Integrated SAR and LiDAR Change Detection Techniques for Small Object Detection

There is a current Air Force need to research, develop and implement advanced algorithms for detecting small inserted objects by integrating SAR and LiDAR data. SAR and LiDAR are complementary sensor technologies with non-overlapping strengths. Both SAR and LIDAR are active sensors and both have capabilities for characterizing 2-D and 3-D features on in natural terrains. The UHF band in SAR is particularly useful for this project because of its foliage penetration capability and, although limited, it also has proven ground penetration capability. On the other hand, LIDAR systems can provide both elevation and intensity records for each laser return leading to creation of high-resolution 3-D representation of objects on the terrain under surveillance. The primary goal of this project is combine, integrate and exploit the respective strengths of these two different classes of sensors to identify small emplaced objects that can cause harm to our combat troops and innocent civilians. Advanced Change detection and Anomaly Detection algorithms will be employed for precise localization of specific terrain changes in multiple and single passes. BENEFIT: The successful completion of this research will result in the development of a robust collaborative trip-wire and small Detect/ID, Change Detection and Sensor-Registration algorithms and associated system architecture capable of being integrated on an operational platform such as small UAVs. The system will communicate with ground forces in Counter-Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C-ISR) and Counter Airborne Improvised Explosive Device (C-AIED) missions. The proposed framework will be capable of providing early alarms to military personnel in the line of duty to precise location of harmful objects placements by the enemy. This capability will be of great interest to current and future military deployments in urban areas that require highly accurate force protection capabilities in urban conflicts. We expect there are two approaches to commercializing the development of this technology. First, there is the direct military application of trip-wire and small Detect/ID/ algorithms that will be critical force protection for the Air Force and the other services. We plan to first develop the technology to maturity under Phase I and Phase II SBIR efforts. Once this has been done, we plan to market the technology to military programs, operations analysts, and large systems integrators who build systems that require a rapid trip-wire and small object Detect/ID capability, as required in some recent conflicts. The marketing presentation will make use of the algorithms and performance trade-off analysis conducted under these SBIR efforts. A part of this strategy is to have the matured capability inserted in a simulation exercise, such as those performed at Joint Forces Command, so that the potential of the proposed study can be demonstrated to many of the decision-makers that witness these exercises. The second approach to commercializing this technology is to apply it to other applications in the military world or in the civilian marketplace. Potential civilian applications include drug enforcement, and border control. Military applications include surveillance of the battle space in Counter-Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C-ISR) and Counter Airborne Improvised Explosive Device (C-AIED) missions. Homeland Security applications include border intrusion control and Counter-terrorist threat activities in the civilian sector as well as support of counter-drug operations.