Award Data

The ability to monitor the integrity of a bridge structure and detect damage or condition changes at early stages is of significant importance for bridge operation safety. Currently, the most widely used damage detection methods rely on subjective, incremental visual assessments or localized testing techniques. In this proposal, we propose to develop and test a low cost and efficient bridge stru ...

This Phase II proposal develops a novel third rail insulator cleaner called the Vohrtex based.on the successfully completed Phase I project that developed the low water consumption, quick cleaning tool, the “Spin Wedge.” The Vohrtex slides on the third rail and is attached to a service vehicle that rides on the track. The Vohrtex has a pair of arms, which hang down on opposite sides of the t ...

This research focuses on the development of a real-time signal timing methodology and algorithms that balance safety and efficiency. This research consists of two phases: Phase I was completed in December 2009; it examined the relationships between signal timing and surrogate measures of safety, namely the frequency of rear-end, angle and lane-change conflicts. The FHWA Surrogate Safety Assessm ...

To mitigate the Dilemma Zone (DZ) problem, Intelligent Automation, Inc. (IAI) team proposes an innovative vehicle specific Detection, Control and Warning System (DCWS). DCWS provides vehicle-specific dilemma zone protection based on travel time to the intersection as opposed to more conventional systems which protect a fixed area on the pavement. Apart from incorporating advanced signal control ...

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 ...

A nondestructive evaluation method is proposed for imaging in-roadway sensors, anticipated to allow them to be located and evaluated in-situ. The techniques uses innovative step frequency GPR hardware together with new data collection and data processing methods to provide high-resolution images of in-roadway sensor features. Recent work by the proposed research team has already demonstrated im ...

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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To continue the work of designing and building a fusion (Thermal and Intensified) Goggle that can be used in the field hand s free by a fully actice SOF operator. To dramatically improve the visibility of SOF operators in smoke filled night or dark urbanenvironments

ImageCorp, Inc. and its subcontractor M-Vision, Inc. propose to design and conduct a feasibility study of a machine vision system dedicated to the automatic analysis of the drivers¿ glancing direction. This system will be able to determine the beginning and end of the glancing activity in the video sequence, indexed by the subject (functional area of interest), duration, and direction of glance. ...