Acoustic Signature Bundling

Todays sonar operators are presented with a voluminous amount of acoustic contact data spanning a large multidimensional search space of arrays, bearings, frequencies, and time. Improvement in arrays, signal processing, and computer performance have led to the ability to detect even more contacts. When combined with high contact density and long contact hold times common at Integrated Undersea Surveillance System (IUSS) shore sites, it can be difficult to collect even a single contacts complete acoustic signature much less all the contacts. Automation, e.g. Passive Narrowband and Passive Broadband Contact Followers (CFs), Harmonic Set Trackers and Bell Ringers, could potentially reduce operator workload by providing information about individual acoustic components. However, sonar operators must analyze CFs manually to control and manage all key detections and assertions. Progeny Systems proposes to leverage our experience in U.S. Navy Submarine and IUSS Sonar Systems to develop an Acoustic Signature Bundling capability. In particular, we will combine our intimate understanding of the automation data flow and structures within the IUSS Integrated Common Processor (ICP) and our efforts performed for SBIR N05-063, Sonar Data Mining Agent, wherein we developed a similar CF-based acoustic signature bundling capability for the Acoustics-Rapid COTS Insertion (A-RCI) sonar system.