IPS5000 - Image Processing system for local situational awareness

The challenge

Surveillance of large areas has historically been achieved by using an array of sensors connected to a bank of monitors, with separate or multiplexed displays for each video stream. Such arrangements present the operator with a confusing array of disparate video feeds, require a great deal of space and consume a large amount of power. In a dynamic, real-time scenario, there is also a danger of information overload for an operator attempting to consume and interpret such large volumes of imagery. Also, the inter-relationships between sensors is not always obvious so important contextual visual information can be easily over looked. Many such systems rely on the operator for 'event' detection. The presentation of large volumes of information coupled to the effects of stress and fatigue make significantly reduce operator effectiveness.

The Solution

The IPS5000 image processing sub-system overcomes these issues and greatly improves the performance of surveillance assets and their operators. IPS5000 offers a previously unattainable level of situational awareness to platforms such as armored vehicles, aircraft, remote unmanned platforms and security & surveillance systems.

IPS5000 Offers:

The IPS5000 solution can be divided into two functionalities 'Data Extraction' (the detection of events) and Visualization (the presentation of the multiple video images and information from the data extraction process).

Data Extraction

The IPS5000 system data extraction process builds on the techniques employed by the successful range detection and tracking modules produced by Octec for over 15 years. The modes of 'detection' employed are chosen from the following elements dependent upon the precise application of the IPS5000 system:

In addition a 'classification' process is employed in order to determine detection contact type. The degree of classification is dependent upon operating scenario, sensors employed and system elements.

Having 'detected' and 'classified' a contact IPS5000 can indicate this to the operator in a number of ways depending upon system set-up and contact classification (see visualization).

Visualization

The IPS5000 visualization process provides an optimized solution for local situational awareness by seamlessly merging the video signals from multiple sensors into a real-time interactive panoramic image which can be displayed on a single monitor.

The operator is able to interact with the panoramic image through a range of interface options including touch screen, joystick and game controller. These devices facilitate scrolling through the panorama and zooming in and out on selected images through a technique known as 'virtual camera'. Used in this way the panorama is very intuitive to use and interpret. The panorama can also be integrated with a head-mounted display to form a "virtual control room" effect.

Visualization Display

The IPS5000 display output format can be adapted to provide custom layouts to meet specific applications. for individual problems and scenarios depending on customer requirements.

It has been designed to offer an intuitive user interface with a natural looking seamless and undistorted perspective when seen by the virtual camera.

Images from individual cameras may be fed to picture in picture inserts which may be enlarged to full screen and reduced in size again by simply touching the on screen image.

Visualization Display of Data Extracted 'Contact'

A typical 'contact' display includes:

User Interface

Touch screen controls allow the user full control over the azimuth, elevation and zoom of the virtual camera. The system may also be simultaneously controlled by joystick, keyboard and mouse or game-pad style controllers.

Integration with Pan and Tilt Mounted Sensors

The IPS5000 system can be integrated with a pan and tilt unit to offer higher resolution images of detected 'contacts'. This can also include sensors operating in additional wavebands and a laser rangefinder. IPS5000 can automatically drive the pan and tilt unit to 'investigate' and capture images of contacts generated by the data extraction process. These images are displayed in one of the picture in picture windows and in future will be integrated into the video panorama as a fovial patch.

System Recording

IPS5000 is available with a recording sub-system that will store sensor images. Two types of recording are conducted:

IPS5000 Systems Configurations

IPS5000 systems are available in two configurations:

Systems Integration

IPS5000 is designed to interface with any 'video' sensor, including thermal imagers. Currently available with analogue video (CCIR/RS170) interfaces in the future the full range of digital video interfaces, including GBIT Ethernet, will be available.