Through the Sensor Active Sonar Enhancement Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Topic No.: N112-150 Topic Title: Through the Sensor Active Sonar Enhancement Proposal No.: N112-150-0469 Firm: Metron, Inc. 1818 Library Street Suite 600 Reston, Virginia 20190-6242 Contact: Terence Bazow Phone: (703) 326-2831 Web Site: www.metsci.com Abstract: This proposal describes a principled approach based on a proven technology base that unifies DCL Information Processing (IP). Our approach incorporates prior environmental information (e.g., spatial-temporal clutter map, sound speed, etc.) and adapts to in-situ environmental information to account for the effects of complex environmental conditions and other sources of clutter and confusables. A key aspect of our approach is employment of Bayesian techniques for statistical characterization of clutter response due to spatially and temporally varying environments. The characterization is represented by distribution functions to account for the inherent variability and uncertainty in environment and in clutter response. The estimated clutter distribution produces a likelihood ratio test statistic that is processed by IP detection and tracking modules. This process is referred to as normalization or whitening. A second key innovation is the use of environmental and clutter estimation filters to evolve and update the spatial distribution estimates over time. This closed-loop, data adaptive filter jointly improves system detection (PD/FA), tracking and classification through improved environmental and clutters solution and vice versa in a unified and seamless manner. Benefits: We anticipate that the proposed development will improve the current processing and automation for Mid-Frequency Active. Specifically we anticipate a reduction in false alarms, increased probability of correct classification, and improve automated tracking and display of contacts of interest. This effort will provide the foundational R&D information processing elements for follow-on enhancements in Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Advanced Capability Build (ACB) functionality. The primary market for the new environmentally adaptive parameter estimation and clutter suppression software is military surveillance systems. These applications would include underwater, air and space modalities for sonar, radar, imaging and other sensor systems for fixed or mobile sensor fields. The algorithms would be particularly suited to military applications that required detection, tracking and classification for targets in dynamic environments with high level of complex clutter sources. Commercial applications are expected to emerge in undersea and surface search/rescue/salvage, oil exploration, seismology and similar activities requiring modern in-situ data adaptive signal processing and inference methods. Non-military government agencies are actively seeking data adaptive methods and related technologies for homeland and border security missions. These applications will be explored by Metron during the course of the SBIR project. Return