Completed Projects

Biometrics- Active and Passive Range Sensor Fusion for Automated Surveillance and Face Recognition

Dr. Lau with the University of Kentucky is demonstrating the capability for automated face recognition through three-dimensional image capture. Various active and passive range sensing techniques are used. The technologies range from a small surveillance pod which incorporates two cameras with a digital projector for short range 3-D imaging, to a long-range time-of-flight range sensing systems which uses active beam steering to direct a narrow beam light pulse.

Biometrics- Intelligent Video Surveillance for Homeland Security Applications

Dr. Collins with Eastern KY University leverages a current proof-of-concept project that involves the development of a low-cost, multi-camera video reference design board increase the solution and enhance both the performance and capability of intelligent video surveillance systems.

Biometrics- Privacy Protecting Video Surveillance

Dr. Sen-ching Samson Cheung with the University of Kentucky has developed the necessary technologies to use modern video surveillance technologies for security applications while at the same time protecting the privacy of individuals.

Blast Mitigation- Blast Mitigation and Armor Systems for Rail Transportation

Dr. Art Pallone with Murray State University is investigating the design, fabrication, and testing of functional lightweight armor specifically for rail cars. Dr. Pallone has developed models that assess the impact of various protective materials used in a variety of blast scenarios.

Blast Mitigation- Carbon Materials for Blast Mitigation and Explosive Device Containment

Dr. Rodney Andrews with the University of Kentucky has developed multifunctional protective materials based on novel carbon and carbon composite components. These materials simultaneously offer high impact resistance, EMI shielding, chemical agent adsorption capabilities, and radiological shielding, all in lightweight fire resistant materials suitable for use in retrofitting into existing buildings or vehicles.

Blast Mitigation- HVAC–Integrated Explosive Vapor Detection System

Dr. Robert Keynton and other faculty members at the University of Louisville are developing and field testing a state-of-the-art HVAC-integrated trace explosive vapor detection system for public facility/infrastructure protection. The target detection threshold is at least three orders of magnitude below the vapor pressure of TNT (70 ng/L) and related molecules at standard temperature and pressure.

 
 

Information Systems and Interoperable Comm- Enhanced Mitigation of Intrusion Threats in SCADA Systems on Chemical Plants and Other Critical Infrastructure

Dr. Graham with the University of Louisville is investigating new approaches for significantly enhancing the security of the hardware and software for SCADA remote terminal units (RTUs) and the security of communications protocols used between RTUs and SCADA Master Stations.

 

Information Systems and Interoperable Comm- Man Portable Interoperable Tactical Operations Center (MITOC)

Mr. Jim Graham, formerly of the University of Louisville, developed the concept for a rapidly deployable, interoperable communications system to provide situational awareness for emergency responders. He was assisted by Dr. Jim Gantt of the Center for Telecommunications Systems at Murray State University in developing the Man-portable, Interoperable Tactical Operations Center (MITOC™) system.

Information Systems and Interoperable Comm- Rapidly Deployable Displays for Emergency Response

Dr. Yang with the University of Kentucky focuses on the scientific and engineering problems related to ultra-portable, rapidly deployable visualization systems (RDVS) for emergency response. The system he is developing will provide high resolution displays that are portable and easy to set up. 

Information Systems and Interoperable Comm- Three Dimensional Light Field Display for Advance Simulation and Training

Dr. Yang with the University of Kentucky has developed a flexible and scalable three-dimensional display that will allow any number of trainees to simultaneously perceive many different viewpoints with full color, full parallax and full motion solid stereoscopic imagery, without resorting to headsets or user-tracking.

The Challenge

The task of assuring the security of our homeland involves protecting the citizens of the United States, the nation's critical infrastructure and key assets. This is necessary to sustain the nation's vitality against terrorism and other threats. This protection must originate at the community level. It requires discovering, developing and deploying new technology that will support first responders and key decision makers in local communities.

The Mission

NIHS' mission is to discover, develop and deploy solutions that protect and preserve the critical infrastructure of the nation's communities.

The Institute

NIHS aligns projects and research objectives with the needs and requirements of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The strategy is to manage a distributed research enterprise that effectively transitions research and development into solutions. NIHS works with DHS to determine technology needs at the community level. Then, teams are quickly assembled from multiple universities to develop solutions to the needs.

The Strategy

Through management of the Kentucky Critical Infrastructure Protections Program (KCI), the National Institute for Hometown Security (NIHS) provides an ongoing, integrated program dedicated to developing new technologies and devices. NIHS works through qualified academic institutions to accomplish the technological objectives.