Sense and Avoid Insect Eye/Neuromorphic Sensor System

ABSTRACT: Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Sense and Avoid Insect Eye/Neuromorphic (SAVIEN) sensor system to address the Air Force"s need for an insect vision-based sensor system that will enable remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) to perform real-time reporting of other aircraft locations and collision threats. This proposed sensor system is based on a unique combination of a miniature staring multiaperture superposition compound eye with a high-sensitivity compact miniature IR and visible photodetector arrays and a neural network processor to detect and locate obstacles with high angular resolution over a large field of view. Infrared signal detection and data processing using a simple neural network support long-range detection with low false alarm rate for collision avoidance. This innovative combination results in a high-speed and high-performance system that ideally matches the stringent cost, size, weight, and power requirements of small-scale RPA. Phase I will include development of the SAVIEN system design to meet Air Force requirements, and a demonstration prototype to prove the feasibility of the concept. Phase II efforts will include system optimization and fabrication of a prototype that satisfies the requirements and interfaces to Air Force systems, suitable for performance testing through ground and flight demonstrations. BENEFIT: Because of its light weight, compact size, and low cost, the SAVIEN system can be installed in small remotely controlled ground vehicles for applications such as police surveillance and traffic control. Its low cost will also suit it for collision avoidance in automobiles, boats, and aircraft.