DARPA's Sensor Questions Answered with SPOT (Software Pixels on Target)

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is the central research and development organization for the Department of Defense (DoD). It manages and directs selected basic and applied research and development projects for DoD, and pursues research and technology where risk and payoff are both very high and where success may provide dramatic advances for traditional military roles and missions. DARPA's SBIR Phase II entitled “Novel Airborne Video Sensors” asked AVID to identify the size and weight limitation of the sensors. Additionally, they were faced with identifying the communication bandwidth between unmanned vehicles and an operations center or a satellite.

Challenges

Accurately evaluate different pixel parameter sensors
Effectively measure ground, pre-flight parameters for a variety of vehicles
Ascertain best surveillance equipment needed for particular missions

AVID Solution

Development of new and innovative desktop software tool
Reduce analysis time
Evaluates platform and sensors
Ease of use for desktop worker
Ease of use for field use
Trade study capability
Pixels on target analyzed quickly & accurately
Endless custom terrain features

How SPOT Works

Load Vehicle Platform Models

Mission Flight Library Creation

Customized or Pre-Set Specifications Identified

Weather Affect Initiated

Pixels on Target Determine Sensors Necessary for Appropriate Results

“AVID SPOT (Software Pixels on Target) assists system designers in selecting the ideal combination of vehicle and sensor package for a given application. SPOT combines a UAV flight simulator with the ability to control sensor parameters such as field of view, frames per second, and sensor orientation.”

- Samuel B. Wilson III, President, AVID LLC