Abstract: A real time video analytic processor that uses a trained convolutional neural network that embodies algorithms and processing architectures that process a wide variety of sensor images in a fashion that emulates how the human visual path processes and interprets image content. Spatial, temporal, and color content of images are analyzed and the salient features of the images determined. These salient features are compared to the salient features of objects of user interest in order to detect, track, classify, and characterize the activities of the objects. Objects or activities of interest are annotated in the image streams and alerts of critical events are provided to the user. Instantiation of the cognitive processing can be accomplished on multi-FPGA and multi-GPU processing hardware.

Abstract: A real time video analytic processor that uses a trained convolutional neural network that embodies algorithms and processing architectures that process a wide variety of sensor images in a fashion that emulates how the human visual path processes and interprets image content. Spatial, temporal, and color content of images are analyzed and the salient features of the images determined. These salient features are compared to the salient features of objects of user interest in order to detect, track, classify, and characterize the activities of the objects. Objects or activities of interest are annotated in the image streams and alerts of critical events are provided to the user. Instantiation of the cognitive processing can be accomplished on multi-FPGA and multi-GPU processing hardware.

Abstract: An apparatus wherein a smartphone's sensors, i.e.; cameras, compasses and inertial measurements units, and methods for processing the data taken by these sensors, are used to determine accurate and timely geo-locations to enable land navigation in GPS-denied environments. Celestial, terrestrial and inertial land navigation modes are described in terms of how smartphone sensors are exploited and how data from the sensors is processed to achieve accurate and timely geo-position and navigation capabilities in GPS-denied environments.

Abstract: An improved image intensified, low light level sensor to enable true color images in real-time from a prior art image intensified, low light level device. The device comprises a Bayer pattern in front of the photocathode element and a CCD or CMOS imager that observes or replaces the phosphor layer of the traditional low light level, intensified imager.

Abstract: An invention is disclosed for a real time video analytic processor that embodies algorithms and processing architectures that process a wide variety of sensor images in a fashion that emulates how the human visual path processes and interprets image content. spatial, temporal, and color content of images are analyzed and the salient features of the images determined. These salient features are then compared to the salient features of objects of user interest in order to detect, track, classify, and characterize the activities of the objects. Objects or activities of interest are annotated in the image streams and alerts of critical events are provided to users. Instantiation of the cognitive processing can be accomplished on multi-FPGA and multi-GPU processing hardwares.

Abstract: A LIDAR system that can accommodate both a clear atmosphere and be adaptable to environments in which smoke, dust or other particulates (i.e., a degraded environment) exist in the atmosphere around the target is described. The system operates in two fields of regard: clear view mode (wide field of regard) and a degraded view mode (narrow field of regard). The wide field of regard allows the output laser energy to be concentrated over a large number of detector pixels and thus resulting in high scene scan rate. The narrow field of regard allows concentrating the laser output energy on fewer pixels to compensate for the loss of laser energy due to atmospheric degradation. The combination of the ROIC and LIDAR modes of operation result in a system that is capable of operation under clear and degraded environments.

Abstract: An invention is disclosed for a real time video analytic processor that embodies algorithms and processing architectures that process a wide variety of sensor images in a fashion that emulates how the human visual path processes and interprets image content. spatial, temporal, and color content of images are analyzed and the salient features of the images determined. These salient features are then compared to the salient features of objects of user interest in order to detect, track, classify, and characterize the activities of the objects. Objects or activities of interest are annotated in the image streams and alerts of critical events are provided to users. Instantiation of the cognitive processing can be accomplished on multi-FPGA and multi-GPU processing hardwares.

Abstract: A multilayer electronic imaging module and sensor system incorporating a micro-lens layer for imaging and collimating a received image from a field of regard, a photocathode layer for detecting photons from the micro-lens layer and generating an electron output, a micro-channel plate layer for receiving the output electrons emitted from the photocathode in response to the photon input and amplifying same and stacked readout circuitry for processing the electron output of the micro-channel plate. The sensor system of the invention may be provided in the form of a Cassegrain telescope assembly and includes electromagnetic imaging and scanning means and beam-splitting means for directed predetermined ranges of the received image to one or more photo-detector elements which may be in the form of the micro-channel imaging module of the invention.

Abstract: A multilayer electronic imaging module and sensor system incorporating a micro-lens layer for imaging and collimating a received image from a field of regard, a photocathode layer for detecting photons from the micro-lens layer and generating an electron output, a micro-channel plate layer for receiving the output electrons emitted from the photocathode in response to the photon input and amplifying same and stacked readout circuitry for processing the electron output of the micro-channel plate. The sensor system of the invention may be provided in the form of a Cassegrain telescope assembly and includes electromagnetic imaging and scanning means and beam-splitting means for directed predetermined ranges of the received image to one or more photo-detector elements which may be in the form of the micro-channel imaging module of the invention.

Abstract: A hyper-spectral and hyper-spatial sensor system is disclosed. A micro-channel plate array imaging sensor is provided for imaging a scene of interest and cooperates with a passive imaging system which may comprise a system having a responsivity to the visible electromagnetic spectrum. Image data from the dual-sensor systems is received and processed at high processing speeds using a massively parallel image processing architecture for the detection of salient scene features in the scene.

Abstract: A LIDAR system that can accommodate both a clear atmosphere and be adaptable to environments in which smoke, dust or other particulates (i.e., a degraded environment) exist in the atmosphere around the target is described. The system operates in two fields of regard: clear view mode (wide field of regard) and a degraded view mode (narrow field of regard). The wide field of regard allows the output laser energy to be concentrated over a large number of detector pixels and thus resulting in high scene scan rate. The narrow field of regard allows concentrating the laser output energy on fewer pixels to compensate for the loss of laser energy due to atmospheric degradation. The combination of the ROIC and LIDAR modes of operation result in a system that is capable of operation under clear and degraded environments.

Abstract: A method for processing sensor data representative of a scene of interest. A plurality of sensor data outputs representative of the scene is selected from the group consisting of visible, VNIR, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR, far infrared, multi-spectral data, hyper-spectral data, SAR data, and 3-D LIDAR sensor data. The data is input to a plurality of graphics processing elements that are configured to independently execute separate image processing filter operations selected from the group consisting of spatial filtering, temporal filtering, spatio-temporal filtering, and template matching. A cross-correlation operation is performed on the filter outputs based on predetermined filter output characteristics which may then be used to annotate the scene with regions of interest (ROI) for display to a user.

Abstract: A LIDAR system having a rotating geometric solid polyhedron reflective scanning and receiving element disposed on a rotation table element. The system is configured for scanning a transmitted electromagnetic beam such as a laser beam over a scene of interest in both elevation and azimuth and for receiving a reflected portion of the transmitted beam onto the focal plane detector array of the invention and to output an (x, y, range) set of point cloud coordinate image data.

Abstract: A device and method that uses terrain features having one or more predetermined characteristics or weights in an electronic image date frame or set of frames such as a LIDAR voxel set of image data frames for use as system reference points which are, in turn, used in one or more trilateration calculations performed in electronic circuitry to determine a position or ego-motion of the device.

Abstract: A sensor suite comprising a first electronic imaging element such as an LWIR imager element and a second imaging element such as a visible imager element. The transmitter operates with a plurality of selectable beam-forming optics or a tilt-tip element. The optics for the system may be configured in a Cassegrain-type configuration in cooperation with a plurality of beam-splitting elements to permit different ranges of the received optical input to be provided respectively to the first and second electronic imagers. One or a plurality of laser illuminator analysis spectrometers are provided for the detection and characterizing of incoming laser illumination from an external source which may be in the form of a micro-lamellar spectrometer element.

Abstract: A LIDAR device and method for determining the range of a target surface using a threshold detector circuit that differentiates the laser return signal to define a differentiated signal. The signal level crossing point or threshold is representative of the peak amplitude of the return signal. The device and method compare the signal level crossing point to a predetermined threshold level to determine the range of the target surface in a LIDAR system.

Abstract: A LIDAR device and method for determining the range of a target surface using a threshold detector circuit that differentiates the laser return signal to define a differentiated signal. The signal level crossing point or threshold is representative of the peak amplitude of the return signal. The device and method compare the signal level crossing point to a predetermined threshold level to determine the range of the target surface in a LIDAR system.

Abstract: A device and method for LADAR ranging using relatively long laser pulse widths and slower system clock speeds is provided. The center points of the sent and received laser signal such as Gaussian laser pulses are identified by time sampling the sent and received laser signal waveforms at predetermined time positions. The signal energy within each time sample of the respective sent and received laser signals defines a clock “bin”. The received laser signal generates an output from a photodetector cell on a focal plane array that is converted into voltage. The signal energy is integrated using a capacitor array for each of the clock bins and is representative of the signal energy in each time sample. The output of the capacitor array is collected in buffer and digitized. Signal processing means extracts the center of the transmitted and received pulses and the time-of-flight calculated as the time between the transmitted and returned centers of the laser signal pulses.

Abstract: A 3-D LADAR imaging system incorporating stacked microelectronic layers is provided. A light source such as a laser is imaged upon a target through beam shaping optics. Photons reflected from the target are collected and imaged upon a detector array though collection optics. The detector array signals are fed into a multilayer processing module wherein each layer includes detector signal processing circuitry. The detector array signals are amplified, compared to a user-defined threshold, digitized and fed into a high speed FIFO shift register range bin. Dependant on the value of the digit contained in the bins in the register, and the digit's bin location, the time of a photon reflection from a target surface can be determined. A T0 trigger signal defines the reflection time represented at each bin location by resetting appropriate circuitry to begin processing.

Abstract: A preprocessed semiconductor substrate such as a wafer is provided with a metal etch mask which defines singulation channels on the substrate surface. An isotropic etch process is used to define a singulation channel with a first depth extending into the semiconductor substrate material. A second anisotropic etch process is used to increase the depth of the singulation channel while providing substantially vertical singulation channel sidewalls. The singulation channel can be extended through the depth of the substrate or, in an alternative embodiment, a predetermined portion of the inactive surface of the substrate removed to expose the singulation channels. In this manner, semiconductor die can be precisely singulated from a wafer while maintaining vertical die sidewalls.