Award

To improve safety, modern submarine surface imaging systems have multiple camera modes, such as optical, infrared, and more. Current systems display modalities independently, compelling the submariner to switch between sensors manually to glean the relevant information. Following a successful Phase I effort demonstrating technical feasibility of our concept, 21st Century Systems, Inc. is poised to complete development of a multimodal video fusion capability, providing a single, relevant picture with increased contrast for salient maritime targets while reducing clutter. Smart Multimodal Image Registration and Fusion (SMIRF) will produce a higher contrast composite image through selective fusion of multiple sensor modalities regionally within each image. SMIRF combines state-of-the-art image enhancement, real-time cross-modality registration, advanced saliency detection, proven image fusion methods, and a decision-making engine to create a dynamic real-time multimodal, locally optimal region-based video fusion solution. SMIRF"s adaptive approach allows it to intelligently choose"the right tools for each job,"rather than forcing the same solution in every situation. With our extensive experience in video analysis products and with a 100th percentile SBIR commercialization rating, we are just the company to deliver this capability so submariners can focus on seeing what"s in the area and not on which setting to use.