Nanotechnology Experience

James Falasco
Nanotechnology : The Next Wave

Introduction

Unlike previous technology waves, such as dotcoms, telecoms. artificial intelligence and
Biotechnology , nanotechnology is a broad-based enabling technology that has the power to change the technological and economic structure of an industry from ” low tech” to “high tech”. While there are various time tables for the arrival of nanotechnology driven products there can be no doubt that they will come. The real challenge will be how to transition nanotechnology into the mainstream technology economy of today. The core areas of nanotechnology are diverse and cover many disciplines. Several key areas are: image processing, embedded computing , FPGA / ASIC development . modeling and molecular sciences. It should be no surprise that the imaging of materials from all types of microscopes would be key components of any nanotechnology effort. Currently nanotechnology is touching a variety of vertical markets in a profound way. One close in market getting funding is the defense areas showing high payback in reduced size , weight and increased strength /performance. The most recent numbers show 238 million pumped in research efforts in the last year alone . Nanotechnology will greatly increase the survivability of soldiers and equipment. It will provide communication within units and allow a soldier to become a tightly integrated asset . Other markets seeing shifts toward nanotechnology / MEMS are Automotive,
Aerospace and advanced high speed computing. If you make or use sensors, your business will likely feel the impact of current and future developments in nanotechnology. Nanotechnology enables us to create functional materials, devices, and systems by controlling matter at the atomic and molecular scales, and to exploit novel properties and phenomena . Consider that most chemical and biological sensors, as well as many physical sensors, depend on interactions occurring at these levels and you’ll get an idea of the effect nanotechnology will have on the sensor world.



Program Efforts I Participated In


Here is a review of some of the Nanotechnology Projects I have been involved in and what disciplines were utilized.

Los Alamos Labs Supported a major modeling of molecular structures effort by designing a data collecting supercomputer environment that interfaced researchers by using electron beam microscopes linked to imaging workstations that were back ended by Cray’s. The effort was in collaboration with NSF and consisted of SEL ( Scanning Electron Microscopes) tied to Vicom Image Processing Workstations that were networked to a dedicated Cray. I designed the front end imaging system , managed the program and taught several classes on image processing. The project scope covered 750 K in material and support

KLA KLA makes instruments that inspect silicon wafers for flaws and defects. These systems consist of image processing technology , embedded computing and robotic handling. I closed this account as an OEM design win by supplying the image management technology. This was a multi-year contract for 500 k per year.

Future Combat Vehicle Systems This program will utilize all aspects of nanotechnology driven products including smaller sensors and power sources fueled by MEMS techniques. Robotics utilizing artificial intelligence and net – centric structures having nanotechnology at their foundations. I have written several BAA’s and SBIR’S to address nanotechnology applied to this program area. I have designed a laboratory test bed for the original FCS core program funded by DARPA . Currently active on teams leveraging UGV’s ( Unmanned Ground Vehicles) into the existing force

Nanofactory Worked with this developer of TEL microscopes to incorporate
Backend DSP that would do the analysis and processing of data acquired from the probe. The next phase of the project includes repackaging the system from two chassis to one consolidated system.


JPL Conducted several nanotechnology projects with leading NASA
Research lab in support of the Voyager and MARS Rover missions. Supported efforts in material
study and composite development by creating image and analysis workstations that combined
artificial intelligence with new image processing algorithms in edge detection . The initial work grew out of studies run by Honeywell Research Labs in Minneapolis where robot work cells were designed to image and identify small parts placed in trays. A system was developed that
could identify and move small parts with the aid of an autonomous robot controlled remotely.


Lockheed Martin Developed several projects in support of composite inspection and
new lightweight material design. The efforts included an automatic bulkhead inspection workstation a system for the manufacture of dense laminate structures and a new methodology to design very dense IC’s. In these programs I performed systems engineering and design functions as well as taught classes on image processing and analysis. I especially focused on the areas of data acquisition and upfront image compression. Several of these system designs moved from the laboratory to a deployed environment when they were packaged as portable units. I drove the redesign efforts that productized technology for the end USAF customer.


General Motors Did systems engineering and managed project to develop several new vehicle technologies. The efforts were in new materials for engines to reduce their weight and an effort in door and hood composite material. The effort included automated material handling , data acquisition , material inspection and assembly. Several mechanical packaging issues were addressed through breakthrough techniques. This project effort was international in scope and lead to several follow on contracts. The initial systems were deployed at multiple GM sites.



Intel Led major effort to develop speech compression technology that would be miniaturized for packaging into various consumer devices for visual and audio telecommunications applications. This effort combined multiple disciplines including Real Time
Software packages , speech and video compression techniques and the test and evaluation of
multiple candidate materials. I conducted initial R & D and then managed one of several business development teams based in multiple locations. We designed technology and conducted ROI studies to determine market fit and roll out. Core technology resulted in being
advanced into the Intel web tablet and video phone.

Presentation of Courses In Business Topics

James Falasco
Sales Training / Corporate Development / Proposal Preparation Training Experience

Introduction

I have participated in taking the following training courses in these topic areas:

Wilson Learning Solutions Selling
Wilson Learning Team Building
Wilson Learning Advanced Sales Skills
QED Institute in Product Development
QED Institute in Business Plan Development
TREZ Product Planning
Proposal Workshop Skills
Government Contract Management
Venture Capital Development


Courses Taught



I have instructed courses to the following audiences

Du Page , Illinois Community College Introduction to Computers
Basic Marketing
International Marketing

University of Illinois Medical Center Introduction to Information Science
Basic Image Processing Theory

Western Michigan University Introduction to Computer Science
Basic Marketing Principles

Embedded Systems Conferences Overview of Embedded Systems Marketing
Introduction to Telecommunications

Intel Corporation Basic Sales Training
Major Account Selling Skills
Marketing Plan Development

CSPI Solutions Selling Seminar
Venture Capital For Start Ups

Program Management Efforts

James Falasco
Project Management Experience

Introduction

Certifying embedded software to meet project requirements can be challenging and expensive. You need the best tools to simplify and to shorten the process while reducing overall costs and increasing overall quality. The tools are necessary, but by themselves they are insufficient. You also need an approach, a process, to tie the tools together. The process will incorporate an architecture, providing structure and procedures. With the addition of best practice guidelines gained from experience, the process becomes a full-blown methodology. You will also need support to help in the transition to a new toolset and a new methodology. besides training, support can customize the tools for your specific needs, help to integrate legacy code, and provide expertise with the use of the tools. So a total solution is comprised of the triad: software tools, a methodology, and support.



Figure 1 Solution Triad - Software Tools, a Methodology, and Support


I have effectively used the defined Solution Triad to facilitate project management
responsibilities that I have been involved with. Representative project Areas include the vertical markets of video phone design, vehicles ; both commercial and military and industrial
automation. I favor the traditional “requirements v” approach to establish the foundation of my
project management strategy. I have led project management teams to develop products as well as system integration efforts. Project team management utilized techniques from such methodologies as QED and TRIZ.
Managing and preserving intellectual property is one of the key aspects of project management today. In a technical world where there are hundreds of ways in which a potential product/system integration effort can be rolled out the way in which your organizations I.P. can be packaged and transferred as “value add” or protected can become a huge corporate advantage.









Keeping The Process Simple


Here is a close look at my favorite project kick off approach. Define things in the below fashion.

Figure 1 Traditional V Process

Software Verification & Validation (V&V) is a system engineering process for evaluating the correctness and quality of a software product throughout its life cycle. It employs a variety of software engineering methods, techniques, and tools. Unintentionally overlooked during the beginning of a product’s life cycle, the costs of V&V rise dramatically the longer it is deferred. V&V is not easy because
· Software applications are numerous, novel, and complex.
· Each application has unique design elements and a large number of potential states or modes.
· Although software technology is essentially unlimited in its applicability to real world problems, it is extremely sensitive to minor details in program and/or data.
· Software products are difficult to specify with precision and difficult to test exhaustively. Often they are engineered with immature processes.

I have effectively the various components of product teams including design , marketing and customer support. These teams ranged in size from 5 to 15 people and in many instances were spread across multiple locations ,sometimes internationally.

DARPA ALV Program

In the mid 1980's DARPA launched the original ALV Program. This program served as the catalyst for several enabling technologies including "artificial intelligence" , "image processing" &
embedded computing. The prime contractor was Martin Marietta Denver. There were over 100 sub-contractors involved in all aspects of the program. At the time I was involved with the
leading company in Image Processing , Vicom Systems Inc. based in San Jose ,Ca. I performed in various capacities at Vicom Systems including roles in Program Management,Sales,Marketing and Product Development. I had a key role in supporting the ALV program from it's inception. I
was involved in initial technology planning sessions which defined high level systems goals and outlined the entire 5 year technology road map. In support of initial systems roll out I configured the various systems required and drove the packages from the proposal stage through procurement. I supported over 100 companies in the ALV food chain including : Hughes ,Carnegie-Mellon Univ.,General Dynamics ,United Defense,Emmerson Electronic,Texas Instruments,US Army Research Labs @ TACCOM,Fort Monmoth,Dugway & Belvoir , Sandia Labs and Los Alimos. This program generated 6 M in sales over 2 years for Vicom and led to a very successful initial demo in August 1984.

Account Capture Plan Development

James Falasco has developed account capture plans for getting business from companies in various vertical markets such as Aerospace,Telecommunications,Automotive,and Medical.
He has taught courses on capture plan development at both Intel and Gould Electronics.
These plans formed the basis for gaining entery into the various accounts listed in the Blogs
labeled --Aeropace & Defense Vertical Markets and Wireless & Telecommunications. The
plans included market analysis ,price proposals ,technical presentations and post sale support
sections. Mr Falasco matrix managed teams of technical,sales and marketing.