Infrared and Optical Wilderness Location and Surveillance System

To address the DHS need for providing U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agents with an innovative agent-portable device to augment situational awareness in low light/adverse conditions, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes, in Phase II, to advance the new Infrared and Optical Wilderness Location and Surveillance (IROWL) system proven feasible in Phase I. IROWL is based on the unique integration of a handheld spotting device, display, and compact multispectral zoom optics. This lightweight handheld device includes surveillance optics, infrared sensors, and display electronics to enable Border Patrol Agents to detect, identify, recognize, and track humans while on the move under low-light and adverse conditions. The onboard computing software supports real-time image stabilization, image enhancement, and via integrated components enables computation of target coordinates, making it a complete system. In Phase I, POC demonstrated the feasibility of IROWL by design, modeling, assembly, and testing of a preliminary prototype at TRL-4. Working with input from Border Patrol Agents, we plan to define and describe usage scenarios for IROWL, providing a robust starting point for proposed Phase II field testing and demonstration. In Phase II, POC will build a functional prototype for testing and demonstration with Border Patrol. The successful completion of this project at the end of Phase III will benefit the nation in both government and commercial sectors by improving Border Patrol's ability to safely and effectively monitor U.S. borders. Commercial applications for this technology include geolocation, spotting, and tracking on wilderness terrain for professional and recreational pursuits.