UTOPIACOMPRESSION,CORPORATION — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: ABSTRACT: X-ray computed tomography (CT) is an ideal non-destructive inspection (NDI) tec

Description

ABSTRACT: X-ray computed tomography (CT) is an ideal non-destructive inspection (NDI) technique that enables detailed examination of the internal 3D structure of an object. CT can be used for examining a wide range of materials including metals, ceramics, plastics, wood and composites. X-ray CT has a wide range of NDI applications such as quality control, i.e. ensuring that a manufactured part agrees with its blueprint within allowed tolerances, reverse engineering the structure of a competitors'product and condition monitoring and surveillance of solid rocket motors (SRMs) and other critical machines. X-ray CT is also used extensively for medical diagnosis. Conventional CT images are obtained using modified Filtered Back-Projection algorithms that are fast but prone to noise and several image artifacts such as streaking, false edges and cupping due to beam hardening. We propose an advanced iterative reconstruction algorithm that inherently produces artifact free images and suppresses noise while simultaneously preserving the detailed object structure. Our algorithm uses an accurate model of the entire X-ray imaging process. We will use a theoretically optimally fast optimization algorithm and GPUs to achieve the target of reconstructing a 4096x4096 slice in less than a minute. In phase II, we will extend it to model polychromatic X-ray sources to suppress cupping artifacts and investigate methods to reduce image capture time. BENEFIT: Commercialization Strategy To ensure a successful transition of the CT Reconstruction technology, UC will pursue an aggressive partnering strategy during Phase I and Phase II to guide the technology in a direction that will fill the immediate needs of ongoing prime contractor partner (Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems) programs. UC will fully leverage these relationships to secure optimum involvement and support of the prime contractors for the proposed technology. Product Opportunities within Defense UC is determined to demonstrate success with the Air Force as its initial customer and then expand its product offering to other service branches and agencies. Following Phase I efforts, and while proceeding with Phases II and III development, UC will work closely with both the Air Force and major vendors to gather technical requirements and business use cases for the proposed technology. UC has identified numerous product opportunities within the Government sector. Specific programs which would benefit from use of UCs proposed technology include the production of the Trident II D5 SRM motor sets, the EELV strap-on SRMs, NASAs new Space Launch Vehicles, and other missile defense and tactical missile programs. The UC team is focused on strengthening its strong partnership ties with mature vendors such as Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin to reach a maximum of potential end-user customers. Commercial Markets and Product Opportunities The UC team believes that its CT Reconstruction technology provides an attractive value proposition to anyone requiring improvements in speed and accuracy of non-invasive tomography applications. The UC team is confident that there are numerous commercial entry points for the technology, including within the Industrial CT Market, Commercial Aviation, and Medical Imaging Technologies sectors. Industrial CT: The Industrial CT market is projected to reach more than $450.6 million annually in revenues by 2014, with a significant on-going growth rate to follow. This sector continues to gain users as advances such as UCs technologies improve results and user-friendliness of non-destructive quality testing. UC is excited about the opportunities presented by this market, which in addition to several major vendors such as North Star Imaging and Rapiscan Systems includes numerous niche entry points for specialized industry verticals such as Avionics (discussed below) which are ripe for penetration by smaller companies like UC. Commercial Aviation: The Commercial Aviation industry is projected to experience steady growth over the next 20 years, reaching a demand level of more than 12,800 aircraft between 20- to 149-seats, and a revenue of $612 billion. Drivers in this market include demand for new aircraft, as well as reconditioning of parked aircraft to meet new safety guidelines. UCs proposed technologies will provide substantial ROIs to vendors in this sector by improving quality assurance capabilities during manufacturing and in assessments of aging fleets, reducing errors and costs. UC will pursue partnering strategies with major navigation and craft vendors Honeywell, Rockwell Collins, and Thales to ensure optimal transition of the CT Reconstruction technologies. Medical Imaging Forecasted to exceed $22 billion by 2012, the combined Medical Imaging market is expected to continue to experience high growth. A major factor driving this anticipated growth is increased use of software technologies to maximize application of non-invasive detection methodologies to new diagnostic areas. The UC team is excited at the prospects offered by this emerging and growing market and confident that a clear transition pathway is present through channel pathways developed with major vendors in this sector such as Siemens, GE and Philips. Transition Plans During Phase I, UC will identify potential vendors and partners (Rapiscan Systems) and engage with them to ensure timely and cost-effective distribution of the proposed technology. UC intends to sell the technology developed in Phases I & II in one or more of the following ways: 1) Partnering. Under this approach, UC will partner with aviation hardware manufacturers, and medical tomography system integrators to develop and market UCs technology as a component of new quality assurance systems for industrial use, and medial analysis systems. 2) Direct licensing. UCs technology can also be directly licensed to OEM"s and VARs interested in using UCs technology directly or in integrating it into an existing system or platform. 3) Services. In conjunction with the above approaches, UC may offer customized services to develop solutions tailored to customer needs in particular environments.