Award Data

Fully autonomous, taskable robots for use in unconstrained environments are still a dream rather than a reality because of a host of problems, including capabilities of existing sensors, effectors, and control/planning software. Indeed, concepts of operations for robot use are tending toward robots collaborating directly with humans, in relationships similar to bomb squad dogs. Fortunately, enough ...

Development of new short-wave infrared imaging sensors with signal processing electronics on the same substrate is critical for a number of military and commercial applications. The objective of this research is to develop a new generation of Ge-on-Si p-n heterojunction photodiodes that will culminate in a demonstration of a 64 x 64-pixel infrared imaging array. These photodiodes, whose feas ...

Laser Technology Inc. (LTI) proposes a Phase II SBIR research project to further develop a Compact Shearography System, Analysis Method and Software for micro-crack detection in concrete. There is an urgent need to detect and characterize fine cracks in concrete that form because of various damage mechanisms including alkali-silicate reaction, delayed ettringite formation or frost damage. Fine s ...

Development of the basic EMAT based transverse rail defect detector has progressed toward finished form, as envisioned in the original solicitation. This modification is intended to produce a demonstratable version of a 2-rail detection system with automated signal interpertation. The objectives of this work are to: a. Further develop the system into a functioning 2-rail detection system, as ori ...

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The objective of this proposal is to investigate a set of software tools that aid researchers (i.e. scientists, inventors, designers, planners, or investors) in solving complex problems over large sets of data. The DiscoveryToolsTM system will provide acustomer-centered approach to computer automation. The customer (i.e. researcher) encodes problem-solving strategies through an easy-to-use graph ...

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This project develops an information extraction system that demonstrates higher levels of recall than current systems, seeking not to jeopardize the levels of precision. Our recall enhancing algorithms use more linguistic and world knowledge than mostcurrent systems. Four crucial avenues of work that will lead to the improvement of recall are: disambiguation of input text terms through ontological ...

SeiraD is working to develop an innovative DNA sequencing device incorporating silicon-based microfluidics and molecular level sensors. The US government has invested over $2,000,000,000 to sequence the first human genome. The full potential of DNAsequence information will only be realized when multiple genomes are rapidly and inexpensively sequenced. The SeiraD approach is based on research co ...