Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: Addressing the Army need for an inertially stabilized smart camera to provide critical ima

Description

Addressing the Army need for an inertially stabilized smart camera to provide critical image stabilization for ground or airborne platforms, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to advance the development of the new Micromechanically Stabilized Surveillance Platform (MSSP) system proven feasible in Phase I. The MSSP system is based on a new hardware-based optical stabilization scheme using scanning mirror, inertial sensors to monitor the system vibrations, and a novel design integrating computer-on-module technology. In Phase I, POC designed and developed MSSP prototype and experimentally demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed approach. In Phase II, POC will optimize the design of the MSSP system for different application scenarios, develop and fabricate multiple versions of prototypes and test their performance. A camera that is capable of night vision will be integrated into the MSSP system; in addition, the MSSP design will allow in-field reconfiguration of the system to accommodate different missions. Estimates for Phase III preproduction costs will also be made. The MSSP system can be deployed on small unmanned ground and aerial vehicles and will provide the Army with long-range surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, which directly address the Future Combat Systems (Brigade Combat Team) program requirements.