The OPtimal Turbulence Effects Correction System (OPTEC) for Enhanced Long-Range Tactical Imaging

Argos Intelligence proposes to develop the OPtimal Turbulence Effects Correction (OPTEC) System, a low cost and innovative image restoration processor for restoring atmospherically degraded video imagery in real-time. OPTEC leverages the computational power of the new generation programmable Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and builds on existing, demonstrated image processing algorithms for mitigating the effects of atmospheric turbulence and camera jitter. OPTEC will provide unprecedented, real-time imaging capabilities in severe environmental conditions and is designed to be small, inexpensive, versatile and adaptable in order to support a number of long-range imaging systems, video formats and resolutions. Furthermore, since OPTEC is built on a highly parallel, scalable GPU platform, it is ideally suited to support existing and future imaging systems. The Phase I research will focus on the OPTEC system design and architecture and the development of a working, integrated prototype for an end-to-end Phase I demonstration. In addition, Argos Intelligence will develop a detailed Phase II experimental and demonstration plan that will test the OPTEC performance in operationally-realistic settings. The Argos Intelligence OPTEC System will restore the original information content of the imagery so that a sensor operator can take full advantage of next-generation imaging systems.