| PROPOSAL NUMBER: | 24.01-9890 (For NASA Use Only - Chron: 000111 ) |
| PROPOSAL TITLE: | A Hybrid End-to-End Architecture that uses Model- and Rule-Based Inferencing |
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
ICS has developed and prototyped, as part of the Phase-I SBIR, a software architecture that demonstrates the feasibility of integrating sequence, rule, and model based autonomous reasoning components into a cohesive command and control, and fault monitoring and recovery system. In addition, ICS has laid the foundation to formalize a unified approach for modeling autonomous systems that is independent of any particular autonomy component, but which provides the foundation to auto-generate the run-time artifacts required by the autonomy components. ICS has also secured a flight demonstration of this integrated SCL/L2 architecture as part of the AFRL?s TechSat-21 Cluster Manager software experiment. The Cluster Manager experiment will perform autonomous operations and simulated fault monitoring and recovery for a small cluster of spacecrafts flying in close formation.
ICS, which provides SCL to the industry as an open-source software product, also plans to continue to work closely with Ames to make L2 a commercially available, open-source, software product. ICS believes that these two technologies are highly complementary and provide significant benefits towards the goal of achieving completely autonomous systems. The key to success is in the integration of these technologies into a flight proven architecture, supported by appropriate ground system tools.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Several commercial and government customers have expressed a strong interest in the aforementioned technologies to increase autonomy and automation of their missions.
ICS is working with Lockheed Martin and Aerojet on the SBIRS-High Ground System. The ground system, which uses SCL for fault detection, must support the payload flight software in providing system level anomaly detection and resolution. System-level state identification/estimation is essential and Livingstone?s capabilities in this area would greatly augment SCL?s sequence-based executive and rule-based inference engine. ICS is also currently under contract with the NRL to support the flight software for the FAME mission, and Honeywell to support the RLV2 IVHM system.
ICS is also seeing an increased demand for these technologies in non-aerospace areas such as transportation and robotics. The proposed integrated system provides a proven, cost effective solution to a wide range of control system problems and market segments. Market penetration is facilitated by the fact that ICS is following the Open-Source Model similar to Linux or GNU tools. Our software is available at http://www.opencontrol.org. We have had a considerable number of inquiries since our open source announcement. ICS offers documented and supported open software solutions as COTS -- a first in our industry.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
(Name, Organization Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)
Dean Oswald
Interface and Control Systems Inc
PMB# 131, 1600 Pace Street, Unit 900
Longmont , CO 80501 - 2671
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
(Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)
Interface and Control Systems Inc
8945 Guilford Road, Suite 120
Columbia , MD 21046 - 2392