Voxel-based Fusion (VOXION)

ABSTRACT: In ISR applications, multiple sensors can be employed to achieve more accurate parameters of interest on targets, improving discrimination and detection. But, the proliferation of sensor systems has created a large volume of multi-sensor data across a number of physical spectra. These resulting measurements can be so disparate that traditional aggregation methods perform poorly given heuristics/assumptions required to map them into conventional algorithms. The team of 21st Century Systems, Inc. (21CSi) and the Missouri University of Science and Technology (MS & T) propose to develop an innovative multiphysics-based sensor fusion approach, called Voxel Fusion (VOXION). Applicable for improving target detection and discrimination in the ISR domain, VOXION maps the disparate sensor fields from a suite of EO/IR, RF and acoustic sensors into a single common multiphysics-based representation. Estimates on target parameters are then obtained directly from the unified physics field improving system accuracy, decreasing uncertainty, and achieving improved inferences more resilient to changes in the targets and environmental conditions as compared to classical fusion approaches. The innovative voxel-based concept; our diverse, well-qualified team; combined with 21CSi"s superlative, sustained record in SBIR/STTR commercialization; makes our team the right choice to improve multiphysics-based sensor fusion for the warfighter. BENEFIT: The VOXION multiphysics-based sensor fusion algorithm will be able to map the disparate sensor fields into a single common multiphysics representation that is needed to improve target detection and discrimination in the ISR domain. VOXION would generate estimates of target parameters from a unified physics representation of objects, improving system accuracy, decreasing uncertainty, and achieving improved inferences more robust to changes in the targets and environmental conditions. Thus, VOXION will markedly improve the fusion of data from disparate sensor types in order to improve situational awareness and sensor hand-offs. The VOXION technology has the potential of maturing into a cohesive multi-sensor fusion tool to assist in the traditionally manual processes of unlike sensor aggregation. This will not only improve the accuracy of the resulting situational awareness picture, but also allow for faster situation recognition and more rapid actionable intelligence. Bottom line...faster, better decisions.