Distributed Automatic Reconfigurable Transponder (DART)

Williams-Pyro, Inc. (WPI) has designed and successfully demonstrated a proof-of-concept of the Distributed Automatic Reconfigurable Transponder (DART) that will be capable of achieving distributed multi-nodal voice/data communication for fire fighters. In Phase 2 we will focus on developing a fully functional system that reduces communication failure while maintaining a robust and flexible system. Specifically, WPI proposes to develop a fully functional AccuTag¿-based DART, which consists of a series of distributed nodes that will relay voice transmission and data to the incident commander located outside the building. The DART system will be based on state-of-the-art technologies, allowing 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 AccuTag¿-based Distributed Automatic Reconfigurable Transponder (DART) 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. The firefighting market is the initial focus of our commercialization efforts (worth approximately $500 million, and WPI's estimated market share after five years on the market is expected to reach approximately 5 percent). The opportunities within this market are large, with approximately 30,000 fire departments, 50,000 public safety agencies, and more than a million firefighters nationwide. In addition to the large size, the market offers other promising factors such as great need.