DIRT: Downhill Image Reconstruction Technology Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Topic No.: N091-043 Topic Title: DIRT: Downhill Image Reconstruction Technology Proposal No.: N091-043-0104 Firm: Fifth Gait Technologies 5531 Somerset Dr. Santa Barbara, CA, California 93111-1639 Contact: Kathryn Doughty Phone: (805) 964-1496 Abstract: We propose to to provide high quality imaging in turbulent air. Our focus on the well-defined problem of downhill imaging promises to yield marked improvement in image quality. The imaging geometry addressed is directly applicable to UAV-based viewing, as well as to extended range surveillance from an elevated observation point. A combination of digital processing and modern hardware enabling real time processed imagery is expected to provide significant improvements over existing state of art capabilities based on high speed camera systems. We have identified specific modifications to existing algorithms that are well understood, fast, and easily hosted in present computing environments. The modified algorithms are combined them with a novel image metric that supports dynamic focus, is adaptable to specific imaging problems and easily applied computationally. These elements will be organized into a processing pipeline tailored for exactly this category of imaging in real time. Based on our recent experience on the DARPA SRVS project and other activities, we believe a streaming image processing (SIP) system is feasible with current hardware, invaluable to the user and superior to processing schemes that require time delay. Benefits: The downhill viewing regime chosen for this effort has applications for both UAV viewing as well as for extended range surveillance from an elevated observation point, conditions that are of interest to a variety of DOD and other Federal Agency customers. The ultimate product will be designed to be light, robust, and low power, allowing for ease of fielding in a variety of venues. This objective becomes even more accessible as processing per dollar and per watt becomes more readily available with the passage of time. Further, the common desire for "sharp viewing" opens the market for a wide variety of commercial applications, especially where distance from the subject is desirable or necessary. Return