The materials below describe a proposal for Phase I efforts for research and design of omnidirectional imaging and tracking equipment for force protection of Navy vessels when stationed in or near ports. Omnidirectional optics are proposed, covering a full 360ø view of the horizon and the areas near the base of the ship. The high-resolution, omnidirectional camera images will be passed through contact detection and tracking software that is designed for outdoor applications with moving reference frames such as a ship. Tracking data may then be used to direct a pan/tilt platform with a zoom camera and/or ordnance focused on a contact of interest. Phase I will result in a system design that will include characterization of all systemic issues relating to shipboard deployment and a design of an image capture and processing system that handles issues of resolution, range, ship motion, communications and potential integration with other sensors. RemoteReality is a pioneer in this field and can apply patented methods to this end, while consultants at McQ Associates have especially relevant experience in sensor integration and system deployment. The major benefits of the technology include the combination of wide field of view and narrow field of view video capture systems for search and targeting applications respectively. In addition, intelligent software which can detect and track motion will direct a standard pan/tilt/zoom narrow field of view camera to track multiple subjects and zoom in for closer inspection. There are at least four important market areas for which this omnidirectional tracking product could be commercialized. These include transportation systems, remote sensors for military operations, commercial security, and law enforcement. In these areas, the technology would be commercialized as a software product for continuous 360 degree monitoring and subject tracking. A system would generally consist of a configurable combination of a 360 degree omni-camera and auto tracking software with pan/tilt/zoom camera control for close inspection of tracked subjects. Optional facial recognition software may also be available in a final product configuration.
