Description:
OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Trusted AI and Autonomy
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this project is to develop a mobile camera system that meets the Air Force Security Forces Center's specifications. The system should be lightweight, compact, durable, and equipped with 360° thermal vision. It should also be capable of live streaming the video feed to a separate video source that is carried by the officer and is also available to controllers at the Defense Operations Center.
DESCRIPTION: The proposed mobile camera system for law enforcement and military use would feature a tetherable, compact and lightweight design, allowing for easy integration with an officer's standard duty gear. The camera would be engineered to be highly durable and capable of withstanding harsh conditions and aggressive impacts, such as being thrown into a room or down a flight of stairs. The camera's casing and lens would be made from high-quality materials to ensure optimal functionality in any environment. The tether would allow for system retrieval from areas where situational awareness is required but physical entry to the area would be catastrophic for its operator. The camera's casing and lens would be made from high-quality materials to ensure optimal functionality in any environment. To provide enhanced situational awareness and threat detection capabilities, the camera would be equipped with 360° thermal vision. This feature would allow officers to view a complete picture of the room or area under surveillance, eliminating the need for them to enter and potentially endanger themselves or others. The camera would also be equipped with night vision and zoom capabilities, providing additional surveillance options in low-light and longrange scenarios. The camera system would also be designed to allow for live streaming of the video feed to a separate video source that is carried by the officer and is also available to controllers at the Defense Operations Center. This would enable real-time analysis of the video feed, providing critical information to officers and command centers in emergency situations. The camera system would be designed to be easily deployable, with the officer able to throw the camera into a room before entering, allowing them to quickly and accurately vet the room for potential threats. The camera's compact size and lightweight design would make it easy to carry and maneuver, ensuring rapid deployment and efficient use in high-pressure situations. To meet the Air Force Security Forces Center's requirements, the camera system would need to be highly durable, compact, lightweight, and equipped with 360° thermal vision. The camera system would also need to be easily deployable and retreivable utilzing a tether to or something similar to retrieve. Capable of live streaming the video feed to a separate video source
PHASE I: As this is a Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2) topic, no Phase I awards will be made as a result of this topic. To qualify for this D2P2 topic, the Government expects the applicant to demonstrate feasibility by means of a prior “Phase I-type” effort that does not constitute work undertaken as part of a prior SBIR/STTR funding agreement. The development plan would involve concept design, component selection, prototype development, testing and evaluation, and deployment. The estimated costs for the development of the mobile camera system would depend on various factors, such as the cost of components, research and development, and testing and evaluation.
PHASE II: System Development, Testing, Deployment Testing and Evaluation: The camera system would undergo rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure its safety, effectiveness, and compatibility with other equipment and technology. Testing scenarios would assess the camera's performance in different environments and against various targets, evaluating its ability to withstand impact, accuracy, and provide a complete view of the room without the need for the officer to enter. Deployment; The camera system would be integrated into existing operational procedures, including training and education for security forces. Logistical and operational considerations would also need to be addressed, including distribution and handling of any malfunctions
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Expand the capability of a camera system by conducting further research and development to identify additional features or improvements that could be made to enhance its effectiveness and versatility. Additionally, expanding the system's capability would require ongoing testing and evaluation to ensure that any new features or improvements do not compromise the safety of security forces or the system's effectiveness. This testing and evaluation process could involve simulated scenarios and real-world testing under controlled conditions. Finally, expanding the capability of the system would also require ongoing training and education for security forces to ensure that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to use the system in various situations effectively. This could involve regular training exercises and simulations, as well as incorporating the system into the standard training curriculum for security forces
REFERENCES: 1. AFI 31-101
KEYWORDS: Active shooter; Law enforcement; Security forces; Mobile camera system; Room vetting; Moving target engagement; Lightweight; Compact; Durable; Hi-impact; 360° thermal vision; Live streaming; Testing and evaluation; Deployment; Safety; Effectiveness; Commercial development; Situational awareness; Emergency response; Versatility
