Real-time Spectral Band Optimization for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Hyperspectral Camera

This Phase II effort develops a prototype for an integrated near real-time solution capable of determining optimal multi-spectral bands for target detection, storing complete mission data, and parsing resultant data and metadata for transmission of hyperspectral imaging results. This design, referred to as the “Optimized Hyperspectral Camera System” (OHCS), leverages DSPCon’s approach to designing electronic boards and system architectures that meet strict Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) consumption requirements, along with Sarnoff Labs world-class, innovative spectral analysis algorithms that can distinguish targets from clutter, even with minimal a priori target information and no a priori clutter information. The OHCS prototype will be demonstrated on a small, tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), the Silver Fox. The OHCS will provide an unprecedented combination of performance and minimal SWaP to accommodate a demanding on-board application on a UAV platform. The DSPCon design approach is based on high performance, modular (plug and play), small footprint, rugged, air-cooled or conduction-cooled, function-specific boards that communicate over a high speed serial I/O fabric. This approach enables the design to meet the needs of environments where minimizing SWaP is critical, as is allowing easy upgrades and expansion of system capacity with a plug-and-play structure.