Infrared and Optical Wilderness Location and Surveillance System

To address the DHS need, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new InfraRed and Optical Wilderness Location and Surveillance (IROWL) system based on the unique integration of a handheld spotting device, display, and compact multispectral zoom optics. The 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 will demonstrate feasibility by design, modeling, assembly, and testing of a preliminary prototype. It will result in an illustrated hardware design that depicts the necessary requirements and technical solution including a system architecture, a hardware design, and on-board computing software design, and mock-up of the IROWL hardware units. Working with input from Border Patrol Agents, we will define and describe a general usage as a starting point for proposed Phase II testing and demonstration of two operational prototypes. 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 geo-location, spotting, and tracking on wilderness terrain for professional and recreational pursuits.