SBIR 95-1 SOLICITATION
PROJECT SUMMARY
Proposal Number:
Project Title:
AIRBORNE MULTISPECTRAL FIRE SENSOR
Technical Abstract:
The management of forest fires requires the rapid and
accurate knowledge of fire location, intensity, and direction of
propagation. PSI proposes to develop an innovative multispectral
imaging system for the airborne or space-based mapping of forest
fires. The concept is based on a novel Adaptive Infrared Imaging
Spectroradiometer (AIRIS). AIRIS mates a tunable IR filter with
a InSb IR camera to create a system which can selectively tune
the wavelengths viewed by the camera. This capability is used to
select wavelengths characteristic of ongoing combustion and
differentiate them from regions previously burned but at elevated
temperature. AIRIS can be randomly positioned in wavelength at
framing rates approaching 1 Khz. Thus, it can frame at rates
commensurate with rapidly moving platforms while limiting the
data volume to that required for identification. AIRIS allows
primary survey bands to be imaged routinely with secondary bands
acquired only if further confirmation of data analysis is needed.
This capability allows for 1) the selection of bands which
minimize data volume, 2) on-board data analysis and acquisition
of additional bands if required, and 3) the telemetry of data
processed only when fire is detected. The system is coupled with
GPS and image mapping routines.
Potential Commercial Applications:
The instrument would have commercial applications in remote
monitoring of manufacturing plants for hazardous chemical
emissions. PSI is currently engaged in a joint development
effort with Lockheed Idaho National Engineering Laboratories in
which the AIRIS imaging sensor will be configured to detect
volatile organic compounds emitted from a remediation site during
the retrieval of buried waste drums. Through its environmental
products subsidiary, Spectrum Diagnostix (SDx), PSI will focus
the development of the sensor for fenceline monitoring of
manufacturing facilities, such as petrochemical plants.
Name and Address of Offeror:
Physical Sciences Inc.
20 New England Business Center
Andover, MA 01810-1077
Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) &
Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) Programs
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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Updated: Feb. 7, 1996