Covert Exemplar Low Power Maritime Activity Target Discriminator Navy SBIR FY2013.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2013.1 Topic No.: N131-079 Topic Title: Covert Exemplar Low Power Maritime Activity Target Discriminator Proposal No.: N131-079-0234 Firm: Physical Optics Corporation Electro-Optics Systems Division 1845 West 205th Street Torrance, California 90501-1510 Contact: Tin Aye Phone: (310) 320-3088 Web Site: www.poc.com Abstract: To address the Navy need for a compact off-board passive target discriminator using networked sonobuoys, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Covert Exemplar Low Power Maritime Activity Target-Discriminator (CELPMAT) system based on the innovative data fusion of multi-modal sensors for surface, subsurface, and air target detection. Based on a comprehensive integration of both a COTS array of acoustic vector sensors and total field magnetometers and POC's novel multiband compound eye based nonimaging optical sensor, this system is able to passively monitor targets in complex environments through cooperative distributed sensing. In addition, the CELPMAT system possesses onboard ruggedized electronics for data fusion and low-power digital processing based on artificial neural networks and covert communications to rapidly detect targets and discriminate vessel intent. The system will be compact enough to fit into half the volume of an A-size buoy. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of the system by providing system-level concepts and preliminary hardware designs validated by simulation and modeling with associated data fusion algorithms. In Phase II, fully functional data collection prototypes will be designed and fabricated for at-sea experimentation to discriminate targets of interest. Benefits: Military applications of the CELPMAT system will include antisubmarine warfare and ship security in potentially hostile harbors. The CELPMAT can be incorporated by the Navy into maritime surveillance aircraft and coastal patrol ships, which will benefit from this proposed technology. The CELPMAT can be incorporated by the U.S. Air Force into remote piloted aircrafts and ground/sea vehicles, which will benefit from this proposed technology. We anticipate widespread appeal of the CELPMAT technology for such application as high-traffic maritime collision-avoidance systems and sunken vessel location systems. Potential customers include law enforcement and homeland security. POC anticipates that products based on the proposed research will fill numerous niches in fast-growing commercial markets. Return