SBIR-STTR Award

Sniper Detection
Award last edited on: 11/14/2018

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
DOD : Navy
Total Award Amount
$849,940
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
N07-164
Principal Investigator
Martin Lahart

Company Information

Advanced Anti-Terror Technologies Corporation (AKA: a2t2~A2-T2 Inc)

13900 County Road 455 Suite 107-306
Clermont, FL 34711
   (407) 310-3440
   liz@a2-t2.com
   www.a2-t2.com
Location: Single
Congr. District: 15
County: Lake

Phase I

Contract Number: M67854-08-C-6519
Start Date: 5/7/2008    Completed: 12/18/2009
Phase I year
2008
Phase I Amount
$99,975
PALS for Sniper Detection (PALS-SD) is a straightforward near-term evolution of A2-T2s existing PALS 3D for enhanced long-range facial identification technologies. Essentially, our existing multi-modal Electro-Optical/IR/Laser-Sight/Designator/Range-Finder configurations will be upgraded to include an eye-safe pulsed laser and sensor that discriminately detects reflections from eyes and optics. Further our software will remove most animal eyes detected based on eye reflection signatures. Our multiple modes enable reliable long-range detection, mitigate false positives, and exceed requirements by including real-time multi-modal confirmation processes options. By design our detection with confirmation processes dramatically reduces the time-delays, risks, physical efforts, and costs currently used to determine if the threat detected is real (via binoculars, UAV, or building physical entry, etc). Our spiral development processes include both virtual simulations and real-world testing. Additionally, the PALS-SD upgraded laser module will also have the option of adding a dazzle laser as required. Beyond discouraging potential threats with non-lethal means, we also provide direct fire aiming enhancements and indirect-targeting data. Indirect-fire data is supplied by our PALS sensor modules built-in GPS location and orientation, along with returned laser range find data. We include these lethality enhancements in keeping with our internal-mission statement of Helping enemies have a bad day 0x9D .

Benefit:
The anticipated benefits of the Photo-Automatic-Linking-System for Sniper Detection (PALS-SD) include but are not limited to: Automated 360degree scanning mode virtually marking each potential sniper for further investigation by other means. Markings include threat level and confidence factor color code graphics and text superimposed around each potential sniper position. Staring Human eyes with nearby optics will receive the highest potential threat level indicators. Laser Painting Exteriors of Buildings, Cars, and other Objects visually marking each potential sniper for Marines without imaging systems. Basic threat level symbols can be painted such as concentric circles bulls-eye for the highest perceived potential threats. Real-Time generation of potential Sniper Position information that can be formatted for direct inclusion into our Network Centric systems, including blue force trackers and Land Warrior. These types of future planned information integrations are ultimately aimed at providing planning, force protection and attack advantages to our warfighters. Multi-Modal Sniper Detection and Confirmation with high accuracy and low false alarm rates provided by flexible sequences and combinations of our IR/Electro-Optical and Laser-Sight/Designator/Rangefinder core modules and our new SD eye and optic detection laser/sensor module. Beyond meeting non-lethal dazzle laser requirements, PALS-SD also provides lethal means enablers such as: 1. Enabling laser sighting or aiming of direct fire weapons mounted coaxially or bore-sighted with PALS-SD 2. Enabling other direct fire systems to see the sniper position visually or within sensor images Literally enabling a laser X marks the spot on the potential sniper(s), or a large laser painted arrow on the side of the building showing the position(s) 3. Enabling indirect fire targeting via real-time data based upon PALS-SD own camera position and orientation GPS knowledge, combined with our built-in laser-range-finder Exceeding requirements, by adding the core software of our PALS 3D Facial Image Identification system, faces can be identified, from a threat database, from driver license databases, etc., or enrolled with the GPS date/time, and location information for future use with in intelligence analysis systems. Example: If the same face is watching American units for 20 minute intervals in different parts of the city on different days, he/she is a person of interest to have an up close and personal discussion as to why they seem to be spying or collecting intelligence against us. Optionally, by adding a second camera, and A2-T2 PALS 3D Facial Image Identification module our Hyper-Stereo 3D Facial Feature Extraction enhancements to accuracy and range can be added. Proprietary Trade Secret additional anticipated benefits are provided within the proposal proper that exploit our automated linking technologies in multiple domains. R&D Deliverables include the designs for both our Virtual Simulation Testbed and our Real-World Lab Testbed. Collectively, PALS-SD represents a key evolutionary step for A2-T2 and ICx Technologies collaboration to develop and operationally field Uber-Sensor Nodes which include providing, Long Range Field Conditions Facial Identification with PALS-3D; Long Range Safe Sniper Detection with PALS-SD; Remote Safe Explosive Detection with Fido, and/or Long Range K-9 Explosive Detection with NOSE-M Patent Pending); with direct linkage to our Network Centric Warfare Operational Systems. Further, this opportunity will also exploit our dual civilian use versions of the PALS core modules including PALS- Medical which in on-going collaboration with the James A Haley VA Hospital (Tampa, FL) on developments to provide VR based Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery and Learning for our returning warfighters; and PALS-Advertising as an innovative linkage of On-Line Social Networks to Advertising and Marketing.

Keywords:
LASER, LASER, Autonomous, Optic, detector, sniper, Direction

Phase II

Contract Number: M67854-10-C-6529
Start Date: 8/5/2010    Completed: 8/5/2012
Phase II year
2010
Phase II Amount
$749,965
Under this Phase II effort, the A2-T2 team will build upon the success of our Phase I project to further extend pre-shot standoff detection of snipers and potential snipers. The system is based on the existing Photo-Automatic-Linking-System for facial detection and recognition with added capabilities specifically directed at sniper detection to create PALS for Sniper Detection (PALS-SD). PALS-SD is a multi-modal camera-based system that employs electro-optics, range finding, and new classes of eye-safe lasers to detect sniper signatures, to include detection of eyes, faces, rifle scopes, binoculars, and other indicators of surveillance. The system is designed to support the required range of up to 600 meters. A key to the concept is our 360-degree high rate screening module, which quickly scans the environs of the transport vehicle to identify potential snipers. Once the signature of a potential sniper is detected, the powerful long-range optics examine the target area for confirmation of the presence of a sniper. The proposed effort represents a progressive advancement of the concept through modeling and simulations, through laboratory testing, and into field-testing through realistic battlespace scenarios, resulting in an advanced concept for preproduction prototyping. The system will be supported with advanced software for command and control and imaging analytics for high rejection of false alarms. Under our modular concept, PALS-SD lends itself to vehicle transport as well as eventual deployment on robotic platforms and potentially warfighter-borne configurations. This modular approach further facilitates integration of PALS-SD with other force protection tools, such as acoustic sniper detection systems and automatic sighting of both lethal and nonlethal weapons.

Benefit:
The anticipated benefits of the Photo-Automatic-Linking-System for Sniper Detection (PALS-SD) include but are not limited to: Automated scanning of the areas around stationary vehicles and the route of advancing convoys. Detection of snipers at standoff distances based on optical means prior to gunfire. Determination of the exact location of snipers based on accurate positioning and range-finding technologies. Advanced algorithms to reduce and virtually eliminate false positives. Stored data and the capacity for data correlation to allow fusing data relevant to threat libraries. Suitable for deployment with existing military vehicles. Ability to interface with other systems, such as automated weapons sighting. The use of COTS equipment to achieve lower cost and to minimize development and acquisition time. Simplicity of operation. Proven capabilities of the proposing team in terms of developing, manufacturing, and providing full logistical support for force protection systems, including those that have been recognized with Army Top Ten Invention Awards.

Keywords:
active illumination, Lasers, sniper detection, optics and eye detection