003). Traffic Crash Involvement:
Experiential Driving Knowledge and Stressful Contextual Antecedents. Journal of Applied Psychology, 88, 15-26.
7. Legree, P. J., Martin, D. E., Medsker G. J. & Gregory, E. (1999). Tacit Driving Knowledge and Traffic Accident
Risk: Safety Implications. (U.S. Army Research Institute Study Note 99-03). Alexandria, VA: U.S. Army Research
Institute.
8. Mayhew, D., & Simpson, H. M. (1995). The Role of Driving Experience. Ottawa, Ont.: Traffic Injury Research
Foundation of Canada.
9. Mayhew, D., & Simpson, H. M. (2001). The safety value of driver education and prevention. Injury Prevention, 8,
113-118.
10. Trankle, U., Gelau, C., & Metker, T. (1990). Risk perception and age-specific accidents of young drivers.
Accident, Analysis & Prevention, 22, 119-125.
ARMY - 13 KEYWORDS: driver safety, risk assessment, accident and crash risk, game-based training and simulation, web-
based instruction, SCORM Compliant
A07-T005 TITLE: Interband Resonant-Tunneling-Diode (I-RTD) Hybrid Terahertz Oscillator
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Chemical/Bio Defense
OBJECTIVE: To design, build and demonstrate a novel hybrid terahertz (THz) oscillator that utilizes optical-
triggering of an interband resonant-tunneling diode (I-RTD) device to achieve record output power performance
(e.g., > 3-10 milliwatts) across broad portions of the THz frequency band (e.g., 300-600 GHz) from an all solid-state
design operating at room temperature. Military relevant applications of this new source technology include point and
remote monitoring for chemical and biological threat agents; standoff imaging of concealed weapons and
explosives; ultra-high speed/frequency data processing and communications; and characterization of bio-molecular
based devices and systems.
DESCRIPTION: The technological goal of developing a robust and powerful source of controllable electromagnetic
radiation within the so-called THz frequency regime (i.e., often defined as the portion of the submillimeter-
wavelength electromagnetic (EM) spectrum between approximately 1 millimeter (300 GHz) and 100 micrometers(3
THz)) remains one of the long-standing grand challenges of high frequency electronics. As is well known, the THz
regime spans across the frequency domain from RF electronics (where devices primarily utilize transport
mechanisms) to photonics (where devices primarily utilize quantum mechanical state transitions) and challenging
engineering problems exist in this quasi-optical "gap" where EM wavelength is on the order of component size.
Specifically, fundamental physical factors have severely limited the performance (i.e., power and efficiency) of all
traditional devices concepts - i.e., in attempts both to extend upward from the millimeter-wave and to extrapolate
down from the far infrared. Due to these basic factors, the solid-state electronics capability at THz frequencies
remains somewhat limited from a basic signal source and systems perspective. However, while technology limits
persist, there has been a great wave of growing scientific interest in THz-related phenomenon, and this includes
many military-relevant applications areas - e.g., THz spectroscopic detection, identification and characterization of
biological agents and standoff imaging of concealed weapons and explosives.
Indeed, these high priority defense and security applications within the THz regime, along with the unique potential
payoffs to the fundamental sciences, previously motivated the U.S. Army Research Program to make significant
investments into a number of novel, high-risk, solid-state oscillator concepts. This has subsequently led to an
important recent breakthrough where an interband-tunneling mechanism present in staggered-bandgap resonant
tunneling diodes (RTDs) has been shown useful for accessing instability processes at the nanoscale [1]. This is
important because it allows for the elimination of certain broad-band design requirements (i.e., prevent unwanted
low-frequency modes) that had severely limited output power performance within fundamental RTD oscillators.
Furthermore, as a direct result of a long-term research investment by the by U.S. Army Research Office, accurate
models for describing the electron transport phenomenon within Interband RTDs (I-RTDs) were developed for the
first time [2, 3] and this led to comprehensive theoretical studies [4] of a Hybrid I-RTD oscillator that utilized
optical-triggering to realize record output power performance (i.e., > 3 milliwatts) over a significant portion of the
THz band (i.e., 300-600 GHz). Optimization studies have also been used to show the great promise of alternative
types of staggered-bandgap hetero-systems [5, 6] that allow for the design of Hybrid I-RTD oscillators which utilize
state-of-the-art laser technology (i.e., 1.55 micrometers) to realize predicted output power performance at room
temperature that exceeds all other known types of all solid-state oscillators. This research work has provided a
detailed design criterion for the entire hybrid circuit design, along with a practical implementation strategy for
integrating the optical triggering and an analysis of the heating induced during large signal operation [7] and
motivates the development of a new collaborative effort between small business and fundamental research that can
be used to realize a practical demonstration of this important new technological capability.
PHASE I: The Phase I effort should apply new physics-based models towards the specification and conceptual
design of a novel I-RTD hybrid oscillator that employs optical-triggering to achieve superior output power
performance at THz frequencies. The design and optimization studies should also consider alternative types of
staggered-bandgap hetero-systems and determine their potential for performance enhancements. The Phase I studies ARMY - 14 should also specify experimental methods for indirect testing/measurement of device dynamics and acquire data for
critical device and circuit parameters where possible.
PHASE II: The Phase II effort should build and demonstrate a prototype I-RTD hybrid THz oscillator that exhibits
state-of-the-art output power performance (e.g., > 3-10 milliwatts) across a significant portion of the THz frequency
band. The Phase II effort is expected to include strong contributions from staggered-bandgap hetero-systems
materials growth/fabrication, device/circuit design and optimization and oscillator measurment and characterization.
The Phase II effort should also document the utility of the new oscillator in one or more military relevant THz
applications.
PHASE III: The initial goals of the program are to demonstrate the performance and value of the new THz source in
highly military relevant applications - i.e., such as monitoring of chemical and biological agents and standoff
imaging of concealed threats. However, this same technology would have relevance to a number of private sector
areas i.e., such as advanced laboratory components for scientific characterization studies and for materials/process
monitoring in commerical manufactering. Hence, a Phase III effort is expected that would explore these type or
near-term private sector opportunities, and possible the exploration of longer-term opportunities such as short-range
/wide-bandgap communications and ultra-fast data processing.
REFERENCES:
1. D. Woolard, W. Zhang, and B. Gelmont, A Novel Interband-Resonant-Tunneling-Diode (I-RTD) Based High-
Frequency Oscillator, Sol. St. Electr., 9, 257 (2005).
2. B. Gelmont, D. Woolard, W. Zhang and T. Globus, Electron Transport within Resonant Tunneling Diodes with
Staggered-Bandgap Heterostructures, Sol. St. Electr., 46, 1513 (2002).
3. D. L. Woolard, et. al, Advanced Theory of Instability in Tunneling Nanostructure, Chap. 8 in Terahertz
Sensing Technology, Vol.II (World Scientific, Singapore, 2003).
4. W. Zhang, D. Woolard, E. Brown and B. Gelmont, A Novel I-RTD Based Optically-Pulsed Hybrid Device for
Generaing THz oscillations, Pro. SPIE Symp. Opt. East, 5995, 59950S (2005).
5. D. Woolard, W. Zhang, E. Brown, B. Gelmont and R. Trew, An Optically-Triggered I-RTD Hybrid Device for
Continuous-Wave Generation of THz Oscillations, Pro. SPIE Symp.on Defense & Security, 6212, 621207 (2006).
6. W. Zhang, D. Woolard, E. Brown, B. Gelmont and R. Trew, Design and Optimization of an I-RTD Hybrid THz
Oscillator based upon In1-xGaxAs/GaSbyAs1-y Heterostructure Systems, accepted to the IJHSES (2006).
7. D. Woolard, W. Zhang, E. Brown, B. Gelmont and R. Trew, An Optically-Triggered I-RTD Hybrid THz
Oscillator Design, accepted to the IJHSES (2006).
KEYWORDS: Interband Tunneling, Resonant Tunneling Diodes, Terahertz Frequency, Oscillator Source
A07-T006 TITLE: Nanostructures for dislocation blocking in infrared detectors
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Electronics
OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative nanostructures to block Si substrate associated dislocations from propagating into
the active volumes of infrared photon detectors.
DESCRIPTION: Present day semiconductor technology requires that infrared focal plane arrays (IRFPAs) employ
read out integrated circuits (ROICs) based on silicon (Si). As such, the growth of HgCdTe or III-V quantum
structures on Si substrates offers significant advantages of lattice and thermal matching between the ROIC and the
substrate. Si substrates are also of low cost and provide the potential for larger array formats. The main difficulties
encountered in the growth of these detectors on Si are the large lattice and thermal mismatch between the materials
(~19% for HgCdTe/Si) that gives rise to a high density of defects in the epilayers. Both difficulties have been
partially overcome using buffer layers, as evidenced by the significant increase in crystal quality in the last 15 years.
However, the defect density in the subsequently grown long wavelength infrared (LWIR) layers still is higher than
that of epilayers grown on other substrates which are more expensive and often fragile as in CdZnTe substrates. The
strain-induced defects propagate into the epilayers, which significantly reduce the sensitivity of LWIR infrared
sensing devices and also create pixel to pixel nonuniformity. As research and development efforts advance, it has
become obvious that defects are impeding the progress of IRFPAs with Si substrates. ARMY - 15 This solicitation seeks to make use of nanotechnology to lower substrate related dislocation densities and increase
uniformity for IRFPAs of interest to the Army. It has been recently noted that strain fields induced by quantum dot
buffer layers may be employed to suppress the propagation of dislocations(1,2). It has also been suggested that
several layers of quantum dots may be most effective in bending or merging dislocations(3). On the other hand, it is
important that the quantum dot buffer layers should not themselves create additional defects(4). Thus, dot
composition, dot size, and energy coherence are important parameters to control the strain and suppress the
dislocation growth. Uniform quantum dot buffer layers may also improve the spatial uniformity of the remaining
dislocations and the subsequent detector array. Other novel nanostructures may also provide the desired dislocation
filtering properties(5,6).
PHASE I: Demonstrate a reduction in dislocation density by use of nanostructure buffer layers between Si-based
substrates and LWIR infrared detector material. Estimate the yield of low defect layers, the improvement of array
photoresponse uniformity compared to other techniques, and assess cost effectiveness.
PHASE II: Optimize the physical conditions necessary for effective suppression of dislocation growth. Fabricate and
demonstrate LWIR infrared detectors grown on substrates with nanostructured buffer layers that effectively suppress
dislocation propagation.
PHASE III: A large number of commercial applications will benefit from low cost infrared photon detectors to
include night surveillance, product control, and system thermal management. This technique should also be useful to
interface lasers, light emitting diodes, and Microwave/Millimeter Wave Monolithic Integrated Circuits (MIMIC)to
silicon electronics. For this STTR, a Phase III effort should be devoted to developing a manufacturing process for
infrared detector arrays with improved uniformity and sensitivity.
REFERENCES:
1. M. Bavencoffe, E. Houdart and C. Priester, Strained heteroepitaxy on nanomesas: a way toward perfect lateral
organization of quantum dots J. Cryst. Growth 275, 305 (2005)
2. Z. Mi, J. Yang, P. Bhattacharya, P.K.L. Chan and K.P. Pipe, High performance self-organized InGaAs quantum
dot lasers on silicon J. Vac. Sci. Technol. B 24, 1519 (2006)
3. M. Gutierrez, M. Hopkinson, H.Y. Liu, J.S. Ng, M. Herrera, D. Gonzalez, R. Garcia and R. Beanland, Strain
interactions and defect formation in stacked InGaAs quantum dot and dot-in-well structures, Physica E 26, 245
(2005)
4. K. Sears, J. Wong-Leung, H.H. Tan and J. Jagadish, The role of arsine in the self-assembled growth of
InAs/GaAs quantum dots by metal organic chemical vapor deposition J. Appl. Phys. 99, 113503 (2006)
5. Y. Chang, J. Zhao, H. Abad, C.H. Grein, S. Sivananthan, T. Aoki and D.J. Smith, Performance and
reproducibility enhancement of HgCdTe molecular beam epitaxy growth on CdZnTe substrates using interfacial
HgTe/CdTe superlattice layers Appl. Phys. Lett. 86, 131924 (2005);
6. K.M. Kim, Y.J. Park, S.H. Son, S.H. lee, J.I. Lee, J.H. Park and S.-K. Park, Artificial array of InAs quantum
dots on a strain-engineered superlattice Physica E 24, 148 (2004)
KEYWORDS: nanostructure, quantum dot, silicon substrate, dislocation
A07-T007 TITLE: Efficient and Robust Algorithms for Real-time Video Tracking of Multiple Moving
Targets
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors
OBJECTIVE: To develop novel computational algorithms for real-time tracking of multiple moving targets. The
algorithms need to maintain robust performance in complex urban environments and for tracking nonlinear motions.
DESCRIPTION: Video tracking technologies find applications in surveillance systems, autonomous vehicles,
sensor networks, and precision munitions. For example, video surveillance plays a key role in force protection.
Video tracking is a desirable targeting approach to terminal homing for smart weapons because of anti-jamming
capabilities compared to GPS-based solutions. Key components of video tracking include target detection, track
association, and target motion estimation. The major drawback of the approach of traditional Extended Kalman ARMY - 16 Filtering (EKF) is its performance degradation for tracking nonlinear motions and for handling non-Gaussian noises
under high clutter. Improvements to EKF and various alternative approaches such as particle filtering or multiple-
hypothesis tracking algorithms have been proposed to improve the performance and robustness of tracking
algorithms, but often at the cost of intensive computation [1-7]. Current video tracking systems may work well in
laboratory environments or under benign operational conditions, but perform inadequately under severe conditions
with low signal-to-noise-ratio [5-7]. Target detection and track association remain challenging issues under such
conditions.
The U.S. Army seeks development of novel video tracking algorithms with improved performance for military
applications. The intended application is monitoring surroundings for stationary facilities or patrolling military
vehicles such as High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). Available inputs are visual and/or
infrared video streams. Recent advances have lead to algorithms with significant reduction in computation
requirements and to new approaches integrating detection with motion estimation [1-5, 8-9], which points to
potential improvements of tracking performance. The algorithms developed under this STTR topic must be
innovative and need to meet the following requirements. (1) They are computationally efficient and can be
implemented for real-time tracking of multiple moving targets. (2) They maintain robust performance in the
presence of high clutter, occlusion, dynamic range, illumination variation, orientation changes, and moderate image
distortion. (3) They track several types of targets in urban environments including human, civilian vehicles, and
military targets that could exhibit highly nonlinear motions. For example, a person of interest may walk, run, or stop.
(4) They should be able to track a number of targets of different types simultaneously. No assumption of constant
number of targets should be made. Its anticipated that temporal information should be utilized in order to achieve
robustness to mitigate temporary loss of frames or bad frames. The algorithms should deliver satisfactory
performance for publicly available representative civilian and military data.
PHASE I: Effort in Phase I may be directed to the development of basic tracking algorithms, analysis of details of
issues involved, and development of tools such as quantitative analysis or simulation software for the
characterization and testing of the algorithms under simplified scenarios. Quantitative characterization of tracking
performance should be obtained. Advantages and disadvantages of the proposed algorithms should be explicitly
identified and documented.
PHASE II: Efforts are suggested to focus on improving efficiency and robustness of tracking algorithms.
Simulation tools should be expanded to consider practical operation conditions with realistic modeling of urban
clutter and nonlinear target motion. Tracking performance should be documented and characterized based on
experimental data including publicly available representative civilian and military data.
PHASE III: Phase III will further develop and refine algorithms for commercial and military applications. Dual-use
applications include navigation of autonomous systems and security surveillance.
REFERENCES:
1. Chang, C., and R. Ansari, Kernel particle filter for visual tracking, IEEE Signal Processing Letters, Vol.12, No.3, pp.242-245, 2005.
2. Zhou, S.K., R. Chellappa, and B. Moghaddam, Visual tracking and recognition using appearance-adaptive models in particle filters, IEEE Trans. on Image Processing, Vol.13, No.11, pp.1491-1506, 2004.
3. Latecki, L.J., R. Miezianko, and D. Pokrajac, Tracking motion objects in infrared videos, Proc. IEEE Conf. Advanced Video and Signal Based Surveillance, 2005, pp.99-104.
4. Sebe, I.O., S. You, and U. Neumann, Globally optimum multiple object tracking, Acquisition, Tracking, and Pointing XIX, Proc. of SPIE, Vol.5810, pp.82-93, 2005.
5. Bar-Shalom, Y., X.R. Li, and T. Kirubarajan, Estimation with Applications to Tracking and Navigation, Wiley,
2001.
6. Philips, M.A., and S.R.F. Sims, A signal to clutter measure for ATR performance comparison, Automatic Target Recognition VII, Proc. of SPIE, Vol.3069, pp.74-81, 1997.
7. Bruno, M.G.S., and J.M.F. Moura, Multiframe detection/tracking in clutter: optimal performance, IEEE Trans. Aerosp. Electron. Syst., Vol.37, pp.925-946, 2001.
8. Bartesaghi, A., and G. Sapiro, Tracking of moving objects under severe and total occlusion, Proc. 2005 Intl Conf. Image Processing (ICIP 2005), Vol.1, pp.249-252, 2005. ARMY - 17 9. Vermaak, J., S. Maskell, and M. Briers, A unifying framework for multi-target tracking and existence, Proc. 2005 7th Intl. Conf. Info. Fusion (FUSION), pp.250-258, 2005.
KEYWORDS: Target detection, target tracking, filtering, infrared, video tracking, surveillance.
A07-T008 TITLE: Algorithms for Image Content Indexing and Information Retrieval from Unstructured or
Semi-structured Complex Database
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems
OBJECTIVE: To develop innovative computational algorithms for effective image content indexing and
information retrieval that retrieve relevant information from unstructured or semi-structured complex database. The
retrieved information should be associated with statistical measures of its relevance.
DESCRIPTION: Human can recognize objects with ease even in complex scenes because of the availability of a
massive knowledge base and the ability to efficiently retrieve information from it. Therefore, an alternative approach
to automatic target recognition is to create a comprehensive database that contains objects under as many variations
of environments and operation conditions as possible, to continuously update the database as new images collected,
and efficiently compare observations with objects in the database, all by utilizing increasing computing capabilities.
As a first step toward this goal, this STTR topic is aimed at developing effective algorithms for analyzing and
indexing image contents from unstructured or semi-structured (e.g., keyword indexed) database with minimum
human intervention to reduce false classifications. One potential approach is segmenting objects in an image and
indexing the objects based on the contextual information of the image such as scene. Image indexing can be further
restricted to defense relevant objects such as military vehicles. Algorithms for information retrieval should allow
flexible input formats such as sketches and sample images and must return search results within fraction of a second
after searching through a potentially large database created by the outputs of image content analysis and indexing
process. Successful retrieval requires intelligent elimination (e.g., through cognitive reasoning) of false positives.
The retrieved information should be associated with statistical measures of its relevance.
While text search engines have met with commercial success, the development for image search engines is still in its
infancy. Commercial image search engines are limited to keyword search. The main challenges for image indexing
and retrieval include (1) lack of low level signatures that can uniquely describe an object of interest, (2) the
difficulty of converting low level signatures into high level searchable features, and (3) the wide range of potential
variations of such characterizations under different operation environments and conditions when data were collected
[1-6]. Over the last decade, a number of testbeds for content-based image retrieval have been established with
various aspects of emphasis based on rudimentary features such as color, texture and shape [5-7]. Advances in a few
relevant fields (e.g., music information retrieval [4]) also provide knowledge and experience that can be used to aid
image retrieval. Recent research suggests that performance can be improved by semantic retrieval [5, 7].
The purpose of this project is to leverage recent progress to advance technologies for military relevant image
indexing and information retrieval. The intended application to automatic creation of knowledge base for automatic
target recognition systems and decision-making is of critical importance to the Armys Future Combat Systems.
PHASE I: Phase I may be directed to the analysis and design of algorithms for image content extraction and
indexing, and query-based information retrieval. A small-scale computer test should be established. Feasibility study
should be performed with documented results to prove that the proposed approach has the potential of success.
PHASE II: Efforts in Phase II are suggested to focus on expanding the scale and scope of the algorithms. Innovative
approaches are needed to maintain robust performance for handling large complex unstructured or semi-structured
database. Representative examples of publicly available civilian and military data should be processed and added to
the database. Potential tasks include (i) demonstration of the capability to analyze content of generic images with
minimum human intervention to reduce false classifications, (ii) design of approaches to efficient image-content
indexing, and (iii) demonstration of quality of performance for information retrieval with sketch or image query
input. A proof of concept prototype system is anticipated.
ARMY - 18 PHASE III: Phase III military applications include automated creation of target knowledge database for automatic
target recognition. Creation of new image indexing systems and launching of the next generation image search
engines will have enormous technological impact on both civilian and military sectors with unlimited
commercialization potential.
REFERENCES:
1. Berry, M., M. Browne, and J. Dongarra, Understanding Search Engines: Mathematical Modeling and Text Retrieval (2 Ed), Cambridge University Press, 2005.
2. Witten, I.H., A. Moffat, and T.C. Bell, Managing Gigabytes: Compressing and Indexing Documents and Images, Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1994.
3. Grossman, D.A., and O. Frieder, Information Retrieval: Algorithms and Heuristics, Springer, 2004. 4. Special issue on music information retrieval (MIR), IEEE Signal Processing Letters, Vol.13, No.8, 2006. 5. Leow, W., M.S. Lew, T. Chua, W. Ma, L. Chaisorn, and E.M. Bakker (eds.), Image and Video Retrieval, Proc. CIVR 2005, Singapore, July 2005.
6. Lew, M.S. (ed), Principles of Visual Information Retrieval, Springer, 2001. 7. Stix, G., A farewell to keywords, Scientific American, Vol.295, No.1, July 2006, pp.91-93.
KEYWORDS: Image indexing, image retrieval, search engine, automatic target recognition, database
A07-T009 TITLE: Frequency-agile monolithic Ka-band filter
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Electronics
OBJECTIVE: The goal of this research and development is an efficient, light weight and small footprint radio
frequency filter that is widely tunable within the Ka band.
DESCRIPTION: Though technology utilizing the Ka band (~26 40 GHz) is readily available, applications are
constrained by insufficient temperature stability, reliability, size and efficiency. Recent research in the growth of
bulk, thin film and nanocomposite active materials has resulted in material systems that respond naturally and
efficiently within the Ka band. Some ferroelectric and ferromagnetic materials, for example, are active in the Ka
band and can be continuously tuned through applied electric or magnetic fields. Recent breakthroughs have
demonstrated that ferroic materials and device structures can be harnessed for frequency-agile monolithic radio-
frequency (RF) devices in the Ka band without the need for prohibitively large external fields.
This topic seeks the identification of a ferroic material and device geometry for a frequency-agile Ka band filter and
a subsequent device demonstration with tuning fields generated by monolithically integrated circuitry. Features of
the filter that should be targeted are: (i) low insertion loss, targeting < 1 dB, (ii) high out-of-band rejection, targeting
> 20 dB, (iii) small size with preferably integrated solutions, (iv) the ability to operate at high power levels, targeting
> 2 Watts, (v) low power consumption in the device and control circuit, (vi) fast switching speed, and (vii)
temperature stability. Theoretical analysis of ferroic materials and candidate device designs are sought to determine
device characteristics. The control circuit is also an important part of the system and offerers are encouraged to
consider this aspect of the system. Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies have not been able to
collectively address all of the above requirements and novel alternate technological solutions are encouraged. The
resulting data will be used to produce a device design, process flow and test plan for a working prototype device to
be fabricated and fully tested in Phase II.
PHASE I: The offerer will demonstrate feasibility and predict device performance through extensive theoretical
investigation and modeling. The offerer will develop and document the design, decision path forward and
performance testing plan that will lead to a working prototype in Phase II.
PHASE II: The offerer will construct, test and evaluate the performance of the fully packaged device designed in
Phase I, including documentation of the final design and performance. The offerer will further provide a cost model
and draft a preliminary path to large-scale commercial manufacturability of the device.
ARMY - 19 PHASE III: This device and variants thereof can serve as an integral component of numerous commercial
applications including light-weight satellite communications, Local Multipoint Distribution Services (LMDS)
systems, network analyzers and spectroscopic instrumentation.
REFERENCES:
1. M. K. Roy and J. Richter, Tunable ferroelectric filters for software defined tactical radios, presented at the 15th
IEEE International Symposium on the Application of Ferroelectrics, July, 2006.
2. E. Schloemann, et. al. J. Appl. Phys. 63, 3140 (1988). (Fe, ferromagnetic, no dielectric)
3. B. Kuanr, et. al. IEEE Trans. on Mag. 41, 3538 (2005). (ferromagnetic w/ dielectric; avoids loss tangent issues.)
KEYWORDS: Microwave, millimeter wave, Ka band, filter, ferroics, ferroelectric, ferromagnetic
A07-T010 TITLE: Development of Amorphous Alloy Surface Coatings as Replacement for Chromate
Technology
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Materials/Processes
OBJECTIVE: The goal of the research is to identify cost effective manufacturing processes which are capable of
production of environmentally benign amorphous alloy surface coatings as replacement for chromate technology.
These surface coatings shall exhibit extremely high strength and modulus and provide the potential for very
effective friction, corrosion, and sand erosion resistance.
DESCRIPTION: Historically, chromium plating is used in a wide variety of applications from decorative hardware
to tribological friction/wear coatings for aerospace. Electrodeposited chromium films are highly effective in both
their corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. However, hard chrome is plated in the hexavalent state and in
this form any residuals from processing are highly toxic. The recent reduction in maximum allowed exposure level
of chromate ions (reduced from 52 to 5
