SEM


Funding Entity: 

The project belongs to the program AVANZA 2 (2010) of Ministerio de Industria, Turismo y Comercio.


Start Date: 
Friday, 1 January 2010
Stage: 
Closed
Development of new on-board multispectral sensors for security and surveillance purposes based on ultrashort optics and image processing techniques.

The main aim of this Project is to develop new on-board sensors for multispectral visualization by means of increasing the number of individual sensors and Implementing real-time image processing techniques.

 

The on-board sensors market has increased during the last few years as a result of the high demand for security systems. Optical and photonic technologies have a special role in this field. The main areas where it is possible to find on-board sensors are: Maritime and terrestrial surveillance, infrastructure security systems, urban and rural fire detection systems and traffic control mechanisms.

Nowadays we not only need a system which generates real-time images but also we look for more complex and compact systems where it is possible to get images from different spectrum bands, in order to detect, identify and recognize any possible threat independently of the weather conditions. It is also important to obtain the spatial coordinates of that threat.

On the other hand, there are some volume restrictions owing to the fact that this sensor must be placed in high posts or platforms. Furthermore a post processing process will be necessary in order to improve the quality of the images previously obtained. This post processing process should be carried out in real-time and therefore it needs to be developed as firmware (the only way to achieve fast execution time).

The SEM Project introduces a change in the on board sensor market through the design, development and validation of a prototype which includes ultrashort optical systems and a post processing program for infrared cameras.

The Project is divided into two main areas. On one hand, two prototypes with optical systems and several sensors will be developed. Their main characteristics will be:

  • Wider spectral range for both short infrared and daytime visualization systems.
  • Use of ultrashort optical devices
  • Design of an objective for the short infrared spectral band and for the daytime.
  • High Definition image.

On the other hand, the infrared prototype will include post processing software with the characteristics:

  • Quality image improvement algorithms
  • Real-time execution
  • Electronic systems with embedded firmware

All of that will be integrated in an experimental prototype with the aim to evaluate and validate the global performance of the multispectral on-board sensor system.