Object Cueing Using Biomimetic Approaches to Visual Information Processing Navy STTR FY2014.A Sol No.: Navy STTR FY2014.A Topic No.: N14A-T008 Topic Title: Object Cueing Using Biomimetic Approaches to Visual Information Processing Proposal No.: N14A-008-0162 Firm: Soar Technology, Inc. 3600 Green Court Suite 600 Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105-2588 Contact: Jeremiah Folsom-Kovarik Phone: (407) 542-7830 Web Site: www.soartech.com Abstract: Understanding imagery from unmanned automated systems in a timely fashion requires support systems for end users that can filter and preprocess massive data via complex vision and understanding. A new computer system that mimics both the bottom-up biological and top-down cognitive processes of the human visual system will provide breakthrough decision support for immediate imagery analysis. We propose FOCVS (pronounced "focus"), the Full context Onboard Cognitive Visual System. In FOCVS, top-down cognitive perception based on context such as user goals and mission parameters will direct low-level visual components to search efficiently by defining areas of attention, target features, and desired level of detail. Bottom-up processing will iteratively search the live data in real time, processing scenes in the full context of multiple visual and nonvisual inputs through unified processing of space-centered vision. Finally, the cognitive component will interpret reports from the neural component and apply intelligent filtering to create an actionable understanding of the environment for the human user. The result of our research will be a decision aid that adapts its execution based on the goals of a user who is in direct contact with the UAS and the mission, enabling timely and responsive first-pass imagery understanding. Benefits: The FOCVS research will bring important insights from cognitive systems and space-centered neural networks into the field of computer vision. This will open up immediate opportunities for ongoing research both in the offerors' labs, by continuing multiple related science and technology projects, and also in the research community as a whole. Our goal for FOCVS is to build an innovative product and transition it into larger government programs and systems. Our research will result in an effective tool for warfighters by offering important new capabilities, low cost, relevance to current generation and emerging platforms, and effective interoperation with all stakeholders. Return