Distributed Automatic Reconifigurable Transponder (DART)

his proposal focuses on developing Distributed Automatic Reconfigurable Trasponder (DART) system that is capable of achieving distributed multi-nodal voice/data communication for firefighters. Specifically, Williams-Pyro, Inc. proposes to develop an enhanced prototype of distributed Automated Reconfigurable Intelligent Radios, which consists of a series of distributed nodes that will relay voice transmission and data to the incident commander located outside the building. The proposed DART system will allow several distributed DARTs to communicate between individual team members inside the structure, as well as with the incident commander located outside the structure. This system will allow faster, more accurate information transmission, resulting in timely fire detection and safer firefighting. COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: Commercial applications of the proposed Distributed Automatic Reconfigurable Transponder (DART) system vary widely, with possibilities including police and fire departments; emergency management services; petroleum companies; water, gas, and electric utilities; mining companies; and transportation companies such as railroads, taxicab operations, and airlines. With such wide-ranging potential applications, DART will benefit from a strategic marketing plan that focuses on a specific initial market. Therefore, due to NIST's interest in firefighting technology and the firefighting community's need for improved equipment, WPI has chosen to first focus on firefighting applications.