VISSIDUS TECHNOLOGIES INC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: A152-096

Description

Birds of prey, also known as raptors, are birds that hunt or feed on other animals. They are characterized by keen vision that allows them to detect prey during flight. Since vision is the most important sense for birds, and good eyesight is essential for safe flight, this group has a number of adaptations which give visual acuity superior to that of other vertebrate groups.The objective of this SBIR is to develop an innovative solution which will allow the operator to achieve the same sort of superior imaging and improved situational awareness available to avian predators. The effective focal length (EFL) of the imaging system itself should be able to change; simple digital magnification of an image does not provide the kind of image clarity discussed here. While variable focal length lenses have been demonstrated (see references), shortcomings have been identified both in the range of the EFL shift and in the resolution capabilities of the system. The intent of this effort is to push the boundaries of this technology and achieve extreme shift and resolution. This EFL shift should be maximized, with a minimum EFL of no more than 40mm, and a dynamic shift of 10x (threshold), 100x (objective). Time for EFL shift will be considered; while there is no rigid time requirement, the lens must be able to shift across it''s full dynamic range quickly (<3 seconds), but not so much so that the operator cannot easily retain control. Over this focal range, it is anticipated that the optical aberrations be minimized, such that the peak to valley Zernike fringe coefficients are less than <1 threshold, <0.2 objective. System resolution should be as close to diffraction limited as possible, such that the resolution of the system is limited by the sensor at all focal lengths. The field of view of the system must be no less than 8 degrees at the shortest EFL. The required range of wavelength operation is currently that of a typical Si sensor, from 350-1100nm. Ideally, the system will utilize a single lens in order to accomplish this focal length shift, although multi-lens solutions will be considered. System weight must be <1.5 kg threshold, <0.2kg objective. Aperture size should be minimized in order to reduce total system bulk, however hard requirements on system volume are not restrictive at this time.Automated object/target detection should be conducted using the images captured by the system. Additional sensors to aid detection and tracking are not desired, but will be considered provided that they operate without user interface (i.e., that the user only sees the image produced by the variable lens system, and target designation occurs as an overlay to that system). This prevents information overload for the user, and facilitates rapid target engagement. Anticipated target types should include military appropriate threats: vehicles (commercial and military) and humans. Initial efforts may include detection of stationary targets only, but a path to achieving automated targeting of moving targets must be addressed. Probability of detection of a man-sized target must be >80% at 1000m. False alarms are to be minimized as much as possible. Image processing must be conducted on a man-portable computer system (laptop or smaller). Once detected, range to the target must be determined. Range is to be accurate to +/- 1m within 1000m. While passive range finding via computer vision (see reference) is preferred, active range finding (to include laser range finding) is permitted, however the ranging must be done automatically (i.e., the operator isn''t tasked with aiming a laser, the system instead aims and range-finds for the operator).