Publications

The system design of the Advanced Exterior Sensor (AES), test data and Sandia National Laboratories' current work on the AES is described. The AES integrates three sensor technologies (thermal infrared waveband, visible waveband, and microwave radar) in a Remote Sensor Module communicating with three motion detection target trackers and a sensor fusion software module in the Data Processor Module to achieve higher performance than single technology devices. Wide areas are covered by continuously scanning the three sensors 360 degrees in about one second. The images from the infrared and visible detector sets and the radar range data are updated as the sensors rotate each second. The radar provides range data with approximately one-meter resolution. Panoramic imagery is generated for immediate visual assessment of alarms using the Display Control Module. There is great potential for site security enhancement using the AES, which was designed for low-cost, easy use and rapid deployment to cover wide areas beyond typical perimeters, possibly in place of typical perimeter sensors, and for tactical applications around fixed or temporary high-value assets. Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) systems have neither the three sensor technologies nor the imaging sensor resolution. Cost and performance will be discussed for different scenarios. ©2004 IEEE.

This report (1) summarizes the overall design of the Advanced Exterior Sensor (AES) system to include detailed descriptions of system components, (2) describes the work accomplished throughout FY04 to evaluate the current health of the original prototype and to return it to operation, (3) describes the status of the AES and the AES project as of September 2004, and (4) details activities planned to complete modernization of the system to include development and testing of the second-generation AES prototype.

Abstract not provided.

June 1993, the A-PRIMED project (Agile Product Realization of electrMEchanical Devices) was formed with a concurrent engineering team of product designers, analysts, CNC machinists, robotic assembly scientists, electronics communications developers, statisticians and human factors scientists at Sandia National Laboratories, to develop and demonstrate a process for a much faster design-to-production cycle for precision electromechanical devices. The team had to develop the culture and infrastructure to support communications between remotely located members, as well as demonstrate a shortened cycle time made possible by developing new technologies. These new technologies were then adopted by the team and introduced to their work partners to support new work processes. By March 1995, the A-PRIMED team has used the new technologies and work processes to design and build qualified new products in only 24 days.

Interactive Collaborative Environments (ICE) technologies allow teames at separate locations to work concurrently on joint problem solving. Examples of ICE use include engineers simultaneously viewing and manipulating the same CAD application to discuss design/production changes and trade-offs. This concept was demonstrated in March of 1992 between AT&T, Shreveport Works and Holmdel. In May 1992, Sandia National Laboratories demonstrated a platform independent version of application sharing code using the workstations and application software available at AT&T, Shreveport Works. AT&T and Sandia are currently negotiating future work agreements. In addition, Sandia has provided demonstrations and created pilot project links for internal Sandia use, and for communication with other facilities, e.g. Los Alamos National Laboratories and Sandia, California location. ICE can also be used to link up suppliers and customers, even in different companies. Anywhere team members are separated geographically, or even between building and facilities at a particular site, ICE can improve remote problem solving, cutting down on delays and miscommunication flascoes.