Gigapixel High-Speed Optical Sensor Tracking (GHOST)

ABSTRACT:Leveraging our extensive experience with optical hardware development and explosive munition optical data collections, Torch proposes an innovative hardware/software solution with automated data processing and data fusion algorithms to capture high-resolution fragment imagery in an arena test environment. An innovative optical architecture is proposed to dramatically increase the GHOST cameras depth-of-focus, thereby imaging more of the arena volume at high-resolution. Moreover, we present our concept to integrate the GHOST measurements into our arena test stereo tracking hardware/software architecture to improve both the kinematic and physical characterization of a warheads debris field. Our Phase I work plan will focus on the GHOST camera hardware design and the development of the data reduction and analysis algorithms. Our proposed hardware/software approach will address critical debris data collection capability gaps to improve lethality and collateral damage modeling in a timely and cost effective manner.BENEFIT:The proposed system will expand the quantity and quality of data being collected from current arena testing. It will also significantly decrease the amount of time and labor required to reduce this data into a format that can be used to anchor weapon effectiveness models. All existing Government and contractor operated warhead test facilities would benefit from this improved instrumentation. Potential commercial applications include the oil and gas industry and high-speed fluid flow applications in the aerodynamics and automotive industries.