Cognitive Multi-Sensor Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Detection Technologies (COMIDT)

ABSTRACT: The IED is a difficult and effective threat due to its evolving nature and loosely defined composition. Due to the variations in design and configuration, no single sensor, or single sensor platform, can reliably detect IED devices with practical false alarm performance in tactical environments. However, many existing sensors, including some operational in Iraq and Afghanistan, have demonstrated capabilities to address various pieces of the IED puzzle. These sensors generally detect a subset of the IED anatomy and have marginal false alarm rates in operational environments. By fusing the data from current sensor technologies, a multi-source fusion system will improve efficacy rates by detecting more IEDs at a safe stand-off distance prior to detonation. In Phase II, TSC will develop an end-to-end prototype COMIDT system to enhance situational awareness and countermeasures against IEDs. The prototype system will be developed from TSC's Phase I design and demonstrate the following capabilities: 1. Combine real and simulated sensor reports from three or more heterogeneous sources reporting on critical components of the IED anatomy. 2. Transfer the sensor reports over a distributed network to a centralized fusion server. 3. Receive sensor reports through a common data fusion interface. 4. Apply data fusion algorithms to the sensor reports and display the fused system result to an operator interface. BENEFIT: The TSC proposed Cognitive Multi-sensor IED Detection Technology (COMIDT) and its critical components have benefits and commercial applications on multiple levels to the DoD, FAA, domestic law enforcement, and other US Government agencies. DoD applications are readily apparent for supporting military operations and saving lives in current tactical environments, by diminishing the threat of IEDs to civilians and the warfighter. FAA and domestic law enforcement applications would provide safety and reliability in the inspection and evaluation of people, luggage, homes, and suspicious containers for evidence of HME fabrication. A successful, efficient, and reliable sensor fusion system providing an integrated situational awareness display would support systems across all branches of the DoD. Systems such as Guardian Angel (BAE), Cooperative Engagement Capability (Raytheon/US Navy), Distributed Common Ground System, Sand Dragon (Aero Mech/AFRL), Blue Devil (SAIC/AFRL), Radiant Falcon (SAIC/AFRL), JLENS (Army), NC3S Vigilare (Boeing), Husky Mounted Detection System (Niitek), Vehicle Optics Sensor System (US Army), and Healy Beacon (JIEDDO) could benefit from this technology.