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21ST CENTURY SYSTEMS, INC.

Address

6500 PRAIRIE AVE
OMAHA, NE, 68132-2748
USA

UEI: LE7PBYWQ5555

Number of Employees: 9

HUBZone Owned: No

Woman Owned: No

Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No

SBIR/STTR Involvement

Year of first award: 1996

Phase I Awards

Phase II Awards

37.33%

Conversion Rate

$7,209,099

Phase I Dollars

$19,128,930

Phase II Dollars

$26,338,029

Total Awarded

Success Stories

See what our company has achieved through SBIR/STTR funding.

On the morning of October 12, 2000, while in port for refueling in Aden, Yemen, the USS Cole—a 505...

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Awards

Up to 10 of the most recent awards are being displayed. To view all of this company's awards, visit the Award Data search page.

RAMSES

Amount: $150,000 Topic: AF131-204

ABSTRACT: The floor of an ALC is like a well-orchestrated dance. However, when an unexpected failure occurs, it can introduce significant delays in not only the specific aircraft"s maintenance, but of the entire network of systems. 21st Century Systems, Inc. (21CSi) is in the position to answer this challenge with a concept called Reactive Aircraft Maintenance System via Evolutionary Scheduling (RAMSES). This project"s namesake was known for his organizing ability and capacity to move large projects along. Just as Ramses utilized the best technology of his day, RAMSES uses powerful algorithms to optimize the maintenance network in the face of unforeseen failures. The base optimization engine is an Evolutionary Algorithm (EA), which provides the ability to operate under the uncertainty an unforeseen failure creates through the use of Subjective Logic. This enables the algorithm to optimally select a maintenance plan that deals directly with the materials, personnel, and facility, yet allow the algorithm to handle the uncertainty of the availability of each. The result is a shop floor capable of effectively handling any unforeseen event. And, with 21CSi"s sustained superlative commercialization index, we are the right company at the right time to improve ALC operations. BENEFIT: The RAMSES concept will have direct benefit to both the military aircraft depot as well as commercial aircraft depots. RAMSES provides a method to optimally reschedule the entire depot if an unforeseen event occurs that may cause major disruptions in the work flow. Behind the scenes, RAMSES is able to interlink all the components and activities at the depot using an evidential reasoning technology, the Evidential Reasoning Network (ERN). ERN technology allows us to describe the effects an unforeseen event would have on the components of the depot in terms of added or reduced delay. By incorporating uncertainty directly into the calculations, we are able to form conditional bounds on the effect. The EA then solves the optimization problem using these bounds. Therefore, when an unexpected event occurs, RAMSES sends out the rescheduling plan directly to the same system that the technicians are currently using. RAMSES will even develop contingency plans in the case of compound or cascading events. As far as the technician is concerned, the result is simply a change in the schedule. However, the depot supervisor, overseeing the entire operation, will notice how RAMSES maneuvers the depot floor to account for the unexpected event whilst maintaining the highest throughput possible given the anomaly. We also see this technology expanding beyond aircraft. Almost all fleet type operations have some form of maintenance shop. Land, sea, and air all require their vehicles to be periodically serviced to maintain the performance necessary for operational success. RAMSES is able to optimize scheduling from the smallest to the largest operations. The innovative ERN method to describe the relationships of the components and vehicles in the shop can be scaled for any size operation. The result is an integrated tool that saves time in a situation that usually only costs time and resources.

SBIR

Phase I

2015

DOD

USAF

Voxel-based Fusion (VOXION)

Amount: $149,951 Topic: AF13-AT01

ABSTRACT: In ISR applications, multiple sensors can be employed to achieve more accurate parameters of interest on targets, improving discrimination and detection. But, the proliferation of sensor systems has created a large volume of multi-sensor data across a number of physical spectra. These resulting measurements can be so disparate that traditional aggregation methods perform poorly given heuristics/assumptions required to map them into conventional algorithms. The team of 21st Century Systems, Inc. (21CSi) and the Missouri University of Science and Technology (MS & T) propose to develop an innovative multiphysics-based sensor fusion approach, called Voxel Fusion (VOXION). Applicable for improving target detection and discrimination in the ISR domain, VOXION maps the disparate sensor fields from a suite of EO/IR, RF and acoustic sensors into a single common multiphysics-based representation. Estimates on target parameters are then obtained directly from the unified physics field improving system accuracy, decreasing uncertainty, and achieving improved inferences more resilient to changes in the targets and environmental conditions as compared to classical fusion approaches. The innovative voxel-based concept; our diverse, well-qualified team; combined with 21CSi"s superlative, sustained record in SBIR/STTR commercialization; makes our team the right choice to improve multiphysics-based sensor fusion for the warfighter. BENEFIT: The VOXION multiphysics-based sensor fusion algorithm will be able to map the disparate sensor fields into a single common multiphysics representation that is needed to improve target detection and discrimination in the ISR domain. VOXION would generate estimates of target parameters from a unified physics representation of objects, improving system accuracy, decreasing uncertainty, and achieving improved inferences more robust to changes in the targets and environmental conditions. Thus, VOXION will markedly improve the fusion of data from disparate sensor types in order to improve situational awareness and sensor hand-offs. The VOXION technology has the potential of maturing into a cohesive multi-sensor fusion tool to assist in the traditionally manual processes of unlike sensor aggregation. This will not only improve the accuracy of the resulting situational awareness picture, but also allow for faster situation recognition and more rapid actionable intelligence. Bottom line...faster, better decisions.

STTR

Phase I

2014

DOD

USAF

Autonomously Locating to Perch and Stare (ALPS)

Amount: $149,889 Topic: OSD12-AU3

Small Unmanned Air Systems (SUAS) are being developed for numerous applications, but size and weight constraints severely limit the capability and endurance of such vehicles. Many missions could be extended by landing for certain periods, entering a low-power state, and re-launching as needed, particularly in urban environments. Technologies have been developed to provide landing gear and flight controls suitable to allow autonomous landing. However, technologies are still needed is the suite of autonomous behaviors necessary to determine when it is appropriate to land, identify a suitable landing zone (LZ), and guide the vehicle to the LZ. While portions of these functions could be performed by a human operator, but it is highly desirable to limit the burden on the operator. 21st Century Systems, Inc. (21CSi) proposes to research and develop ALPS (Autonomously Locating to Perch and Stare), a real-time software solution that autonomously locates potential landing zones from the video feed onboard an SUAS. Based on given operational criteria, such as target surveillance regions and required approach room for landing, ALPS then identifies the optimal site for perching and sufficiently geo-locates the chosen LZ, providing guidance instructions to the flight control software.

SBIR

Phase I

2013

DOD

USAF

SHARE Under Uncertainty

Amount: $99,989 Topic: MDA12-T002

In the GMD battlespace, it"s critical to rapidly ascertain specific identifying characteristics of a track so follow-on sensors can match the same track. Currently, sensors communicate track data with differing biases and uncertainties with little data-rich content and attempts to utilize track measurement information and target identification have not provided clear improvements; too little information is made available to few sensors. Addressing this challenge, 21st Century Systems, Inc. (21CSi) and the University of Oklahoma will be investigating a concept, dubbed Sensor Handoff via Advanced REasoning (SHARE) Under Uncertainty, which utilizes nested fusion loops that account for the feature data, applying uncertainty bounds to compare against previous information. SHARE Under Uncertainty, in essence, will play"20 questions"to ascertain how each new piece of data fits with the previous information to further reinforce or discount a track, allowing other possible tracks to be considered. Through examining the sensor characteristics and systematically addressing the uncertainties and biases, our research may be able to uncover common features usable to track targets as they cross sensor modalities. This handing over back and forth capability would allow a network of sensors each with unique characteristics to maintain the surveillance and greatly improve missile defense.

STTR

Phase I

2012

DOD

MDA

Fusion with Uncertainty Reasoning using Nested Assessment Characterizer Elements (FURNACE)

Amount: $149,983 Topic: OSD11-DR5

Situation/threat modeling and threat prediction require higher levels of data fusion to provide actionable information to the warfighter. Beyond sensor data and sources the analyst has control over, the use of out-sourced and re-sourced data are becoming more common. However, the current data fusion techniques do not account for the potential bias, ambiguity, and uncertainty in these other sources. Furthermore, despite the perception that the fusion process is sequential, work in human situational awareness has shown otherwise; a more nested approach is required. 21st Century Systems, Inc. proposes Fusion with Uncertainty Reasoning using Nested Assessment Characterizer Elements (FURNACE). FURNACE utilizes nested fusion loops building higher levels of information fusion without losing sight of the potential weaknesses of the underlying data. FURNACE uses advanced technologies in information filtering and reasoning to provide the levels of fusion. These reduce bias, disambiguate, and fill gaps in the data. FURNACE handles uncertainty through an innovative evidential reasoning technology that provides the necessary data to the analyst, such that they can account for the pedigree of the information supplied as it is aggregated and fused. And, with our excellent commercialization record, we are the company most likely to field this capability to the warfighter.

SBIR

Phase I

2012

DOD

USAF

Agent-Enabled Logistics Enterprise Intelligence System (AELEIS)

Amount: $724,879 Topic: A09-172

Army logisticians and fleet managers need an effective method to extract actionable information from their large data stores. They need to extract root cause and case-based analysis to diagnose or predict breakdowns. An Enterprise Intelligence System that extracts data from multiple sources, fuses that information, and disseminates the results in the form of products on the readiness of fleet vehicles would address this challenge. 21st Century Systems, Inc., teamed with the Missouri University of Science and Technology, proudly proposes to continue research and development of the Agent-Enabled Logistics Enterprise Intelligence System (AELEIS) to meet this challenge. AELEIS features an agent-based approach to autonomously mine data from multiple sources and combine the information into actionable knowledge. AELEIS processes data in many forms (e.g., reports, data logs, database entries, etc.), including textual data. The processing occurs in the background so information is available at a moments notice when the operator needs it. AELEIS uses advanced technologies, such as Adaptive Resonance Theory, Evidential Data Reasoning, and Mahalanobis-Taguchi System, for diagnostics and prognostics. This combination results in a tool that will allow logistics operators, managers, and commanders to make faster, better decisions that will ultimately save lives on the battlefield.

SBIR

Phase II

2012

DOD

ARMY

Self-Regulating Anomaly Detector (SeRADe)

Amount: $99,999 Topic: A12-043

Today"s intelligence exploitation has an information challengethere is a great deal of data being processed by a large number of analysts with insufficient ability to identify anomalies in the data. The process needs a capability that can facilitate a rapid understanding of complex information sources, resolving the issues that today"s intelligence analyst faces in detecting threats, anomalies, and potential exploits. 21st Century Systems, Inc., is proud to introduce SeRADe, an innovative concept to address the anomaly detection problem in a context-free manner. Utilizing a meta-learning approach and a small sample of anomaly detectors, SeRADe will yield a rich capability for ingesting real-world data and identifying anomalies that could indicate potential hostile behavior, or even a friendly accident in the making. SeRADe will enable the analyst to quickly find information while monitoring the data to prevent an intelligence failure to occur. SeRADe detects anomalies without the need for a large scale ontology or knowledge base, and instead learns from existing anomaly approaches. SeRADe"s innovation, coupled with our superlative record for commercializing SBIR technologies, makes 21CSi the company most likely to get this capability into the hands of the intelligence analyst.

SBIR

Phase I

2012

DOD

ARMY

Smart Multimodal Image Registration and Fusion (SMIRF)

Amount: $299,488 Topic: N093-188

To improve safety, modern submarine surface imaging systems have multiple camera modes, such as optical, infrared, and more. Current systems display modalities independently, compelling the submariner to switch between sensors manually to glean the relevant information. Following a successful Phase I effort demonstrating technical feasibility of our concept, 21st Century Systems, Inc. is poised to complete development of a multimodal video fusion capability, providing a single, relevant picture with increased contrast for salient maritime targets while reducing clutter. Smart Multimodal Image Registration and Fusion (SMIRF) will produce a higher contrast composite image through selective fusion of multiple sensor modalities regionally within each image. SMIRF combines state-of-the-art image enhancement, real-time cross-modality registration, advanced saliency detection, proven image fusion methods, and a decision-making engine to create a dynamic real-time multimodal, locally optimal region-based video fusion solution. SMIRF"s adaptive approach allows it to intelligently choose"the right tools for each job,"rather than forcing the same solution in every situation. With our extensive experience in video analysis products and with a 100th percentile SBIR commercialization rating, we are just the company to deliver this capability so submariners can focus on seeing what"s in the area and not on which setting to use.

SBIR

Phase II

2011

DOD

NAVY

Augur

Amount: $69,999 Topic: N102-185

History is replete with"intelligence failures"that were not intelligence weaknesses at all, but an inability to"put the pieces together"in time. Quintessentially, the 9/11 attack is an example, but it is merely the one most remembered. Pieces of intelligence were collected, like so many keys in a jar; but, without the validity and contextual issues resolved, the larger situations went unrecognized. Similarly, the validation and analysis of HUMINT reports is largely a manual process, tedious and burdensome, significantly delaying actionable information getting into the hands of the right person. The Navy can"t afford to continue to allow opportunities to be missed and ineffectual decisions to be made. 21st Century Systems, Inc. is pleased to propose to research and develop Augur, an intelligent HUMINT-processing capability. Augur will permit HUMINT collections to be rapidly corroborated and placed into context, creating opportunities and improving decisions through actionable intelligence. With extensive experience in researching and developing decision support technologies including within the intelligence domain, we represent the most qualified company to research and develop this end-to-end HUMINT analysis capability. And, with our high commercialization rating, we are also the company most likely to get it to the field.

SBIR

Phase I

2011

DOD

NAVY

Modular Video Interface for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (M-VIISR)

Amount: $79,957 Topic: N103-205

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnissance (ISR) systems are diverse, and each one comes with its own interface to process and present imagery to the warfighter. When coupled with the complexities of processing multiple types of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) full motion video, it creates an untenable situation that will only get worse into the future, where the complexity of managing ISR data surpasses the ability to handle it. Ultimately, the system uniqueness wastes the sailor"s time, and makes fleet operations less efficient. Due to continuing technology refresh, this problem is not going away on its own, thus, the only recourse is to design a system capable of addressing it. 21st Century Systems, Incorporated proposes the Modular Video Interface for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnissance (M-VIISR) system, which is a secure flexible interface for processing multiple full motion video and metadata streams from UAVs simultaneously, and presenting the results to the operator in a human understandable way. Our expertise with existing modular video input and processing concepts leaves us well prepared to solve the technical problems, and with our unmatched DoD Commercialization Rating, we are also the company most likely to get it into the hands of the warfighter.

SBIR

Phase I

2011

DOD

NAVY