SBIR-STTR Award

The proposed system is a helmet mounted system that will incorporate a visible, near infrared, and short wave infrared (Vis/NIR/SWIR) camera technology with dual imaging lenses placed just above the operators eyes. The BMAIS is expected to provide high resolution multi-spectral imagery to pilots and to  operational personnel with similar requirements. The intention is to provide the combination of binocular field of view and light weight/low moment arm that will allow for a possible replacement for PNVG systems that rely on image intensifier (I2) technology. The Sage Team will use recent developments in SWIR digital FPA technology combined with advanced image displays, and a small powerful image processor chip. The result will be a small binocular device that is expected to provide about 40° by 40° FOV with resolution comparable to the GEN IV NVGs. while providing sensitivity for 24/7 vision enhancement capability. The system is fully digital allowing image enhancement algorithms and fusion of other sensor suites such as FLWIR, other symbology, and lower weight.

Benefit:
Sage foresees that the BMAIS has potential in four distinct markets: Military, Government Agencies, Municipal, and Commercial. The Military market has the need for enhanced night vision sensor capabilities, advanced reconnaissance sensors and combat infantry augmented night vision. Government Agencies in both Law Enforcement and Covert Operations have needs for enhanced night vision capabilities as used by the military. Border monitoring and perimeter protection for Government facilities throughout the world will make good use of the BMAIS. Police and SWAT surveillance and intrusion tasks will be enhanced by the use of the BMAIS. First responders can use this technology to quickly provide SWIR functions in cases of natural or terrorist disasters. The Commercial market for the BMAIS will be primarily for perimeter defense of strategic facilities, such as nuclear plants and volatile material manufacturing plants.

Keywords:
Hmd, Swir, Image Processing, Adaptive Fusion, Scene Adaptive Imagery, Symbology Overlay, Multi-Spectral Imagery

The proposed BMAIS System is a binocular helmet mounted imaging system that features dual short wave infrared (SWIR) cameras, an embedded image processor and dual electronic displays to present the imagery to the pilot. The system is designed to be light weight and with a component distribution to minimize the moment arm on the helmet. The unit is intended to function as replacement for the night vision goggles (NVG), but with the added advantage of supporting sophisticated image processing with adaptive fusion, and the integration of external aircraft systems to include sensor imagery, embedded symbology and other aircraft/mission data. The system is fully digital allowing image enhancement algorithms and fusion of other sensor suites such as FLIR and other aircraft subsystems. The BMAIS is attached with a quick release bracket, and attached to the helmet via the standard banana clip on the HGU-55 helmet.

Benefit:
The BMAIS system is being developed as a replacement for night vision goggles that will also facilitate the integration of other sensors and systems that are part of the pilot’s cockpit and mission operational environment. In addition the development approach is structured to accommodate the technology advances of the sensors and displays in order to realize the performance enhancements afforded by the technology evolution in those respective areas. These advances will all serve to promote the improvement in situational awareness for pilots in their respective missions. Introduction of the concept to other services and mission profiles has been met with enthusiasm. The BMAIS will be applicable to virtually all military and government pilots engaged in night and low visibility pilotage. The current and near term high cost of the BMAIS components will likely limit its application to non-commercial clients in the foreseeable future.

Keywords:
Swir, Vnir, Hmd, Adaptive Fusion, Image Processor, Multi-Spectral, Nvg