LookOut™ UAS Detection at Night

 The Technology

Our unique video analysis system detects drones and other uncrewed systems (UxS) in dark or low-light conditions, potential threats from visible light and near-infrared (IR) emitting objects such as: small UAS, radio-silent aircraft, laser target designators such as those used by snipers, range finders, and commercial and military LiDAR mapping drones.

The Problem

Drones are used throughout the world for lethal attacks and ISR. The need to detect and track drones and other UxS, especially small UAS, is in the forefront of the defense and security industries because of their frequent employment for attacks and intelligence gathering. They may also easily be converted to spread radioactive materials (dirty bombs), biological weapons, chemical weapon agents, or toxic industrial chemicals. National borders and critical infrastructure are tested constantly around the world. Ukraine, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia face near daily threats from explosive-borne weapons mounted on commercial Chinese, Iranian and Russian military UAS. These aerial threats are extremely low cost, quick to deploy, and are operationally flexible in that with just small modifications they can deliver a wide range of threats that endanger lives and critical infrastructure.

Although many sophisticated detection technologies for UAS threats are available, their high cost renders the goal of extensive coverage unrealistic. UAS attacks are low cost but high consequence, so broad detection capability is essential for safeguarding our borders, cities, critical infrastructure, and facilities crucial for public safety and national security. This coverage is needed to protect borders, infrastructure, and, most importantly, civilian lives.

UAS Detection at Night

Image Insight’s low-cost, widespread technology employs unmodified, distributed, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) networked cameras and mobile phones apps to amplify the system’s detection capacity and scalability, and lowers the total cost of broad coverage. Using a vast array of existing security cameras connected to cloud-native video analysis processors, smartphone apps, and other connected devices, the LookOut™ product line analyzes video feeds to secure borders, cities, and infrastructure. Image Insight’s next-generation algorithms, supported by multi-tier AI/ML subsystems, detect threats and bring awareness to security managers and public safety officials. Our open system architecture processes information locally or in the cloud (e.g., AWS GovCloud) and supports easy integration with any command and control and monitoring interfaces common operating picture (COP) dashboards.

Lookout™ employs image processing, image analysis, and AI/ML techniques

* Detects, characterizes, and tracks optical and near-infrared (N-IR) emitters and reflectors:

·       LiDAR emission used for anti-collision, mapping, ranging, and altimetry

·       Reflective surfaces such as wings and windows

·       Rocket, artillery, and tracer fire

·       UAS, autonomous UGV, and even satellites

*  Current version operates on single cameras, a version fusing multiple video sources is under development

·       Current tracks based on 2D perspective – direction to object (line of bearing)

·      Future multi-camera fusion to provide full 3D solution with bearing, range, altitude (geolocation)

*  Widespread video analysis that integrates with existing command and control C2 systems

·       Cameras have line of sight detection capability and don’t emit EM (passive to avoid detection)

·     Cameras may be located beyond line of sight from defense systems, extending their range while remaining dark (to prevent enemy detection)

For more information or please contact us.