| 2006 Technology
Symposium > Sensors and Environment
Sensors and Environment
The Sensors and Environment Technology Area encompasses the broad set
of technologies employed to detect, monitor, and characterize the environment
(terrain, weather, targets, etc.); determine position within that environment
(geoposition); and integrate, exploit, manage, and disseminate feature
and positional data (including Geographic Information Systems). The TAT’s
long-standing interests encompass radar, optical, spectral, and acoustic
sensors.
Adaptive Sensor Tasking and Control
Stephen Theophanis, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington and Bedford
Problem
Network-centric sensing and operations are critical to achieving information superiority and "full spectrum dominance" on the battlefield. The objective of an integrated ISR system is to identify all targets of interest by combining multi-phenomenology sensor data and prior information efficiently. An adaptive resource management approach that coordinates multiple sensors could result in a netted sensors ISR system with superior performance.
Objectives
This project will expand and integrate our resource management tools to enhance network-centric ISR system performance. Identification of subsystem, spatial, and temporal boundaries and how to traverse them is crucial to achieving comprehensive integration. We will demonstrate the effectiveness of the resource management system as applied to a network of standoff ISR sensors operating collaboratively with a network of in situ sensors.
Activities
This continuing project will build upon previous work. We will expand advanced modeling techniques, Markov decision process and linear programming optimization algorithms, and real-time control algorithms, and integrate them to quantify the level of performance that can be achieved. We will conduct simulation and scaled physical experiments involving the coordinated actions of standoff radar sensors and ground-based acoustic, seismic, and EO/IR sensors.
Impact
Comprehensive resource management technology will emerge if the vision of an interoperable multi-INT ISR enterprise is achieved. MITRE's research will aid ESC to design and evaluate C2 architectures for network-centric ISR programs, and build a technical basis for simulations and acquisitions. The project will advance the state of the art in distributed sensor management and illuminate potential problems in this emerging area.
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Cross-Spectrum Integration and Analysis
Sherry Olson, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington
Problem
Current hyperspectral sensors focus primarily on two spectral regions -- reflective and emissive -- with different sensor hardware for each. Hyperspectral observables in these two regions are often different but complementary. Current analytical methods and software tools focus on a single region and are not able to exploit data within and across spectral domains in a timely manner.
Objectives
We will investigate the potential for improving spectral discrimination when both reflective and emissive spectra are employed, leveraging synergy between both spectral regions to enhance operational utility. Benefits of the new approach will help drive future collection campaigns. We will apply this new methodology to characterize phenomena associated with a variety of hard intelligence challenges.
Activities
We will examine multiple sets of data, including laboratory, field, and airborne data. For the laboratory and field data sets, we may leverage community activities or construct experiments using our own spectral instruments. Analyses of single- and multiple-sensor airborne data will be compared to each other and extensive ground truth measurements.
Impact
A new cross-spectrum analysis methodology will address difficult intelligence problems by significantly increasing the understanding of cross-spectrum phenomena and observables. It will also enhance the suite of tools available to exploit and fuse this information, increase confidence in analytical results, increase understanding of sensor limitations and order of analysis, and mitigate false alarms.
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Energy Storage (ISIS)
Perry Hamlyn, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington and Bedford
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Kaleidoscope II: UAV Video MTI Characterization & Multi-Sensor Fusion
Steve Matechik, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington and Bedford
Problem
A foremost challenge facing combatant commanders at the operational level of war is the Find-Fix-Track-Target-Engage-Assess process associated with mobile, fleeting targets. The Aerospace Operations Center is flooded with data, but starved for methods that aggregate and transform the seemingly chaotic data into actionable information.
Objectives
This research will employ computationally simple data visualization techniques that model human cognitive processes to fuse multi-sensor target tracks into composite tracks. We will derive and introduce an extensible mobile target ontology to simplify machine-to-machine processes for time-critical targeting (TCT). We will also improve and quantify the contrast-sensitivity performance of video target tracking algorithms.
Activities
This research employs innovative visualization techniques to render multi-sensor fusion products consistent with the attributes of network centric warfare and effects-based operations. Specifically, JSTARS ground moving target indicator (GMTI) tracks will be automatically correlated with Video MTI (VMTI) tracks derived from Predator UAV electro-optic sensors to meet the Air Force Chief of Staff's challenge to provide "the best MTI available."
Impact
To meet warfighter objectives, it is insufficient for sensors simply to communicate with one another. Their "conversation" must focus on the end state: bombs on target. From this focus we can expect significantly improved battlefield situational awareness and more timely, precise, and directive TCT. Impacts include a streamlined target detection-identification process, more accurate coordinates, and reduced risk of fratricide and collateral damage.
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Netted Sensor Fence for Homeland Security
Weiqun Shi, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington and Bedford
Problem
Potential terrorists/adversaries can exploit a wide range of airborne vehicles to effectively deliver weapons (nuclear, chemical and biological) against civilian and military targets. Given the sheer number of potential targets in the United States and the difficulty of detecting and discriminating low observable airborne vehicles in realistic environments, there is currently no effective, reliable solution for dealing with this threat.
Objectives
We will establish a technical foundation for pursuing operational system concepts by first developing an in-depth understanding of candidate target signature phenomenology in the modalities of interest (i.e., microwave, infrared, and acoustic). We will then demonstrate a proof-of-concept approach for effective detection and discrimination of airborne threats using a ground deployed, low cost, low power, multimodal sensor fence.
Activities
We will analyze, design, and implement concepts and algorithms to demonstrate detection and discrimination of candidate targets using netted data from multiple sensor types. We will identify unique characteristics of the target signature phenomenology, leverage these characteristics to detect small targets, estimate their speed and heading, classify them as "threat" or "no threat," and communicate this information to an interceptor.
Impact
This project will provide a low cost, low power (potentially disposable) methodology for performing key 24/7 sentry functions to protect critical civilian and military infrastructure from airborne threats. Armed with the established technical feasibility of this approach, developers can pursue operational systems with numerous civilian and military applications.
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Netted Sensor Megaproject
Laurens Tromp, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington and Bedford
Problem
The netted sensors (NS) concept is based on the premise that large numbers of sensors, broadly dispersed in an area, can through the power of the network provide the means to expedite the development of actionable knowledge. Examination of the solution space for netted sensor systems yields a number of challenges. NS "blurs" the boundaries among traditional sub-system engineering disciplines; Sensing, processing, communications, resource control and information management are all embedded within the network. As a result, NS requires interdisciplinary R&D. The MITRE Corporation is making an integrated multi-year investment in NS research and development. This work should yield benefits to the NS development community in new technology, demonstration of NS system capabilities, and a laboratory tool suite to facilitate development, test, and demonstration.
Objectives
We will develop and carry out an integrated NS R&D program in the areas of sensors and packaging, signal and information processing, information management, communications and networking, and resource management. We will also develop an NS testbed environment for focusing and integrating company-wide collaborative netted sensors technologies research and examine through a series of experiments the efficacy of NS technologies, new concepts and technical issues associated with NS solutions to sponsor operational problems.
Activities
The NS program is a multi-year mega project that has three components which consists of research, the development of a robust test bed, and the demonstration of netted sensors solutions to operationally relevant problems within the sponsor community. The program is managed as an integrated activity and consists of a set of MTP projects which are funded by MSR, MOIE programs and CEM IR&D. We perform research on critical technology required to make netted sensors viable (e.g., power management, ad hoc network formation, distributed processing, and data management). In addition to doing NS technology R&D, the project will: (1) Develop a testbed environment for experimentation and demonstration of netted sensors R&D technology and concepts; (2) Develop NS experiments and demonstrations plans, and (3) integrate technology components into testbed and demonstrate NS solutions and concepts in a set of application-oriented experiments which address sponsor related operational problems.
Impact
This project will position MITRE at the forefront of efforts in the netted sensors community. The project will further develop corporate expertise, contribute to the advancement and impact the development of heterogeneous netted sensor systems. In addition, by providing an integration focusing function and coupling our research with important operational problems of significance to our sponsors, MITRE will be able to leverage this work and strengthen our NS contributions in the system engineering, modeling, and performance evaluation areas.
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Netted Sensors for 21st Century Warfighters
Garry Jacyna, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington
Problem
Future networks will contain a large number of adaptive, heterogeneous sensors that can be flexibly configured to support many simultaneous missions. Significant netted sensors (NS) R&D challenges exist in sensors and platforms, communications and networks, signal and information processing, resource and information management, and security. This work continues to support the multi-year corporate investment in netted sensors through the development of new technology, demonstrations of NS system capabilities, and the completion of a test bed infrastructure to facilitate development, test, and evaluation.
Objectives
The multiyear NS mega project has three components: R&D, completion of a robust test bed facility, and demonstration of NS solutions to operationally relevant problems within the sponsor community. We will carry out an integrated R&D program addressing sensors and packaging, signal and information processing, information management, communications and networking, and resource management, focusing on critical technology to make NS viable.
Activities
The project will complete the development of a robust test bed environment for NS experimentation and demonstration; develop NS experiments, and demonstration plans; and integrate technology components into the test bed. We will create new algorithms for combat ID and demonstrate NS solutions and concepts in a set of application-oriented experiments addressing combat ID problems.
Impact
The project has positioned MITRE at the forefront of the NS community. This year's effort will continue that trend. The project will further develop corporate expertise in NS and contribute to the advancement and impact of NS systems within the sponsor community. MITRE will be able to leverage this work and further strengthen our NS contributions in systems engineering, modeling, and performance evaluation.
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Networked Embedded Software Technology
Naimish Thakkar, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington
Problem
NEST research on large-scale wireless sensor networks focuses on providing surveillance for large, presumably remote, areas or for urban warfare tasks such as counter-sniper missions. Other potential applications include oil pipeline protection or border surveillance. Generally, NEST focuses on problems requiring large-scale sensor network deployment with high levels of self-management and challenging power requirements.
Objectives
The primary objective of NEST is to advance the state of art of technology for large-scale wireless sensor networks for government applications. NEST's key technical approach consists of developing robust middleware services for wireless sensor networks. To validate the technology, NEST conducts demonstrations through a series of field experiments related to government needs.
Activities
MITRE has become the lead system architect for NEST. We support and evaluate NEST field experiments on sniper/shooter location for urban warfare, an extreme scaling experiment involving 10,000 sensor nodes, and an application for U.S. Special Operations Command and the Defense Intelligence Agency. With our expertise on signal processing, MITRE also provides acoustic detectors for NEST applications.
Impact
MITRE provides objective technical evaluation of NEST progress, and has delivered robust acoustic detectors for the NEST community. As the lead system architect for NEST we will define the NEST software depository for government access for the next five years.
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Optically Sensed Tags
Sherry Olson, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington
Problem
Our sponsors are interested in detecting evidence of activity in or exposure to explosives and their chemical residues and effluents. Often these materials are only present in very low concentrations. Moreover, it would be forensically advantageous to detect them remotely and clandestinely so that subjects are unaware of examination and therefore unable to anticipate investigation or prepare countermeasures.
Objectives
The goal is to develop optically sensed tags based on induced chemical reactions and emissions (primarily via retro-reflector and polymer technologies) for detecting low concentrations of chemicals and materials over a range of standoff distances. We will leverage existing tag-related technology and formulate a path for standoff optical examination.
Activities
Since this is a survey award rather than a full three-year award, our efforts will be limited to a preliminary assessment that will determine the strengths and limitations of promising sensing materials for specific applications.
Impact
Through the use of optically sensed tags, we expect to improve remote detection and identification of nefarious chemical, biological, and physical activities. Progress in tackling these difficult problems has significant implications for defense, intelligence, and homeland security.
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Sensor Technologies for Border and Cargo Security
Marcus Glenn, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington
Problem
The United States needs a screening system that can detect and intercept chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) materials, weapons, narcotics, and other contraband at ports of entry (POEs). Today only spot check inspection is performed because of the large volume of cargo that enters the country and the lack of an automatic detection and screening capability
Objectives
The project will use modeling and simulation to aid in the analysis and development of concepts for effective use of a multi-sensor system that will detect, help screen, and intercept CBRNE materials, weapons, narcotics, and contraband at U.S. POEs.
Activities
The project will leverage MITRE's Netted Sensor Research Initiative Testbed and additional physics-based models to analyze how a network of heterogeneous CBRNE sensors can be used in conjunction with terahertz imaging to detect and intercept materials of interest. This modeling effort will be supplemented with evaluation of sensor data collections to validate model parameters.
Impact
A system that can screen the large amount of cargo entering the United States at borders and POEs will contribute tremendously to improving homeland security. This system would function as part of an overall layered defense system to detect CBRNE, weapons, and contraband. Ultimately, we hope to use this activity to strengthen MITRE's relationship with DHS S&T.
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Space and Near-Space Tracking Seedling
David Zasada, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington
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Tracking via Keystoning
David Zasada, Principal Investigator
Location(s): Washington and Bedford
Problem
Current radars cannot reliably track surface moving targets due to confusion with other targets, extremely slow target movement, and random target stops and starts.
Objectives
To develop a radar mode merging the strengths of synthetic aperture radar image formation and surface moving target information extraction, and to apply this mode to maintain long-duration unambiguous tracks on high value targets. The primary ingredient of this new mode is MITRE's patented Keystone Process.
Activities
During Fiscal Year 2005 we will generate emulated and actual data sets, develop, implement, and evaluate detection algorithms, provide performance prediction estimates, and compensate for detection ambiguities and offsets. In Fiscal Year 2006 we will develop and evaluate track initiation/tracklet generation algorithms and evaluate extended track maintenance and performance.
Impact
This work supports MITRE technical staff engaged in both imagery and surface moving target exploitation in the airborne, tactical, and national space communities. It continues our leadership in the keystone processing area. This technique can be fruitfully applied wherever high value time sensitive target prosecution is a top priority, such as in counter-terrorism or time-sensitive targeting cells.
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