An Accelerated Discrimination Engine and Processing Technology (ADEPT)

This research will define, experimentally qualify, and produce a preliminary design for an Accelerated Discrimination Engine and Processing Technology (ADEPT). ADEPT will enable significantly faster discrimination among target signatures than is currently achievable. This is a powerful signal discrimination or identification technique, consisting of signal conditioning, innovative and unconventional signal parameter extraction, and a Chaos-based identifier process which operates upon the extracted parameters. The parameter extractor technique applies Statistical Signal Characterization (SSC) technology, which enhances Chaos-based signal discrimination or identification. Early testing of the methodology has confirmed its ability to derive attractors and fractal dimensions to discriminate among complex waveforms. The Phase I Objectives are to (1) specifically delineate the methods, (2) experimentally validate them for target discrimination and improve them through actual waveform identification testing, (3) generalize them for broader application, (4) develop the Phase II preliminary design and plans, and (5) define the technology-transition path. The Phase I products will be the experimental results, Phase II and transition plans, an experimental (test) implementation, and the preliminary design. Phase II implementation and characterization testing will be based upon the Phase I preliminary design and test results, and will prepare the technology for commercial product development. ADEPT will provide an effective, simpler alternative to present, more elaborate techniques, for military target discrimination, medical waveform analysis, seismic wave identification, and myriad other signal identification or discrimination applications.