Image Correspondence Figure of Merit (FOM) Navy SBIR FY2016.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2016.1 Topic No.: N161-013 Topic Title: Image Correspondence Figure of Merit (FOM) Proposal No.: N161-013-0389 Firm: Arete Associates P.O. Box 2607 Winnetka, California 91396 Contact: Justin Peel Phone: (571) 255-4095 Web Site: http://www.arete.com Abstract: Precision-guided munitions (PGMs) are highly efficient since they are accurate, reliable, and minimize collateral damage. Image-based guidance systems are often more precise and robust than laser-guided or GPS systems which can be easily jammed or disabled. However, the performance of image-guided systems relies on the correspondence between a reference image collected during the planning stage and images collected by an on-board imaging sensor. The Navy therefore requires a robust image correspondence method to attain the necessary precision and accuracy for mission success. A Figure of Merit (FOM) will be developed through statistical analysis to provide a quantitative assessment during mission planning stages, predicting how effectively the weapon will acquire and be guided to a target with its image-based system. Aret� Associates' proposed FOM will assess cross-modal (EO/IR) correspondence for day-night capability, determining if the correspondence achieves the necessary high degree of confidence. Benefits: A robust method for achieving high confidence image correspondence for image-guided systems would have significant implications. Mission-planning software would benefit from the capability of predicting the accuracy of an image recognition algorithm before use. Moreover, the military, government, and commercial sectors rely heavily on GPS for navigation which can increase one's vulnerability should GPS become disabled or jammed. Accurate and precise image-based guidance systems could augment or replace GPS Return