The Department of Defense, specifically the Army, is seeking proposals for the development of a new event camera hardware/software system aimed at capturing and analyzing propellant testing data at high speeds and under challenging lighting conditions. The primary objective is to create a solution that can effectively measure key parameters during chaotic propellant development experiments, which is crucial for advancing artillery weapon systems and enhancing the safety and lethality of soldiers. This opportunity is part of the SBIR program, with a funding amount of up to $2,000,000 for a 24-month performance period, and is currently open for Direct to Phase II proposals, with applications due by November 20, 2024. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the official solicitation link at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.

## Description

Develop new event camera hardware/software system that can capture and display propellant testing data at a rate of 0.01ms or faster over a 0.5 second interval in high dynamic range lighting conditions (100dB or more). Develop software that can fuse event camera data with high-speed camera data and utilize supervised and unsupervised AI/ML tools to perform complex 3D image analysis to assess and evaluate initial ignition phenomenon and combustion propagation in a translucent acrylic combustion case. Develop software with Graphic User Interface that can visualize and generate reports of assessment and evaluation of propellant testing. 

## Objective

The objective of this effort is to develop a hardware and software solution to capture, process, and measure key parameters of the chaotic, high-speed, propellant development experiments in challenging real world lighting conditions. It is important because it will lead to advancements in propelling charge design that will enable greater range of artillery weapon systems in development and simultaneously increasing both the lethality and the safety of Soldiers utilizing propellants designed with this technology. 

## Phase I

This topic is only accepting Direct to Phase II proposals for a cost up to $2,000,000 for a 24-month period of performance.Proposers interested in submitting a DP2 proposal must provide documentation to substantiate that the scientific and technical merit and feasibility equivalent to a Phase I project has been met. Documentation can include data, reports, specific measurements, success criteria of a prototype, etc.

## Phase II

Demonstrate the use of Event Camera(s) to capture imagery of a rapidly changing chaotic event and the production of metrics that supports the analysis of the event. Examples of Event Camera data collection for events occurring in high dynamic range lighting conditions are highly desirable.Demonstrate the use of High-Speed Video with sampling rates greater than or equal to 5,000 (Threshold)/ 10,000 (Objective) frames per second to capture imagery of a rapidly changing event and the production of metrics that support the analysis of the event. Examples of tools developed for efficient and effective processing of High-Speed video to generate metrics for analysis is highly desired.Demonstrate the fusing of different types of sensor technologies e.g., Electro-Optical and Infrared sensors, to utilize the strengths of each sensor technologies to produce an enhanced data product not solely attainable from a single sensor type.Demonstrate the use of AI/ML processes to effectively and efficiently extract data from video-based imagery. Examples must include the development of the AI/ML tools, efficiencies gained, and process flow that a qualified user with similar resources would need to follow to obtain similar results.

## Phase III: Dual Use Applications

Autonomous Vehicles/Drones &amp; Industrial: self-driving cars and commercial drone surveillanceScientific Research: studying high-speed phenomena in fields like fluid dynamics or particle physics along with analyzing rapid movements in humans (biomechanics) for scientific studyMedical Imaging &amp; Consumer/Mobile Electronics: utilize low-light and high dynamic range imaging to improve the quality of images in minimally invasive procedures or through HDR technology on personal mobile devicesRobotics &amp; AR/VR: 3D object detection and tracking

1729929011171.pdf

The document outlines a project focused on developing an advanced event camera hardware and software system to enhance propellant testing by capturing high-speed imagery under challenging lighting conditions. The goal is to utilize artificial intelligence and machine learning for detailed imagery analysis and reporting, ultimately improving artillery design for increased lethality and soldier safety. The initiative includes phases for technological feasibility demonstrations and potential dual-use applications in various fields like autonomous vehicles, scientific research, and medical imaging.

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