SBIR-STTR Award

The requirement for automated evaluation of detectability of spectral signatures in varying backgrounds is a common theme in many applications of spectral imaging. Existing spectral imaging sensors are quite mature and have been demonstrated in hand held, land based, vehicle mounted, and airborne applications. While these sensors offer high sensitivity resulting in high quality spectra, reliable and consistent, automated detection and identification in realistic scenarios has not been adequately demonstrated. Under this Phase I effort, ASIT will concentrate on developing innovative spectral processing technologies and prototype demonstration of a hyperspectral detectability assessment tool that addresses real-world problems including: time varying spectral mixtures, with unknown background composition, and unknown interferant signatures.

Benefits:
To address both Government and commercial needs for enhanced understanding of spectral detection and identification performance, this effort will combine existing processing technology with specialized software

With the advent of high quality hyperspectral sensors there has been parallel research and substantial improvement in the signal processing and exploitation of the spectral data sets. Several recent hyperspectral collection campaigns conducted by the Army Night Vision Laboratory and the Central MASINT Organization have demonstrated the ability to rapidly and automatically detect, discriminate and identify materials based on spectral signature information in various levels of natural and man-made concealment. Given the capabilities of current and near-term hyperspectral systems, a software tool that allows users to simultaneously exploit hyperspectral data and evaluate the detectability of high priority signature managed materials in realistic backgrounds is a necessity. Under this Phase II research program ASIT will develop a system that combines a capability for target detection, discrimination, and identification with an ability to provide performance assessment for hyperspectral data with wavelength coverage in the .4 - 14 micron range. The program will result in two products: 1) Hyperspectral Detectability Assessment Software Tool and 2) Portable Spectral Detection and Analysis System which will be connected directly to a VIS/NIR hand-held spectrometer. The Phase II program will conclude with a field demonstration and delivery of the portable detection analysis system.

Keywords:
HYPERSPECTRAL, EXPLOITATION,ORTHOGONAL SUBSPACE PROJECTION, CONSPIQUITY,SPECTROMETER RECEIVER OPERATING