SBIR-STTR Award

A new distributed data fusion system design will result from this Phase I SBIR project. The new data fusion system will be tailored to geographically disperse sensor fields that can be formed by a group of manned or unmanned vehicles. Autonomous operation will be emphasized, with prioritization assigned to selected target tracks and timely alerts provided to system operators. The NodestarPlus software program is a multi-target tracker developed by Metron for heterogeneous sensor fields in anti-submarine warfare applications. Metron has also developed the Multiple-Source Correlation and Tracking (MCT) data fusion architecture. The MCT architecture minimizes data exchange requirements while allowing each network node to reproduce an identical copy of the common operating picture. The new distributed fusion system will combine NodestarPlus and MCT technologies. Feasibility of the hybrid fusion concept will be validated using simulations studies in Phase I.

Benefit:
The new distributed sensor fusion system is intended for military sensor field applications. Commercial applications include design of ad hoc surveillance and security systems for large corporate campuses and facilities. Port security networks could also be designed and implemented using the new distributed data fusion system technology.

Keywords:
Unmanned Vehicles, Unmanned Vehicles, sensor fusion, Distributed system, Automation

This proposed effort provides a unifying mechanism to allow multiple innovative technologies and advanced information management architecture to be brought forth in an integrated fashion. Expected benefits are enhanced operational capabilities and reduced opportunity costs for modernization of the AN/SQQ-89 system in the form of false-alarm rate reduction, clutter reduction, improve contact tracking and classification and integration of ASW Community-of-Interest improved displays and controls. This effort will produce an end-to-end active sonar system for the AN/SQS-53C. The effort will target a packaged build for assessment as part of the ACB-13 build and release process.

Benefit:
The purpose of this agreement is to accelerate the fleet introduction of advanced active sonar technologies into the AN/SQQ-89 Advanced Capability Build (ACB) Sonar System for improved detection and reduced false alarms of the Mid Frequency Active (MFA) sonar functional segment. This technology transition program is important because it will significantly improve the ability of the MFA sonar operator to make detections of mines and submarines in operationally significant environments.

Keywords:
Classification, Common Active Display, mid-frequency, Detection and Tracking, SQQ-89 ACB-13 Capability and Software, Active sonar