Integrated Shipboard Multi-function Surveillance System

Williams-Pyro, Inc. proposes to develop a plug-and-play, distributed surveillance system called Wireless Energy-efficient Surveillance System - Open Architecture (WESS-OA) that integrates and automates full perimeter ship security to reduce workload. WESS-OA uses Wireless Intelligent Nodes (WIN) that collect and process data from sensors, such as standard video, low-light video, infra-red and optical-based sensors. In addition to visual information processing, the WESS-OA allows other sensory input data such as those from audio, vibration, chemical detection, ultrasound, and other RF-based sensors. WESS-OA is based on proven concepts such as (1) collaborative sensing and distributed processing involving sensors and WINs, (2) pervasive computing and central processing involving workstations and handheld units, (3) software radio technologies for dynamically reconfigurable wireless links. Each WIN uses standard low-power processors/hardware, communication protocols, interfaces, and energy-efficient data processing algorithms. The WINs continuously collect sensor data, collaborating to assemble a complete interpretation of the environment. Sensors monitoring the same area are connected to the same WIN, which tracks objects in that area. The WIN also pre-processes data if intelligent sensors are not available. In particular, WINs run the algorithms to pre-process the data (through change detection) from each video source.