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Innovative Algorithms for the Categorization of Mine-Like Objects Using Standard Sonar Return Data
Navy SBIR 2013.1 - Topic N131-037 NAVSEA - Mr. Dean Putnam - dean.r.putnam@navy.mil Opens: December 17, 2012 - Closes: January 16, 2013 N131-037 TITLE: Innovative Algorithms for the Categorization of Mine-Like Objects Using Standard Sonar Return Data. TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS495, Mine Warfare Program Office RESTRICTION ON PERFORMANCE BY FOREIGN CITIZENS (i.e., those holding non-U.S. Passports): This topic is "ITAR Restricted". The information and materials provided pursuant to or resulting from this topic are restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120 - 130, which control the export of defense-related material and services, including the export of sensitive technical data. Foreign Citizens may perform work under an award resulting from this topic only if they hold the "Permanent Resident Card", or are designated as "Protected Individuals" as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). If a proposal for this topic contains participation by a foreign citizen who is not in one of the above two categories, the proposal will be rejected. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to develop signal processing techniques that are compatible with Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) active sonar systems and complement existing algorithms by categorizing underwater mines and mine-like targets. DESCRIPTION: Commercially produced active sonars for detecting and classifying mine-like objects are used on a variety of Navy platforms ranging from diver hand held sonars, Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), surface ships and submarines, to helicopters. Reference (1) provides an overview of such sonars. The primary transition path for the technology developed under this topic is active sonars for Mine Countermeasures (MCM) systems within the Program Executive Office (PEO) for Littoral Combat Ships (LCS). Reference (2) is a snapshot of such systems. Successful algorithms will also be of strong interest for use by Navy Expeditionary UUV sonars. Reference (3) provides general information about these systems. In either case, the first application will depend on the COTS sonar a successful offeror under this topic selects for demonstration of its algorithms. For a sonar such as the AN/SQQ-32(V)4 High Frequency Wide Band Sonar operator assessment of sonar returns occurs on an in-service processor contact display system. For other sonars, such as the AN/SQQ-32 V(4) Minehunting Sonar System and Expeditionary UUV sonars, operator assessment of returns occurs using standard commercial imagery review products on Post-Mission Analysis (PMA) stations with potential long-term use in real-time or near-real-time assessment of targets. The expectation is that algorithms successfully developed and demonstrated under this topic will be adaptable to use with other COTS sonars. In Phase II of this SBIR the specific interface requirements will be addressed for the primary transition applications. The key ingredient to any sonar detection and classification capability is the ability to properly classify the target of interest while eliminating false targets. Achieving this capability becomes much more difficult for smaller targets, such as mines and mine-like objects, in the littoral zone where clutter provides a large number of objects that lead to false alarms. Current state-of-the-art sonar systems use frequency and echo return data to provide a size and distance calculation. Standard signal processing techniques and algorithms in COTS sonars are used to identify and categorize objects based predominantly on image shape, size, and key external features. The limitation of this approach is that, generally, sonar identification and classification algorithms exploit specular and diffractive scattering of sonar signals reflecting off objects, but the active acoustic response is similar whether those objects are targets or false targets. High False Alarm rates require operators to take multiple looks at multiple objects on sonar displays, slowing operational tempo considerably. Though additional information can sometimes be gained by examining shadows from these returns, the ability to get more information from COTS image-based sonars, beyond just external shape, would very valuable and would offer a means of enhanced classification and reduced false alarm rates. Resolution underwater using sonar is very limited. For this reason today’s sonar systems can provide only contact location and a preliminary contact type decision of "mine like" or "non mine like". Even COTS Synthetic Aperture Sonars (SAR) could benefit from the algorithms developed under this topic. Reference (4) is a review of SAR sonar state of the art. This effort should focus on exploiting sonar returns to allow more definitive discrimination between actual and false targets. If successful, this technology will support the decision to change a "mine-like object" classification to "identified mine" or "not a mine." The technological innovation required is to use the acoustic sensor data from COTS sonars to capture attributes of a targets not currently provided by the sonars’ standard algorithms, so that the captured attributes complement the imagery provided by the standard algorithms, thereby aiding the operator in reducing false targets. The proposed technology effort must identify the physics of the scattering mechanism(s); this will yield clues on how to exploit the data, how to exploit signal processing, as well as clues on how to adjust and optimize the interrogating waveform. It should be implementable with minimal impact on existing sonar systems, including user interfaces and displays to keep this complementary system enhancement affordable. The algorithms, preferably, should be applicable to sonar data that has been preprocessed to an extent as opposed to requiring raw data. The state of the data, raw or pre-processed, will depend on the COTS sonar selected for demonstration. Offerors are expected to obtain acoustic data from the manufacturer of the selected sonar. Although offerors are not required to identify specific COTS sonar until the Phase II development plan provided under the Phase I effort, they are strongly urged to consider this decision during Phase I proposal preparation. Companies should demonstrate in their proposals an understanding of what is necessary to bring the technology from the laboratory to integration into an operational sonar system. This understanding is important to minimizing the cost of that impact and may inform the development of the algorithms. Proposals for Low Frequency Broad Band sonar algorithms will not be funded under this topic since the Navy is already substantially investing in this area. High frequency sonar units, for example those greater than 200 Kilohertz (KHz) are of particular interest. The AN/SQQ-32(V)4 High Frequency Wide Band Sonar would be one of the Phase III transition paths PEOLCS will seriously consider for technology successfully developed under this topic, though offerors are not required to select this COTS sonar in Phase II. The Phase I effort will not require access to classified information. The Phase II effort will likely require secure access, and the contractor will need to be prepared for personnel and facility certification for secure access. PHASE I: The company will focus on concept development and feasibility defining the physics of this technique, establishing and documenting the algorithm models, and clearly describing the exploitation methodology and theory used independent of frequency. The company will define initial innovative, proof-of-concept algorithms for processing returns from existing sonars to provide additional information about the target beyond that provided by standard sonar signal processing techniques. To demonstrate proof-of-concept, the algorithms should, at the minimum, categorize targets as to "mine-like" or "not mike-like." The company will develop the theoretical underpinnings of the proof-of-concept algorithms and develop a detailed explanation of how the algorithms complement those used in current COTS sonars. The company will use representative data to evaluate laboratory physics models of the algorithms The company will provide a Phase II development plan identifying a specific COTS sonar and including with performance goals and key technical milestones that will address technical and integration risks PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I algorithm assessments and the Phase II development plan, the company will further develop, test, and validate algorithms to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 using data from the selected COTS sonar. The company will evaluate the algorithms against criteria to include: (1) the dependence of the algorithms on such factors as range, grazing angle, azimuth relative to target orientation; (2) the algorithms’ speed to solution; (3) the effect on algorithm success of marine growth on targets; (4) the adaptability of the algorithms to the COTS sonar. The company will explain the next steps required, including development of a user interface and compilation of a library of results. The company will define the path to bring the, needed components and algorithms to Technology Readiness Level 7. The company will provide an estimate on the processing and data storage requirements necessary to accommodate integration of these algorithms as complementary information to the still required traditional sonar data processing and storage. The explanation should include preliminary cost and time estimates. The company will prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology for Navy use. PHASE III: If the Phase II is successful, the company will complete the development and testing of the algorithms to TRL 8 and will develop the user interface and library. The company will be expected to support the Navy in the implementation of the algorithms on a fielded Navy–identified post-mission analysis system. The company will support the Navy or the manufacturer of the COTS sonar for test and validation to certify and qualify the system for Navy use. PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Using sonar to distinguish mines from similar objects in clutter is a subset of a more general capability to distinguish among and categorize objects. This capability has applications in several activities which use side scan sonar to search or survey underwater areas. Examples include: looking for wreckage or a black box after a plane crash; assessing clutter on the bottom of a harbor prior to cleanup or for homeland security; carrying out underwater archeological or oceanographic research. REFERENCES: 2. Murdoch, Jim Rear Admiral. "Future of MIW from the LCS Platform." Presentation at the 16th Annual Expeditionary Warfare Conference." October 24, 2011. Accessed April 8, 2012. <http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2011expwar/MondayMurdoch.pdf> 3. White, Jonathon Rear Admiral. "Naval Oceanography in Mine Warfare." Presentation at Mine Warfare Association Spring Regional Conference. May, 2011. Accessed April 8, 2012. <http://www.minwara.org/Meetings/2011_05/Presentations/tuespdf/RDML_WHITE_1430/MINWARA_rev11_PUBLIC_RELEASE.pdf> 4. Hayes, M.P, and Gough, P.T. "Synthetic Aperture Sonar: A Review of Current Status." IEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering. Vol. 30, Issue 3. July, 2009. 207-224. KEYWORDS: minehunting sonar; sonar algorithms; mine-like objects; Littoral Combat Ship; Mine Coutermeasure Mission Package; Expeditionary minehunting UUVS
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