Analytical Photometric Manifold Modeling

The Air Force is soliciting the development of innovative algorithms to produce 4D models of "uncooperative" objects in near real-time. This modeling would entail high-resolution 3D shape reconstruction and motion tracing of space objects from ground-based images. In response, Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) proposes to develop a 4D reconstruction system based on an analytical photometric manifold modeling (APMM) algorithm. The proposed APMM technology will build on IOS's proprietary developments in the application of catastrophe theory to image modeling, and will utilize a Modeling Wave Set approach to implement rotationally invariant primitives as a building block for modeling. In Phase I, IOS will: provide proof of feasibility and develop the APMM algorithm to represent space objects as photometric polynomial models, initiate development of key 3-D concepts and relationships, and demonstrate the successful reconstruction of a 3-D structure from at least one sequence of space images. In Phase II, IOS will demonstrate a more robust prototype that will produce accurate representations under difficult conditions and will provide rapid 3-D model reconstruction and motion algorithms. In Phase II, IOS will also demonstrate verifiable prototype software.