SBIR-STTR Award

In the conduct of modern warfare, situation awareness of forces and the locality of hostile elements are of paramount importance. Other non-imaging sensors such as acoustic and seismic ones are helpful toward this end, but their probability of detect and target identification ability are limited. The only absolute representation of the situation is a video image. This proposal presents the design of a wireless imaging sensor that could deliver a video frame of the targeted object area back to the base station for analysis and action. Commercial-off-the-shelf components will be exploited for their cost-effectiveness. Packaging schemes will be designed to integrate the video sensor and transmitter for a compact structure. These low-cost imaging sensors can be deployed in an autonomous mode, or be configured in a network for maximum coverage. This video network will contain adaptive protocols for maximum efficiency. To conserve power, novel power supply techniques will be implemented, and other triggers will be deployed to activate the sensors when necessary. Transceiver-repeaters will be strategically positioned for video transmission range extension. This imaging sensor incorporates object recognition algorithms so that only significant intrusion will be processed and alerted for further action.

Keywords:
Wireless Sensors, Surveillance, Detection, Situation Awareness, Sensor Network, Asset Protection, Video Image.

This Phase II proposal intends to design and develop a robust wireless video image sensor system capable of long term reconnaissance and surveillance deployment. Video images of targeted object would be captured via an all-weather, low-light, high resolution camera and broadcast to locations world-wide through satellite communication transceivers. Command centers as well as tactical patrols near the target would be able to observe streaming video images in real time. This actionable intelligence provides an extra dimension for the armed forces and other agencies in combating counterinsurgency. The video camera can pan, tilt, and zoom for high image resolution, increasing the probability of detect and decreasing the false alarm rate. Power is supplied by batteries with advanced technology. They are also rechargeable through solar energy for long term operation (weeks and months). Usage of camouflage techniques ensure that the system operates in stealth and security. The video images are compressed, encrypted, and transmitted uplink to satellites via a miniature satellite communication transceiver. The downlink images are received, decoded and displayed at designated locations. This system is particularly suitable for stealth observation of high value targets and strategic locations, and for other special security operations.

Keywords:
Wireless Video, Satellite Communication, Transceivers, Encryption, Video Compression, Pan-Zoom-Tilt