Wide-Area Infrared Imager (WAIRI) for Increasing Human Detection Probability

Koopman search theory is built on the concept of sweep width to determine the probability of detection (POD) for a target in a defined area. Turret-mounted forward-looking infrared (FLIR) imagers have a high POD for targets within a narrow field of view but these devices, if used alone, severely limit effective sweep width. Lynntech proposes an infrared imager with a wide field of view which is designed to complement FLIR to increase the probability of detection for human targets in open water. The Wide-Area Infrared Imager (WAIRI) covers broad sweep widths from an aircraft at a low resolution and determines potential targets based on a phased averaging algorithm. The locations of these targets are then rapidly relayed to an FLIR which focuses on each potential target in turn to automatically determine if it is human, based on thermal signature. The combined result is a wide sweep width with a high POD. Phase I will concentrate on proof-of-concept using a commercial microbolometer array and image analysis software. A prototype WAIRI will then be constructed and tested in phase II. Potential commercial opportunities include search platforms for rescue, police, homeland security and defense applications, as well as warning systems for military aircraft.