SBIR 95-1 SOLICITATION
PROJECT SUMMARY
Proposal Number:
Project Title:
ROBUST REAL-TIME PERSONNEL TRACKING/LOCATING SYSTEM FOR COMPLEX AND HAZARDOUS OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENTS
Technical Abstract:
At many complex and hazardous sites, such as the Space Shuttle launch
facilities, there is an urgent need to monitor "who, what, when, and where" in
real time to minimize risks to personnel and equipment, and to facilitate
rescue and recovery efforts should accidents occur. However, the very
operational environment that necessitates such monitoring also places severe
demands on the system itself. Without a sufficiently robust system, its
functionality could be lost just when needed the most. Microwave Monolithics
Incorporated (MMInc.) therefore proposes to finalize its preliminary systems
and circuits designs and to fabricate an affordable, flexible, personnel and
equipment tracking and locating system for the shuttle launch facilities which
will also satisfy a variety of related commercial and civil requirements.
This robust, stand-alone, system will continuously monitor the location
(within a few meters) of small, low cost, "badges" worn by personnel and
"tags" on mobile equipment, and will display the information in real-time at a
remote (safe) monitoring facility. Phase I will concentrate on detailed
design and analysis to show feasibility, followed by the construction and
evaluation of a demonstration system in Phase II. A fully operational system
would be deployed and commercialized in Phase III.
Potential Commercial Applications:
The proposed tracking and locating system, although initially intended
for operation at a fixed location (the shuttle launch facility), is compatible
with "field setup" and operation at transient locations such as the scene of a
fire, earthquake, or other disaster. The system could also find use in
diverse civil and commercial applications ranging from prisoner monitoring to
child care facilities. Its ability to track valuable, possibly mobile,
equipment over a few mile radius could also find application at storage yards,
harbors, and trucking and railroad facilities.
Name and Address of Offeror:
Microwave Monolithics Incorporated
465 E. Easy St., Unit F
Simi Valley, CA 93065
Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) &
Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) Programs
Electronic Management System (EMS)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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Updated: Feb. 7, 1996