Engineering topics

Koch, Daniel B

Publications and source records attributed to Koch, Daniel B.

6 records

DOE OSTI2017

An Internet of Things Approach to Electrical Power Monitoring and Outage Reporting

The so-called Internet of Things concept has captured much attention recently as ordinary devices are connected to the Internet for monitoring and control purposes. One enabling technology is the proliferation of low-cost, single board computers with built-in network interfaces. Some of these are capable of hosting full-fledged operating systems that provide rich programming environments. Taken together, these features enable inexpensive solutions for even traditional tasks such as the one presented here for electrical power monitoring and outage reporting.

Internet of Things↗

DOE OSTI2016

A Multi-agent Simulation Tool for Micro-scale Contagion Spread Studies

Within the disaster preparedness and emergency response community, there is interest in how contagions spread person-to-person at large gatherings and if mitigation strategies can be employed to reduce new infections. A contagion spread simulation module was developed for the Incident Management Preparedness and Coordination Toolkit that allows a user to see how a geographically accurate layout of the gathering space helps or hinders the spread of a contagion. The results can inform mitigation strategies based on changing the physical layout of an event space. A case study was conducted for a particular event to calibrate the underlying simulation model. This paper presents implementation details of the simulation code that incorporates agent movement and disease propagation. Elements of the case study are presented to show how the tool can be used.

Koch, Daniel B↗

DOE OSTI2015

A Simple Evacuation Modeling and Simulation Tool for First Responders

Although modeling and simulation of mass evacuations during a natural or man-made disaster is an on-going and vigorous area of study, tool adoption by front-line first responders is uneven. Some of the factors that account for this situation include cost and complexity of the software. For several years, Oak Ridge National Laboratory has been actively developing the free Incident Management Preparedness and Coordination Toolkit (IMPACT) to address these issues. One of the components of IMPACT is a multi-agent simulation module for area-based and path-based evacuations. The user interface is designed so that anyone familiar with typical computer drawing tools can quickly author a geospatially-correct evacuation visualization suitable for table-top exercises. Since IMPACT is designed for use in the field where network communications may not be available, quick on-site evacuation alternatives can be evaluated to keep pace with a fluid threat situation. Realism is enhanced by incorporating collision avoidance into the simulation. Statistics are gathered as the simulation unfolds, including most importantly time-to-evacuate, to help first responders choose the best course of action.

data fusion↗

DOE OSTI2012

An Incident Management Preparedness and Coordination Toolkit

Although the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) by centrally-located operations staff is well established in the area of emergency response, utilization by first responders in the field is uneven. Cost, complexity, and connectivity are often the deciding factors preventing wider adoption. For the past several years, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has been developing a mobile GIS solution using free and open-source software targeting the needs of front-line personnel. Termed IMPACT, for Incident Management Preparedness and Coordination Toolkit, this ORNL application can complement existing GIS infrastructure and extend its power and capabilities to responders first on the scene of a natural or man-made disaster.

data fusion↗

DOE OSTI2011

Creating a Software Framework for Simulating Satellite Geolocation

It is hard to imagine life these days without having some sort of electronic indication of one's current location. Whether the purpose is for business, personal, or emergency use, utilizing smart cell phones, in-vehicle navigation systems, or location beacons, dependence on the Global Positioning System (GPS) is pervasive. Yet the availability of the GPS should not be taken for granted. Both environmental (e.g., terrain, weather) and intentional interference (i.e., jamming) can reduce or deny satellite access. In order to investigate these and other issues, as well as to explore possible alternative satellite constellations, an application called the Satellite Simulation Toolkit (SatSim) was created. This paper presents a high-level overview of SatSim and an example of how it may be used to study geolocation.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

DOE OSTI2011

A Counter-IED Preparedness Methodology for Large Event Planning

Since 2009, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has been involved in a project sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate aimed at improving preparedness against Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) at large sporting events. Led by the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) as part of the Southeast Region Research Initiative, the project partners have been developing tools and methodologies for use by security personnel and first responders at sports stadiums. ORNL s contribution has been to develop an automated process to gather and organize disparate data that is usually part of an organization s security plan. The organized data informs a table-top exercise (TTX) conducted by USM using additional tools developed by them and their subcontractors. After participating in several pilot TTXs, patterns are beginning to emerge that would enable improvements to be formulated to increase the level of counter-IED preparedness. This paper focuses on the data collection and analysis process and shares insights gained to date.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗