Subtopic 1: The CRISSTL Ball, A Remote 2pi + Multi-Spectral Surveillance Projectile Device

MOUT operations require advanced sensors to employ situation assessment in complex urban terrains through remote or UGV/UAV mounted imaging. Envisioned is an optical technology that provides a maximum field of view to a single image plane that can be implemented with visible, near-infrared, or infrared sensors, transmitted wirelessly or wired, and provided in a compact ruggedized package. Such a system was demonstrated at the conclusion of the Phase I effort. The CRISSTL Ball has been designed as a family of sensors that has a 270 degree vertical field of view and a 360 degree panoramic field of view, packaged with wireless transmission and battery power in a ball weighing less than one pound and the size of a softball. The proposed Phase II effort will optimize the core optical technology of the CRISSTL Ball for ruggedized packaging, explore and implement packaging options for both hand-held and mounted units, develop infrared and near-infrared prototype units, design zooming mechanisms, and develop pre-production advanced prototype sensors for specific hand held or vehicle mounted military applications. The successful Phase II effort will result in advanced prototype demonstrations ready for streamlined production design implementation in a Phase II to Phase III transisition effort.