A ZigBee-Based Wireless Sensor Network for Continuous Sound and Noise Level Monitoring on the ISS

The International Space Station (ISS) needs to keep quiet to maintain a healthy and habitable environment in which crewmembers can perform long-term and uninterrupted scientific research under microgravity conditions. Acoustic survey is now performed once every two months using hand-held devices at 60 locations on the ISS. It takes a significant amount of precious crew time and the sporadic monitoring program is not adequate. NASA has defined a need for an automated, continuous acoustic monitoring system that is efficient in power consumption (long battery life), accurate, highly integrated, wireless connected, scalable, small and lightweight. WeVoice Inc.\ proposed to develop a ZigBee-based wireless sensor network for acoustic monitoring to meet the challenges. During Phase I of this projects, three essential capabilities were developed, tested, and validated: * The design of a data collection subsystem that integrates measurement microphones and the feasibility of using the state-of-the-art MEMS microphones. * The development of accurate and computationally efficient signal processing algorithms for acoustic frequency (octave, 1/3-octave, and narrowband) analysis and sound level measurement. * The construction of a ZigBee network for data communication. In addition, the WeVoice SBIR research team has started working on flight-like devices. Clear directions for improvement were established for the Phase II efforts that may follow. The Phase II program focuses on system integration and optimization, software implementation, and graphical user interface development. An in-situ calibration plan will be suggested and a demonstrable system will be delivered to NASA for testing in a ground facility at the completion of the Phase II contract. So the expected TRL then is expected to reach 6.

1) Acoustic monitoring on the ISS, 2) Noise survey on future NASA manned or unmanned spacecraft

1) Environmental noise monitoring for communities and airports, 2) Occupational noise survey, 3) Noise monitoring and control in the healthcare industry, 4) Acoustic monitoring in defense, 5) Acoustic surveillance for security purposes, and 6) Noise monitoring for wildlife refuges

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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