Signal Processing, Analysis and Remote Sensing

Remote Sensing

Various sensors covering magnetic, low frequency electromagnetic, VHF, microwave, and wideband radars are used for electromagnetic remote sensing.

The stereo vision system uses two cameras to create a stereo image from airborne or satellite-borne platforms. Gamma ray detectors on airborne platforms detect and map nuclear debris on the ground.

ELF/VLF Remote Sensing

Sensitive magnetometers and electromagnetic sensors are used for detection, tracking, and characterization of non co-operative targets hidden under cavities, in tunnels, and inside buildings. Electromagnetic modeling tools let us predict the detection capabilities under any conditions and for different frequencies (Electromagnetics Modeling for Underground Objects). The sensitive fluxgate and induction coil magnetometers allow implementation in different situations. The sensors telemeter data via radio links to the system, which processes it to eliminate background noise, clutter, and other impurities, (Magnetic Array) then tracks and characterizes it.

Radar Remote Sensing

Other UWB radars and coded radars perform remote sensing under different conditions (examples include inside buildings, underground, in various free space conditions, and long-distance via the ionosphere). Such technologies as signal processing modules and hardware modules are available covering frequencies from ELF to microwaves.

Stereo Vision

We have developed and demonstrated fast real-time restoration of 3-D topography based on stereo imaging. The major innovation is in feature identification using texture, shading, correlation, and fast algorithms.

3-D reconstruction from a pair of overlapping images requires identification of features in both images. This identification can be manual or automated, but automated feature extraction is difficult and time consuming. CRS has developed an extremely fast algorithm based on texture, shading, and correlation. This allows complete topographic restoration of every pixel in real time. Ordinary digital or video cameras can acquire the images and the user can access 3-D topography immediately. A demonstration program "XVIEW" is available. The program can also perform risk analysis and safe-trajectory estimation for a moving robot.

Applications:

See:

Remotely Mapping Nuclear Debris

We have developed a system to map nuclear radiation from a remote location. The nuclear radiation could come from a small, limited nuclear strike, from a terrorist strike, or from a nuclear accident. The system can operate in a helicopter and UAV. It maps the radiation in a grid pattern, then computes the distribution of nuclear debris on the ground. The mapped radiation is a distorted function of the ground pattern. Atmospheric effects like Compton scattering, decays, and attenuation distort various radiations (alpha, beta, gamma, and others). The system deconvolves these factors and provides a true representation of the ground debris.

The nuclear mapping system began as an Army SBIR (Phase II). It can be adapted for remote sensing using high-altitude planes and other crafts. The algorithm is ready and can be delivered. This can assist rescue missions during limited nuclear strikes, accidents, or terrorist strikes. It can also help plan force movement during nuclear strikes.