Deep Night Vision: Neural Network-Driven Digital Night Vision Software for Goggle Sensor Platforms

Due to the analog limitations of conventional night vision devices, USSF and USAF personnel are unable to use modern augmented reality features, such as streaming, recording, and downstream AI recognition of objects when using night vision. In other DoD organizations, there has been immense interest in shifting from analog night vision to digital, camera-based night vision. The most notable recent effort is the Army’s IVAS program, an augmented reality headset that utilizes low-light CMOS cameras for night vision. The critical drawback of initial IVAS prototypes is that the digital night vision is far inferior to that of Gen 3 night vision devices such as ENVG-B, especially in extreme low light conditions such as moonless starlight - 1 millilux. The U.S. Space Force has substantial resilient basing requirements and engages in important Base Defense mission sets to protect Space Force stations from intruders or nefarious activities. For this reason, we have partnered with Clear Space Force Station in Alaska, which houses critical infrastructure and space monitoring facilities. Through our prototyping effort, DeepNight will develop the DNV Goggle solution to enable Security Forces personnel at this base and all others throughout the DAF to better protect their installations.