Compressive Sensing Flash IR 3D Imager

Physical Sciences Inc. in cooperation with Colorado State University proposes to develop a compact infrared flash 3D imaging sensor employing compressive sensing (CS) concepts. The CS 3D sensor offers a combination of high range resolution (cm), high point cloud density (100100 format), and fast 3D image frame rates (30 Hz) in a low cost, compact form factor employing commercial off the shelf components. The application of CS enables a tradeoff between field of regard, lateral resolution, and 3D image frame rate which can be exploited in real time as mission requirements evolve. The Phase I effort will develop a breadboard CS 3D imager and prototype CS algorithms specifically tailored to the 3D imager architecture. The breadboard will be used to validate a system model and, in concert with the prototype CS algorithms, will be used to perform a 3D range image system validation. Requirements, concept of operation, and a conceptual design for a Phase II prototype CS 3D imager will also be generated.