Processing for Flexible Sensors

We will develop "flexible sensing" techniques that will enable a single sensor to perform the functions of both a "seeker" and a "target detection device". One set of approaches will comprise resolution enhancement and other techniques to extract target identification and tracking information, as would be provided by a "seeker", from a low resolution / high update rate sensor. Hyperacuity-based approaches will be considered. The other set of approaches will comprise low latency downsampling and feature extraction circuits that may be added to a high resolution / low update rate sensor to provide target detection information. For Phase I and Phase II, this research will be performed in the context of a target application involving a micro air vehicle tasked to identify a target of interest, pursue it, and trigger an endgame action when sufficiently close. This target application will allow us to develop techniques and identify principles in a real-world context that may be adapted to guided munition and other applications in Phase III.