Photogrammetric Compartment Modeling System

It is critical to prevent terrorists, or other smugglers, from using the spaces, holds, and cargo containers aboard ships and boats, to smuggle contraband into our Nation. To date, most surveillance efforts have focused on vision through the wall systems; surprisingly little attention has been paid to identifying and locating possible hidden areas. A clear identification of these areas could significantly reduce the time expended on cargo searches. Intelligent Optical Systems proposes to develop a Photogrammetric Compartment Modeling System (PCMS) that will provide accurate 3-dimensional photogrammetric measurements. This system will integrate multiple images obtained through a digital camera, with laser diode-based distance measurements. A 3-D model of the ship, showing hidden areas, will be reconstructed using photogrammetric methods. This system will provide a comprehensive 3-D visualization model, highlighting hidden spaces and their volumes. IOS`s unique approach will enable the development of a high performance PCMS technology that can be used with existing handheld wall-penetrating devices to detect and locate clandestine cargo. In Phase I, IOS will design and develop a preliminary proof-of-concept model. In Phase II, IOS will integrate the PCMS technology into a 3-D compartment search and analysis system.