Current methods of damage control assessment onboard US Navy ships subject personnel to hazardous environments. These methods are labor intensive and dangerous. Our proposal outlines the initial design and architecture of a ruggedized multi-sensing wireless device and the remote monitor to which it interfaces. The sensing device we propose is self-orienting, shock resistant, waterproof, buoyant, capable of withstanding fire, explosions, toxic gases, and able to transmit high-bandwidth data, including video, wirelessly to the remote monitor with a range beyond 70 feet. 3eTI has significant experience with wireless mesh equipment and wireless sensor technology, and has deployed wireless equipment to U.S. Navy surface vessels and on U.S. Navy bases. All 3eTI products meet U.S. Navy requirements, including the vast array of wireless certification and accreditation requirements. Due to our significant experience with wireless sensor systems and remote monitoring for the U.S. Navy specifically, 3eTI is well-positioned to develop a working product that meets all of the requirements in this SBIR topic
Benefit: With the U.S. Navys current strategic thrust to reduce the crew complement on its ships and with new shipbuilding programs such as DDG 1000, LCS, and CVX targeting crew sizes that are significantly reduced from their predecessor platforms, there exists several transition opportunities for the technology being developed under this program. In addition to the Transition opportunities, there exist large commercial markets for the technology. Such markets that are actively employing Smart Sensors include petrochemical, pulp and paper, automobile, construction equipment, nuclear, aerospace and consumer appliance markets. 3ETI has formed broad-based teaming relationships with industry partners such as National Institute of Standards and Technology, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Penn State University, University of California, Riverside, Honeywell, and Emerson to develop new technologies which include wireless, ruggedized smart sensors, MEMS, IEEE 1451 Smart Transducer Interfaces and Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) systems. One of 3ETIs teaming partners, National Institute of Standard and Technology, a leader in the development of IEEE 1451 Standards, has developed IEEE 1451.1 code under a CRADA for 3ETI that will be utilized in this effort. Based on the IEEE 1451 Smart Sensor architecture, a prototype demonstration of a ship-wide system suitable for commercial and military implementation will prepare the way for commercialization. We believe one of our initial customers will be the Surface Combatant Navy ships that will include DDG-51, CG-47, DD-963, and FFG-7 class ships, as well as the new DDX class of ships. Once our system is proven to optimize situational awareness on Navy ships, we plan to market it to commercial cruise ships, oil rigs, and the car industry
Keywords: HERP, HERP,, Damage Assessment, IEEE 801.11a/b/g, Situational Awareness, HERO, damage control, HERF, wireless sensors
