Improve LASER RADAR (LADAR) Image and Data System Processing with Multi-Sensor Fusion in Vertical Lift Visual Degraded Environments Navy SBIR FY2008.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2008.2 Topic No.: N08-147 Topic Title: Improve LASER RADAR (LADAR) Image and Data System Processing with Multi-Sensor Fusion in Vertical Lift Visual Degraded Environments Proposal No.: N082-147-0402 Firm: OptiMetrics, Inc. 3115 Professional Drive Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104-5131 Contact: Brian Mitchell Phone: (734) 973-1177 Web Site: www.OptiMetrics.org Abstract: OptiMetrics proposes to design a sensor system to provide situational awareness for rotary wing aircraft pilots in visually degraded environments (VDE). The design will capitalize on ten years of experience in the development of algorithms to process LADAR and passive sensor imagery which enhance range resolution, image resolution, image quality and support generation of wide field-of-view images. The technology proposed supports high update rates and has suitable size, weight and power requirements for helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft applications. Benefits: Anticipated Benefits: Visually degraded environments (VDE) are extremely hazardous for rotary-wing aircraft operations because of loss of situational awareness by the pilot(s) and crew. VDE include loss of visibility due to blowing dust or snow (brown-out/ white-out), or dense fog conditions. In such conditions it is difficult for the crew to detect or recognize objects or terrain, and range estimation is also compromised. Operationally, such conditions may cause accidents or cause missions to be deferred or cancelled. Those consequences put soldier lives, materiel and mission accomplishment at risk. Estimated DoD material losses are estimated at over $100M per year. The proposed VDE Imaging System will provide continuous scene images under VDE conditions. Commercial Applications: There are the obvious commercial applications to military and civilian helicopters that must operate throughout the world on unimproved, snow-covered or fogged-in landing zones and hence are subject to VDE conditions. In addition, we foresee applications to civilian first responders who need 3D information of cities or industrial sites to respond to emergencies and for video gaming where realistic 3D visual worlds must be represented. Return