SBIR-STTR Award

The Naval Autonomous Surface Threat Identification system will leverage Augmented Reality technology, advanced sensors and automated threat detection to enable superior surface threat detection aboard the Littoral Combatant Ship. Camera systems will be enhanced with magnification and non-visual optical sensors operating in the low light and infrared spectrums. Visual images of targets will be automatically or on-demand examined by intelligent agents to obtain and analyze threat related clues from the images. Image mapping and correlation to threat data bases will be created, and imported radar tracks will be monitored for clues to hostile intent (course and speed changes, etc.). Monitored track information will be collected and analyzed by a decision support algorithm and operator alerts will be triggered when a possible threat behavior is detected

Maritime Security is derived from robust Situational Awareness and enabled through a man machine interface which promotes rapid human cognition. The ability to sense threats even in seemingly benign environments is key. Sensing threats early affords Fleet Operators critical timely reaction to set material conditions, station personnel, initiate a challenge and prepare responses. An approach has been developed by Technology Systems Inc (TSI) and Advanced Optical Systems (AOS) which offers a novel adaptation and combination of several existing technologies to drive a significant advancement in threat awareness. In the approach developed Augmented Reality is used to geo–register sensor inputs and data base information over real time video to produce a multi sensor fused Common Operational Picture. Those same senor inputs are evaluated for threat determining clues. The system will autonomously alert an operator when a potential threat is uncovered. Operators can instantly shift attention to the contact and prepare the ship to respond.

Keywords:
Anti Terrorism / Force Protection, Anti Terrorism / Force Protection, Watch Stander Enhancement,, , Ship Self Defense