A Novel Approach to Imaging using a Dual Field-of-View Sensor

Most modern aircraft, such as missile systems and unmanned aerial vehicles have limited size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C) capability. As the defence budget for military forces such as the UK and US continue to shrink, the emphasis on SWaP-C continues to strengthen. Military forces require smart weapons capable of precision strike, with a priority on safety. System manufacturers understand these requirements and limitations, and in response, develop miniaturised systems and components and also aim to consolidate these, into a single miniaturised solution. The growth of remotely operated aircraft, offers an ever present need for better, cheaper imaging systems. In general, sensors and seekers tend to be the biggest contribution to the cost and weight of an aircraft. Often, multiple imaging systems are needed dependent on the operational requirements. In this thesis, a novel dual field-of-view imaging system/seeker is proposed, which uses a single imaging sensor to superimpose both a wide field-of-view and a narrow field-of-view image of the same scene, co-boresighted. This allows multiple operational requirements to function simultaneously. The wide field-of-view allows for continuous monitoring and surveillance of an area, whilst the narrow field-of-view enables target detection, identification and tracking capabilities. Secondly, this thesis proposes a novel image separation technique to facilitate the separation of the superimposed imagery, using only the geometric relationship between the two different field-of-views. The separation technique is then extended to operate over sequential frames (i.e. video), and to function with fixed cameras that exhibit (un)desired camera motions, such as vibrations or "jitter". The image quality of the separation technique is broadly analysed over a range of images with varying image characteristics and properties. A novel image quality metric (IQM) was also proposed in this thesis, and was used to analyse the image quality of the recovered images, and its performance compared to already available IQMs. Finally, the separation technique is enhanced to operate with motion cameras, which exhibit motions such as pan, tilt, zoom and rotate etc. The separation technique, in most cases, was found to provide image recovery, comparable to current image enhancement techniques, and moreover, found to be far more robust to errors in registration, compared to current techniques. Initial hardware designs for the dual field-of-view imaging system, designed in conjunction with Prof. Andy Harvey from the University of Glasgow and Dr. James Babbington from Qioptiq Ltd., a lens design and manufacturing company, has also been presented

Feasibility study of scanning celestial attitude determination system SCADS for small scientific spacecraft S sup 3 Final report

Scanning celestial attitude determination system for small scientific satellite

Horizon definition study summary - Horizon definition study

Earth infrared horizon definition for space guidance, navigation, control, and pointing systems - feasibility stud

Application of advanced technology to space automation

Automated operations in space provide the key to optimized mission design and data acquisition at minimum cost for the future. The results of this study strongly accentuate this statement and should provide further incentive for immediate development of specific automtion technology as defined herein. Essential automation technology requirements were identified for future programs. The study was undertaken to address the future role of automation in the space program, the potential benefits to be derived, and the technology efforts that should be directed toward obtaining these benefits

Electronic warfare self-protection of battlefield helicopters : a holistic view

The dissertation seeks to increase understanding of electronic warfare (EW) self-protection (EWSP) of battlefield helicopters by taking a holistic (systems) view on EWSP. It also evaluates the methodologies used in the research and their suitability as descriptive tools in communication between various EWSP stakeholders. The interpretation of the term "holistic view" is a central theme to the dissertation. The research methodology is bottom-up – which is necessary since no previous work exists that could guide the study – and progresses from analysis to synthesis. Initially several methods are evaluated for presenting findings on EWSP, including high-level system simulation such as Forrester system dynamics (FSD). The analysis is conducted by a comprehensive literature review on EW and other areas that are believed to be of importance to the holistic view. Combat scenarios, intelligence, EW support, validation, training, and delays have major influence on the effectiveness of the EWSP suite; while the initial procurement decision on the EWSP suite sets limits to what can be achieved later. The need for a vast support structure for EWSP means that countries with limited intelligence and other resources become dependent on allies for support; that is, the question of EWSP effectiveness becomes political. The synthesis shows that a holistic view on EWSP of battlefield helicopters cannot be bounded in the temporal or hierarchical (organizational) senses. FSD is found to be helpful as a quality assurance tool, but refinements are needed if FSD is to be useful as a general discussion tool. The area of survivability is found to be the best match for the holistic view – for an EWSP suprasystem. A global survivability paradigm is defined as the ultimate holistic view on EWSP. It is suggested that future research should be top-down and aiming at promoting the global survivability paradigm. The survivability paradigm would give EWSP a natural framework in which its merits can be assessed objectively.reviewe

Antenna-coupled Infrared Focal Plane Array

In this dissertation a new type of infrared focal plan array (IR FPA) was investigated, consisting of antenna-coupled microbolometer fabricated using electron-beam lithography. Four different antenna designs were experimentally demonstrated at 10-micron wavelength: dipole, bowtie, square-spiral, and log-periodic. The main differences between these antenna types were their bandwidth, collection area, angular reception pattern, and polarization. To provide pixel collection areas commensurate with typical IR FPA requirements, two configurations were investigated: a two-dimensional serpentine interconnection of individual IR antennas, and a Fresnel-zone-plate (FZP) coupled to a single-element antenna. Optimum spacing conditions for the two-dimensional interconnect were developed. Increased sensitivity was demonstrated using a FZP-coupled design. In general, it was found that the configuration of the antenna substrate material was critical for optimization of sensitivity. The best results were obtained using this membranes of silicon nitride to enhance the thermal isolation of the antenna-coupled bolometers. In addition, choice of the bolometer material was also important, with the best results obtained using vanadium oxide. Using optimum choices for all parameters, normalized sensitivity (D*) values in the range of mid 108[√Hz/W] were demonstrated for antenna-coupled IR sensors, and directions for further improvements were identified. Successful integration of antenna-coupled pixels with commercial readout integrated circuits was also demonstrated

1991 OURE report, including the 1st Annual UMR Undergraduate Research Symposium -- Entire Proceedings

The Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experiences program began in 1990. The aims were to enrich the learning process and make it more active, encourage interaction between students and faculty members, raise the level of research on the campus, help recruit superior students to the graduate program, and support the notion that teaching and research are compatible and mutually reinforcing. Chancellor Jischke made available an annual budget of $50,000 to support the program. As the papers herein attest, the OURE program is achieving its goals — UMR graduates have performed research on an enormous variety of topics, have worked closely with faculty members, and have experienced deeply both the pleasures and frustrations of research. Several of the undergraduates whose papers are included are now graduate students at UMR or elsewhere. Others, who have not yet graduated, are eager to submit proposals to the next OURE round. I am sure all involved join me in expressing gratitude to Chancellor Jischke for inaugurating the program. The first section of this volume is made up of papers presented at the first annual UMR Undergraduate Research Symposium, held in April 1991. Joining the UMR undergraduates in the Symposium were students from other colleges and universities who had participated in an NSF- sponsored summer program of research on parallel processing conducted by the UMR Computer Science Department

Databook for human factors engineers. Volume 2 - Common formulas, metrics, definitions

Human factors engineering manual including mathematical formulas, nomographs, conversion tables, units of measurement, and nomenclature

COMBAT SYSTEMS Volume 1. Sensor Elements Part I. Sensor Functional Characteristics

This document includes: CHAPTER 1. SIGNATURES, OBSERVABLES, & PROPAGATORS. CHAPTER 2. PROPAGATION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION. I. – FUNDAMENTAL EFFECTS. CHAPTER 3. PROPAGATION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION. II. – WEATHER EFFECTS. CHAPTER 4. PROPAGATION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION. III. – REFRACTIVE EFFECTS. CHAPTER 5. PROPAGATION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION IV. – OTHER ATMOSPHERIC AND UNDERWATER EFFECTS. CHAPTER 6. PROPAGATION OF ACOUSTIC RADIATION. CHAPTER 7. NUCLEAR RADIATION: ITS ORIGIN AND PROPAGATION. CHAPTER 8. RADIOMETRY, PHOTOMETRY, & RADIOMETRIC ANALYSIS. CHAPTER 9. SENSOR FUNCTIONS. CHAPTER 10. SEARCH. CHAPTER 11. DETECTION. CHAPTER 12. ESTIMATION. CHAPTER 13. MODULATION AND DEMODULATION. CHAPTER 14. IMAGING AND IMAGE-BASED PERCEPTION. CHAPTER 15. TRACKING. APPENDIX A. UNITS, PHYSICAL CONSTANTS, AND USEFUL CONVERSION FACTORS. APPENDIX B. FINITE DIFFERENCE AND FINITE ELEMENT TECHNIQUES. APPENDIX C. PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS. INDEX TO VOLUME 1. Note by author: Note: Boldface entries in the table of contents are not yet completed

NASA Tech Briefs, September 1990

Topics covered include: New Product Ideas; NASA TU Services; Electronic Components and Circuits; Electronic Systems; Physical Sciences; Materials; Computer Programs; Mechanics; Machinery; Fabrication Technology; Mathematics and Information Sciences; Life Sciences