Hyperspectral Sensor for Tracking Moving Targets

A program to develop an advanced hyperspectral imaging sensor capable of detecting camouflaged objects and tracking moving targets from airborne platforms is proposed. The proposed Hyperspectrally-Enhanced Long-range Imaging UAS Sensor (HELIUS) for target tracking builds upon Surface Optics real-time hyperspectral imaging activities, including the Multi-band Identification and Discrimination Imaging Spectroradiometer (MIDIS) processor and the 3-D Full-Cube HyperSensor focal plane array. Simultaneously sampling at least 16 to 49 spectral bands from 0.4 fYm to 1.0 um over a full 2-D field of 588 x 432 pixels, the system is ideal for accurately measuring and exploiting spectral reflectance differences of targets for real-time tracking. The proposed program develop and analyze an optimized design for a 3-D hyperspectral camera for the detection and tracking of moving objects from airborne platforms at standoff ranges up to 5.8 km; the system will include a compact, rugged, inexpensive 3-D imager plus the real-time hyperspectral (HS) data processor. The proposed effort represents an extension of Surface Optics 19 years experience in hyperspectral imager design, and miniaturization of SOCs patented real-time hyperspectral image processor for real-time hyperspectral discrimination. By building on Surface Optics Corporations experience in hyperspectral imaging system development, sensor development, and algorithm development, the proposed program will produce a new airborne hyperspectral tracking sensor of unsurpassed capability. BENEFIT: By producing and exploiting spectral imagery at video frame rates in a staring, not scanning, mode, the HELIUS sensor will dramatically enhance ability of the Airforce to identify, track, and mark threats from airborn platforms. Extension of HELIUS to other military applications will enhance the militarys capability to extract information from a scene that is unavailable to current tactical imaging sensors. Further commercialization will vastly improve the warfighters ability to detect highly camouflaged threats. Potential non-threat sensing applications include remote sensing, surveillance, pollution monitoring, plume analysis, medical diagnostics, industrial production control, and land mine detection.