SBIR-STTR Award

Laboratory infrared scene simulators are traditionally large, complexsystems that require a massive electronic infrastructure immediately surrounding the infrared scene emitter and an equally large and complex collection of interface electronic equipment including computers, frame buffers, timing generators, and calibration cameras. Santa Barbara Infrared Inc., a small company with a long record of commercial application of military technology, has under development a new type of micro-emitter for infrared scene simulation. This emitter combines a high performance integrated circuit and a micro-resistor array. This newemitter technology dramatically increases the integration of support electronics into the basic emitter itself. The result is a small, lowpower efficient emitter with a small footprint. Santa Barbara Infrared Inc. is poised to bring scene simulator integration to the next generation by moving the infrared scene simulator from the laboratory to the field. The concept calls for building on the work done so far with highly integrated micro-emitters by adding highly integrated electronics in compact packages for the operation of the emitter. This proposal is for a feasibility study on the design concept of a third generation scene simulator system for Dynamic Built-In Test/simulation. Theproposal will also produce a specification for such a system.

Benefits:
The successful conclusion of the study proposed will provide the specifications for a third generation scene simulator. Further development of this concept will yield compact, inexpensive COTS scene simulator systems for commercial and military applications.

The value of a small, dynamic projection system in expanding the built-in test capability of complex electro-optical systems such as the Army's Improved Bradley Acquisition System (IBAS] is described in the Dynamic Built-In Test/Simulation (DBITS) Phase I project. The high feasibility of fielding such a system has led to this proposal for DBITS Phase II for a proof of concept hardware system called the IBAS DBITS Demonstration System IIDDS). IDDS will combine a small, low power visible emitter LCD array, the highly integrated MIRAGE infrared emitter, and a TOW missile Xenon Beacon simulation target with an optical system for projection of dynamic test imagery to an IBAS sight. This proposal describes the elements of IDDS, how they will be controlled, and how tests will be conducted and verified on the IDDS. In addition, the flexibility and accuracy of the IDDS makes it an ideal research tool. Because areas requiring further research were identified in Phase I additional research using the IDDS system in the areas of infrared emitter non-uniformity correction and simulated infrared target stability for DBITS is also proposed.

Benefits:
The conclusion of the research outlined in the Phase II proposal and the successful demonstration of the IDDS will provide the Army with a clear path to the fielding of compact, high quality dynamic electro-optical built-in test capabilities in a variety of military and commercial systems. This hardware will enhance system operability and reduce system down time due to off system testing requirements.