Flash Lidar to Detect, Classify, and Track Floating Objects

The US Army has identified a need to identify, distinguish, count, and with precision, geographically locate small objects floating in riverine environments. The objects of concern can be as small as 3” and up to 3ft. A sensor system capable of detecting and identifying fast moving objects going downstream will support the warfighter’s readiness by understanding upstream activity. The small objects can be floating on the surface or just below the surface of the water. The sensor must rapidly detect and identify objects so that the warfighter can employ threat avoidance and maneuver accordingly. Advanced Scientific Concepts (ASC) has developed the Global Shutter Flash LiDAR (GSFL) technology that is ideal for this application. GSFL provides real time, non-distorted images with accurate range information that will provide quick detection, identification, and geo-location of the rapid moving small objects in rivers or other aquatic environments. The GSFL is the best technology for this application. Scanning LiDARs have poor resolution in comparison that will make identification very difficult and each of the frames are scanned over time creating distorted images with tearing and smearing. This requires unique back end algorithm processing that takes time to generate a 3D point cloud that can be geo-located. For this application, real time processing is required to meet the objectives. Radar cannot provide good imagery that is necessary for identification. It also does not provide the accuracy that the GSFL can. Long Wave infrared polarimetry will provide good imagery, but does not provide the range information. The GSFL has multiple modes of operation that will enable it to image through water and also image in foggy, rainy and other degraded visual environments. For the phase I, ASC will develop a set of requirements for the GSFL to meet the objectives of this SBIR. ASC will modify a GSFL camera to meet the derived requirements. A performance demonstration will follow with the GSFL imaging small floating objects in water and also just under the surface. ASC will also investigate a fused 2D video with the GSFL 3D point cloud to generate high resolution video. For the phase I option, ASC will demonstrate imaging small objects in water and also just below the surface with a high resolution GSFL system.