Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Homeland Security SBIR Phase I: To address the DHS need for small vessel cooperative identification and tracking (SVCT) an

Description

To address the DHS need for small vessel cooperative identification and tracking (SVCT) and non-cooperative vessel imaging and tracking (NVIT) technologies, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Multispectral Omnidirectional Small Vessel Identification Imaging and Tracking Camera (MOVIDITC) system. The proposed MOVIDITC system is based on a unique integration of POC`s demonstrated subsystem technologies, including omnidirectional 360-degree optics, multispectral imaging sensors, scanning telescopic imager, multitarget video tracker, eye-safe laser designation with high sensitivity heterodyne detection, and omnidirectional retroreflective responder for cooperative small vessels to provide unique identifier codes and other vessel information. By using MEMS-based gyrosensors and lightweight mirror-scanning devices, the system provides stabilized imagery with real-time target tracking. In Phase I, POC will develop the MOVIDITC design and demonstrate its feasibility in meeting DHS`s requirements and desired enhancements by engineering analysis and prototype evaluation using a laboratory breadboard setup. In Phase II, POC plans to develop a fully functional prototype for testing in a simulated laboratory maritime environment, and evaluate its performance and suitability for SVCT and/or NVIT. In Phase III an engineering prototype will be developed, incorporating MOVIDITC`s SVCT and NVIT capability into a DHS platform for evaluation in an operational environment for production readiness.