SBIR-STTR Award

Perimeter surveillance and monitoring is an integral and important aspect of anti-terrorism and force protection. The addition of a large number of sensors to cover the area under surveillance increases the risk of operator inattention and makes cost prohibitive. Current cameras have limited range for object detection or are extremely expensive. Coverage of large areas needs automation to detect intrusions with alarm actions on events.The goal of the proposed work is to build an advanced video imaging based omni-directional perimeter security system. The system will comprise omni-directional cameras and integrated tracking technologies and other sensors, such as slaved Pan/tilt/zoom cameras for target identification. Omni-directional optics to achieve the desired range of detection will also be designed. Benefit Anti-terrorism Force Protection: Autonomous operation and low cost will enable distributed systems to secure large areas. Commercial securtiy systems: Building security, Utility and key asset protection. Keywords Object Tracking, Omni-directional video, High resolution imaging systems, panoramic imaging, Low light 360 degree thermal imagers

Omni-directional imaging systems can provide 360° views in each frame of video providing a full sweep of surveillance many times per second. Software can be applied to detect and qualify moving contacts and provide alarm actions accordingly. Combination of this capability with human identification software provides powerful tool for force protection. The software can provide information on many moving objects simultaneously, giving sentries advance notice of possible intrusions on a perimeter. These systems can also allow operators to set criteria to track specific contacts among other traffic. Development of this capability for floating moving platforms such as ships and offshore oil platforms will greatly enhance situational awareness and help in protecting these important assets. Benefit The development of this product will become another model in the Omnitrack product line. The current version of the Omnitrack360 caters to the defense market. Development of a lower cost version will enable much greater penetration into the defense market, as well as initial penetration into the commercial sector. There are at least four important market areas for which a Omnitrack360 product could be commercialized. These include transportation systems, remote sensors for military operations, commercial security equipment and law enforcement equipment. In these areas, the product 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. The following are examples of market segments that would benefit · Remote Sensors for Military Operations 1. Battlefield sensors for detecting, locating, tracking, and classifying targets with RF networking to a situational awareness display 2. Military force protection to detect threats and take action by providing perimeter monitoring of US military bases and airfields · Transportation Systems 1. Traffic monitoring and control of traffic intersections, traffic congestion monitoring and high accident rate area monitoring 2. Parking lot and rest area monitoring of general activity and incidents, congestion, and availability of parking areas 3. Parking lot and rest area monitoring for security · Commercial Security 1. Airport security 2. Government building and facility security including grounds, entrances and exits, corridors, and meeting rooms · Law Enforcement Surveillance and Monitoring in which law enforcement personnel need small, portable remote monitoring systems for staking out areas and monitoring criminal activity. Keywords Video Surveillance, Object Tracking, Human Identification, High-resolution Omni-directional cameras, Situational Awareness, Multi-spectral, Man-portable security systems, force protection