EyePod
EyePod is an intelligent, geo-aware day/night imaging sensor system for deployment aboard Class 3 unmanned aircraft systems (UASs). This system was originally developed for the DUSTER program and later enhanced under the FEATHAR effort. EyePod’s imaging sensors include a high definition (HD) visible-to-near infrared (VNIR) sensor and a patent-pending, jitter stabilized uncooled long-wave infrared (LWIR) microbolometer packaged in a step-stare ball gimbal with embedded GPS/INS. The system features integrated image and control processors as well as onboard solid state disk (SSD) data storage. Other features include:
- Support for both on-demand and autonomous (pre-planned) mission capabilities.
- Multiple coverage modes, including step-stare (geo-coordinate driven) and area sweep (“vacuum cleaner”).
- Support for both wide area survey and high resolution inspection missions.
- Ability to receive inspection cues from other tactical sensors such as SDL’s NuSAR.
- Standard Ethernet interfaces.
- Geo-registered, NITFS-compliant image products.
- Situational awareness video (decimated) from the VNIR (10Hz) or LWIR (25Hz) sensors.
- Wide range-of-motion (±45° roll, ±90° pitch).
- Three-axis, high frequency precision jitter-stabilization to augment the typical course two-axis pointing.
EyePod is one component of SDL’s Intelligent Geo-Aware Sensor System (IGSS).
