Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Underwater Secure Text Messaging and Diver Locater Navy STTR FY2010.A Sol No.: Navy STTR FY2010.A Topic No.: N10A-T034 Topic Title: Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Underwater Secure Text Messaging and Diver Locater Proposal No.: N10A-034-0070 Firm: Yotta Navigation Corporation 3365 Mauricia Avenue Santa Clara, California 95051-6613 Contact: William Deninger Phone: (408) 242-7026 Web Site: http://www.yottanav.com Abstract: Yotta Navigation and The Ohio State University propose to develop a complete diver text messaging and locator system. The system will securely transmit preformatted and free-text messages, and will be able to accurately determine range and bearing, at distances of up to 1000 meters. This system consists of two major components. An ultrasonic cylindrical array, mounted on a swimmer delivery vehicle or similar platform, serves as a central node. This central node both communicates with and determines the location of individual divers on the system's acoustic data network. Individual divers carry a small portable device which contains an integrated miniature inertial navigation system, an ultrasonic transducer for communication, as well as a full-color graphical user interface. The system will build on previous research and development work conducted by Yotta Navigation, and will take advantage of the substantial modeling, simulation, and test capabilities developed by Ohio State University. As a result, an initial prototype system can be developed by the conclusion of Phase I. Benefits: The proposed system will provide a situational awareness capability to Naval Special Warfare operators that does not currently exist. Visual contact with combat swimmers is impossible at long distances and during conditions of extremely poor visibility. Likewise, it is impossible for leaders to disseminate mission changes, or for divers to provide real-time status or reconnaissance reports, without a reliable means of communication. The proposed system will address both problems by determining the location (range and bearing information) of deployed divers, as well as by providing a means of bi-direction text communication between divers. This will greatly enhance both operational effectiveness and safety during waterborne insertion and extraction. The same benefits that apply to NSW apply equally if not more so to the recreational, professional, and instructional diving communities. There are well over 100 times more recreational divers than professional and military divers. Although civilian diving may or may not be as technically challenging, civilian divers typically do not have the same level of training, experience, strength and endurance as military divers - consequently the safety needs of this community are as much, if not greater, than for the military. Yotta Navigation therefore plans to commercialize the results of this effort beyond serving the US and Allied Special Operations market, as it holds promise to make diving an even safer and more enjoyable experience for countless professional and recreational divers as well. Return