Synthetic Electronic Imaging System.
Scientific Publication
- Report Number:
- DSTO-TN-0903
- Authors:
- Ide, K.M.; Jarvis, B.J.; Lucas, M.A.
- Issue Date:
- 2009-07
- AR Number:
- AR-014-574
- Classification:
- Unclassified
- Report Type:
- Technical Note
- Division:
- Weapon Systems Division (WSD)
- Release Authority:
- Chief, Weapons Systems Division
- Task Sponsor:
- ARMY
- Task Number:
- ARM 07/295
- File Number:
- 2009/1020288
- Pages:
- 13
- References:
- 1
- Terms:
- Imaging technologies; Electronic imaging; Situational awareness; Unmanned aerial vehicles
- URI:
- http://hdl.handle.net/1947/9998
Abstract
The Synthetic Electronic Imaging System employs electronic components to combine multiple images from a plurality of cameras which are processed with inertial data from the vehicle on which the system is mounted to yield stabilised video images without resorting to complicated optics or a stabilised platform. It was devised as an alternative to stabilised ball turrets fitted with electro-optic and infrared cameras. Intended as an imaging system for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), it may be employed in any manned or Unmanned System (UMS) where situation awareness is aided by the use of an imaging system. This report describes the development of the Synthetic Electronic Imaging System and assembly of a simple concept demonstrator in 2005.
Executive Summary
Conventional ball turret imaging systems are mechanically complex requiring continued calibration and maintenance. Hence, their purchase and support involves significant costs. The dimensions and weight of a ball turret demand an airframe with significant payload capacity. These restrictions led the authors to develop the Synthetic Electronic Imaging System. It is a highly capable alternative but without the complexity, cost and support necessary for a comparable ball turret imaging system. The Synthetic Electronic Imaging System employs electronic components to combine multiple images from a plurality of cameras which are processed with inertial data from the vehicle on which the system is mounted to yield stabilised video images without resorting to complicated optics or a stabilised platform. A full field of view wide angle composite image is displayed on one monitor with a box overlay representing the region of interest. A second monitor shows a telephoto image within the designated region of interest. As the operator moves the region of interest, images in the second display are updated in real-time. The two complementary video streams provide an excellent aid to situation awareness and analysis. The two video channels are transmitted to the Ground Control Station as television images requiring very low bandwidth. Operators can “time-slip” the video images by using Digital Video Recorder software controls for review and analysis. Frames that merit further analysis or examination can be downloaded from the remote vehicle as a series of still images with the maximum resolution of the sensor. Intended as an imaging system for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, it may be employed in any manned or Unmanned System where situation awareness is aided by the use of an imaging system. This report describes the development of the Synthetic Electronic Imaging System and assembly of a simple concept demonstrator in 2005.