Sponsor: US Army Research Office
Mentor(s):
Brandon Conover blconover@practicalscientific.com
Project Background and Need:
The Army conveys select messages to foreign audiences in support of national strategic objectives. These messages get disseminated through traditional means such as outdoor billboards, posters, stickers, etc. The contracting for such basic print media can be both time and resource intensive, often becoming beholden to foreign market conditions. These can include limited availability of advertising space, risk aversion by foreign companies to carry U.S. messaging, vandalism, clever placement of opposing counter-messages, and unresponsiveness to rapidly changing requirements.
The overall objective is to off-set some of the difficulties inherent in traditional outdoor print media by having a capability that could be described as a UAS-based Outdoor Projector. Such capability would provide the Army flexibility to display messaging:
on most any surfaces (e.g., walls, buildings, sidewalks, varied elevations, etc.)
at times, frequency, and durations of their choosing
This capability would allow the Army to put out messages more deliberately, while reducing their vulnerability from hostile actions directed at such messaging. Incremental improvements to such a capability would result in ever smaller form-factor while improving such things as battery life, projection distance, image brightness, etc.
Problem Description/requirements (List of high-level functionality you expect to see in the end product):
The final, fielded system should project clear images and messages onto “building” surfaces, both in flight and while “parking” on elevated ledges. It should have safety mechanisms that prevent unintended injury or damage (e.g., falling on someone’s head because it ran out of battery). This capability should be able to project effectively from great distances (across big-city streets; +300ft) in order to reduce attention from the device(s) and the individual operating it, thereby enhancing protection for the end-user and equipment involved. Operating the device (to include inputting desired projections) should be quick, easy, and intuitive even for end-users that may only receive limited training on it. Although compatibility with the Army’s Nett Warrior system (to include ATAK/DTAK) is desirable, it must also be capable of operating independent of said system.
It must have adequate protections that allow it to operate with relative impunity in environments where it will be challenged (e.g., compromise or confiscation through physical, electro-magnetic, and other means). In the event of system compromise, it should not put the operator at risk of capture or identification. Max possible stand-off distances between the system and the operator will also increase protections and usage. Ability for one individual to operate multiple systems simultaneously is desirable (e.g., String of Pearls and Hub-and-Spoke concepts). Smaller form-factor should allow easy fit/transport within a civilian book bag equivalent; the more can be carried in such limited space, the better. Though not its primary purpose, the system would also have tactical utility if it can act as a flying high-intensity floodlight (especially if multiple systems were capable of aiming blinding lights towards the same direction/objective).
This project should result in an advanced prototype that will enable further development of a fielded system.
Required Skills / Desired Competencies (in order of importance):
Some experience with UAS platforms and/or their control structure
Embedded hardware and programming
Wireless communications
Programming experience
Robotics/mechatronics
Mobile app development
Networking
PCB design and layout
MATLAB and Simulink
Analog circuit design
How often and how would you be available to meet/chat with the team (Zoom, Hangout, Skype, Phone)?
Once per week for scheduled updates via zoom with periodic in-person when beneficial to the team. Email availability outside of normal meetings.
Will the students be required to sign any of the following before they start with the project? NDA / CDA / IP assignment / IP protection form
NDA will potentially need to be signed.