In response to NASA SBIR solicitation 96-1 06.04, "Advanced Information Technology", RedZone Robotics, Inc. proposes to develop a smart "panospheric" imaging sensor which instantaneously acquires a 300 x 360 panorama field of view (FOV) using no moving parts, simultaneously tracks multiple regions, and automatically focuses image compression to meet bandwidth constraints, while actively maintaining high image quality. The sensor leverages research conducted at Carnegie Mellon University for improved teleoperation as part of the NASA funded Lunar Rover Initiative. System mass, power, complexity, cost and failure rate are reduced by elimination of pan-tilt mechanisms or camera arrays traditionally used to image extensive field-of-regards. Using an innovative technique of focusing image compression on prioritized regions of user interest, maximal utility can be gained at the remote site regardless of the available bandwidth, even if it changes. Integrated to an intelligent system, the sensor provides data useful for obstacle detection, collision avoidance, local positioning, landmark navigation, and terrain mapping.Displayed real-time to an immersive environment as a realistic telepresence, the imagery yields heightened situational awareness improving the efficiency of remote operators.
Potential Commercial Applications:Successful development of the SPY smart panospheric sensor would enable virtual telepresence with the ability to capture live information from multiple directions. RedZone already has potential customers in the NASA funded Lunar Rover Initiative, and the first Commercial Lunar Mission planned by LunaCorp for 2000. In addition, the stated Canadian Defence interest in a panospheric system for armored vehicle systems (both manned and eventually unmanned) presents a first opportunity to deliver the SPY sensor to military customers.
