Electro-optic Identification Sensors

Abstract : The goal of the Electro-Optic Identification Sensors Project[1] is to develop and demonstrate high resolution underwater electro-optic (EO) imaging sensors, and associated image processing/analysis methods, for rapid visual identification of mines and mine-like contacts (MLCs). Identification of MLCs is a pressing Fleet need. During MCM operations, sonar contacts are classified as mine-like if they are sufficiently similar to signatures of mines. Each contact classified as mine-like must be identified as a mine or not a mine. During MCM operations in littoral areas, tens or even hundreds of MLCs must be identified. This time consuming identification process is performed by EOD divers or ROVs, and is the rate limiting step in many MCM operations. A method to provide rapid visual identification of MLCs would dramatically speed up such operations.