Abstract: A signal processing appliance is disclosed that will simultaneously process the image data sets from disparate types of imaging sensors and data sets taken by them under varying conditions of viewing geometry, environmental conditions, lighting conditions, and at different times. Processing techniques that emulate how the human visual path processes and exploits data are implemented. The salient spatial, temporal, and color features of observed objects are calculated and cross-correlated over the disparate sensors and data sets to enable improved object association, classification and recognition. The appliance uses unique signal processing devices and architectures to enable near real-time processing.

Abstract: The Hy-ALERT processing system operates simultaneously on the data streams from visible and thermal imaging sensors and from hyperspectral imaging sensors. The visible and thermal image processing uses cognitive-inspired processing techniques that determine the salient content of the imagers based on the system user definition of salient content. The hyperspectral image processing uses anomaly detection and template matching techniques to determine the salient materials content of the observed scenes. Cross-correlation processing of the salient content of the various image and hyperspectral data streams enables the sensor systems to adapt their operating characteristics to optimize effectiveness in near real-time.

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: The ACASS 3D LIDAR system operates in a fundamentally new manner combining features of flash LIDARS and scanning LIDARS simultaneously which enables mission and performance trades to be conducted by varying the sizes of illumination patches within the scenes being observed. Further the combination of these modes of operation into a single LIDAR system enables multiple modes of operation and multiple missions to be accomplished with single lasers obviating the need for multiple lasers and enabling significant simplification of beam control modes. Systems which result from the new, expanded size, weight, power, cost trade space enabled by the ACASS concept can provide new levels of performance at significantly reduced risks and costs The achievement of wide area, three dimensional imaging using a LIDAR sensor system is accomplished with one laser which operates using an eye safe fiber laser with very high puke 13 rates but very low energy per pulse.

Abstract: The Hy-ALERT processing system operates simultaneously on the data streams from visible and thermal imaging sensors and from hyperspectral imaging sensors. The visible and thermal image processing uses cognitive-inspired processing techniques that determine the salient content of the imagers based on the system user definition of salient content. The hyperspectral image processing uses anomaly detection and template matching techniques to determine the salient materials content of the observed scenes. Cross-correlation processing of the salient content of the various image and hyperspectral data streams enables the sensor systems to adapt their operating characteristics to optimize effectiveness in near real-time.

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: The ACASS 3D LIDAR system operates in a fundamentally new manner combining features of flash LIDARS and scanning LIDARS simultaneously which enables mission and performance trades to be conducted by varying the sizes of illumination patches within the scenes being observed. Further the combination of these modes of operation into a single LIDAR system enables multiple modes of operation and multiple missions to be accomplished with single lasers obviating the need for multiple lasers and enabling significant simplification of beam control modes. Systems which result from the new, expanded size, weight, power, cost trade space enabled by the ACASS concept can provide new levels of performance at significantly reduced risks and costs. The achievement of wide area, three dimensional imaging using a LIDAR sensor system is accomplished with one laser which operates using an eye safe fiber laser with very high pulse rates but very low energy per pulse.

Abstract: A signal processing appliance is disclosed that will simultaneously process the image data sets from disparate types of imaging sensors and data sets taken by them under varying conditions of viewing geometry, environmental conditions, lighting conditions, and at different times. Processing techniques that emulate how the human visual path processes and exploits data are implemented. The salient spatial, temporal, and color features of observed objects are calculated and cross-correlated over the disparate sensors and data sets to enable improved object association, classification and recognition. The appliance uses unique signal processing devices and architectures to enable near real-time processing.

Abstract: The invention is a device and method for recognizing individuals of interest by analyzing images taken under real world lighting conditions with imperfect viewing. Recognition attributes are identified by running a plurality of processing algorithms on the image data which a) extract indices of recognition that are markers relating to specific individuals, b) create morphable, three dimensional computer graphics models of candidate individuals based on the indices of recognition, c) apply the viewing conditions from the real world data imagery to the three dimensional models, and d) declare recognition based on a high degree of correlation between the morphed model and the raw data image within a catalog of the indices of recognition of individuals of interest. The invention further encompasses the instantiation of the processing on very high thruput processing elements that may include FPGAs or GPUs.

Abstract: An invention is disclosed for a multi-mode LIDAR sensor system that embodies a high pulse rate fiber laser operating in the SWIR wavelength at 1.5 microns, a long linear array of small SWIR sensitive detectors with very high speed readout electronics, and fully integrated methods and processing elements that perform target detection, classification, and tracking using techniques that emulate how the human visual path processes and interprets imaging data. High resolution three dimensional images are created of wide areas. Image exploitation processing methods detect objects and object activities in real time thus enabling diverse applications such as vehicle navigation, critical infrastructure protection, and public safety monitoring.

Abstract: There has been a significant advance in the capabilities of electro-optical sensors to search wide areas and provide data streams that contain information critical to system operators. The problem being addressed by this invention is the accurate and timely interpretation of the observations made by these sensor suites and the instantiation of the processing on practical low power, high throughput processors which enable deployment on a wide variety of platforms. The interpretation of sensor observations will also depend upon a) the general situation, e.g. level of hostility, and b) collateral data, e.g. normal or abnormal operations of the platforms themselves. Can accurate and timely situation awareness be achieved? Yes, humans do it all the time. Can it be done on small, ultra-low power, ultra-high throughput processors? Yes 3D stacked analog ASIC circuits enable such processors.

Abstract: The invention is a device and method for recognizing individuals of interest by analyzing images taken under real world lighting conditions with imperfect viewing. Recognition attributes are identified by running a plurality of processing algorithms on the image data which a) extract indices of recognition that are markers relating to specific individuals, b) create morphable, three dimensional computer graphics models of candidate individuals based on the indices of recognition, c) apply the viewing conditions from the real world data imagery to the three dimensional models, and d) declare recognition based on a high degree of correlation between the morphed model and the raw data image within a catalog of the indices of recognition of individuals of interest. The invention further encompasses the instantiation of the processing on very high thruput processing elements that may include FPGAs or GPUs.

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 foamed polystyrene beverage container cooler. In one embodiment an annular wall is nestably received between a base and lid each of which defines a cylindrical inner cavity to receive a half barrel size beverage container. The outlet of the container extends centrally through an aperture located in the top wall of the lid locating the container concentrically with respect to the cylindrical inner surface of the cooler allowing ice to circumferentially surround the container. A skirt and rim mating combination between the annular wall and the lid and between the annular wall and the base secure the components together. In an alternate embodiment, a cooler to receive a pony keg includes a base and lid each of which has an annular wall defining a cavity sized to allow ice to surround the keg. The keg outlet extends through an aperture in the lid locating the keg concentrically with respect to the interior surface of the cooler.