To maximise the operational capability of sensors, resources and power are of critical importance and have to be managed. This may require the balancing of wide area surveillance, targets-of-interest tracking or generation of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images for example, to deliver optimum performance from available assets.
To address these issues,we have used our resources and expertise to develop a number of important techniques for the optimum processing and management of sensors. These include tracking, data fusion, adaptive processing, target recognition, image analysis, signature prediction, stealth and waveform design.
We have developed advanced algorithms to track targets-of-interest with maximum accuracy with minimal latency. We have perfected techniques for combining multiple sensor types such as IR and radar on the same platform. These techniques enable us to fuse data and, in so doing, increase the accuracy of tracking targets, improve target recognition and imaging resolution.
In the development and deployment of RF sensors there are two key functions: beam-forming and scanning. Phased arrays perform both of these functions electronically, whereas array-fed reflectors/lenses often perform them separately. To enhance sensor performance,we apply adaptive processing techniques to increase antenna gain while nulling out jammers and cancelling clutter.
We also have extensive experience of optical, electronic and hybrid processing techniques for target recognition. These are applied to optical, IR and radar sensor data to rapidly recognise targets and classify them according to their cross-section signature.
The efficiency and effectiveness of tasks such as battle damage assessment are increased through our work in Image Analysis. Hyper-spectral, SAR and millimetre-wave imaging can all be applied to pick out hidden detail on a potential target of interest even when it is camouflaged or obscured, using shadow detection and sensor tracking.
The survivability of assets in the battlespace is highly dependent upon its visibility, or signature, to the sensors used to detect them. Our comprehensive state-of-the-art Electromagnetic (EM) and infra-red modelling codes are used to accurately predict vehicle visibility to a wide variety of potential sensors. This enables designers to judge, at an early stage, how visible their systems are to radar, heat seeking or infrared viewing technology, and adapt their designs accordingly.
Our experience and capability in sensor processing extends to the design of radar waveforms. These can be used to enhance contrast and allow camouflaged targets to be clearly distinguished in cluttered and EM jamming environments. Within the urban ISTAR environment, we can apply modulation techniques and orthogonal multicarrier systems to deliver optimum availability in intensely cluttered environments.
- Adaptive processing1
- Data fusion
- Image analysis (including hyper/multi-spectral and polarimetric)2
- Sensor management
- Signature prediction and stealth
- Target recognition
- Tracking
- Waveform design
1 Electronic, optical signal, and element level distributed processing
2 All Electromagnetic (Optical/IR,RF,mm-wave & THz)
