|
. | . |
|
by Richard Tomkins Washington (UPI) Mar 27, 2015
The U.S, military has issued a Request for Information on available technologies that could aid development of a new type of unmanned surface vessel. The technologies sought by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency are sensor systems and image-processing hardware and software that use electro-optical/infrared or light detection and ranging, or LIDAR, approaches for onboard systems to detect and track nearby surface vessels and potential navigation hazards, and classify those objects' characteristics. The technologies would be for its Anti-Submarine Warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel, or ACTUV program, which seeks development of an unmanned surface vessel that could independently track quiet diesel-electric submarines over thousands of miles. "We're looking for test-ready, multi-sensor approaches that push the boundaries of today's automated sensing systems for unmanned surface vessels," said Scott Littlefield, DARPA program manager. "Enhancing the ability of these kinds of vessels to sense their environment in all weather and traffic conditions, day or night, would significantly advance our ability to conduct a range of military missions." DARPA said a challenge for the program is development of autonomous behaviors for complying with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, known as COLREGS. The current ACTUV system is based on radar, which provides a "90 percent solution" for detecting other ships but less suitable for classification of the type of other vessels, for example determining whether the vessel is a powered vessel or a sailboat. COLREGS also requires "a proper lookout by sight and hearing." DARPA is seeking information in three areas: maritime perception sensors, maritime perception software, classification software for day shapes/navigation lights: Algorithms and software to support detection, tracking and classification of day shapes and navigation lights—standard tools that vessels use to communicate a ship's position and status—by using passive optical or non-radar active imagers.
Related Links Water News - Science, Technology and Politics
|
|
The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2014 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service. |