Publications

Abstract not provided.

Security system analytical performance analysis is generally based on the probability of system effectiveness. The probability of effectiveness is a function of the probabilities of interruption and neutralization. Interruption occurs if the response forces are notified in sufficient time to engage the adversary. Neutralization occurs if the adversary attack is defeated after the security forces have actively engaged the adversary. Both depend upon communications of data. This paper explores details of embedded communications functions that are often assumed to be inconsequential. It is the intent of the authors to bring focus to an issue in security system modeling that, if not well understood, has the potential to be a deciding factor in the overall system failure or effectiveness.

Abstract not provided.

The system design of the Advanced Exterior Sensor (AES), test data and Sandia National Laboratories' current work on the AES is described. The AES integrates three sensor technologies (thermal infrared waveband, visible waveband, and microwave radar) in a Remote Sensor Module communicating with three motion detection target trackers and a sensor fusion software module in the Data Processor Module to achieve higher performance than single technology devices. Wide areas are covered by continuously scanning the three sensors 360 degrees in about one second. The images from the infrared and visible detector sets and the radar range data are updated as the sensors rotate each second. The radar provides range data with approximately one-meter resolution. Panoramic imagery is generated for immediate visual assessment of alarms using the Display Control Module. There is great potential for site security enhancement using the AES, which was designed for low-cost, easy use and rapid deployment to cover wide areas beyond typical perimeters, possibly in place of typical perimeter sensors, and for tactical applications around fixed or temporary high-value assets. Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) systems have neither the three sensor technologies nor the imaging sensor resolution. Cost and performance will be discussed for different scenarios. ©2004 IEEE.

Abstract not provided.

Abstract not provided.

Systems and devices that are controlled remotely are becoming more common in security systems in the US Air Force and other government agencies to provide protection of valuable assets. These systems reduce the number of needed personnel while still providing a high level of protection. However, each remotely controlled device usually has its own communication protocol. This limits the ability to change devices without changing the system that provides the communications control to the device. Sandia is pursuing a standard protocol that can be used to communicate with the different devices currently in use, or may be used in the future, in the US Air Force and other government agencies throughout the security community. Devices to be controlled include intelligent pan/tilt mounts, day/night video cameras., thermal imaging cameras, and remote data processors. Important features of this protocol include the ability to send messages of varying length, identify the sender, and more importantly, control remote data processors. As camera and digital signal processor (DSP) use expands, the DSP will begin to reside in the camera itself. The DSP can be used to provide auto-focus, frame-to- frame image registration, video motion detection (VMD), target detection, tracking, image compression, and many other functions. With the serial data control link, the actual DSP software can be updated or changed as required. Coaxial video cables may become obsolete once a compression algorithm is established in the DSP. This paper describes the proposed public domain protocol, features, and examples of use. The authors hope to elicit comments from security technology developers regarding format and use of remotely controlled automated assessment devices. 2 figs., 1 tab.

This paper provides an overview of the history and process of establishing a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) between Sandia National Laboratories and Magnavox Electronic Systems Company for the design, development, and testing of a 360-degree scanning, imaging, intrusion detection sensor. The subject of the CRADA is the Advanced Exterior Sensor (AES). It is intended for exterior use at ranges from 50 to 1,500 meters and uses a combination of three sensing technologies (infrared, visible, and radar) and a new data processing method to provide low false-alarm intrusion detection and tracking combined with immediate visual assessment. The establishment of this CRADA represents a new paradigm in the cooperation between the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, the National Laboratories and Private Industry. Although a formal document has now been executed, a CRADA is, nonetheless, primarily an agreement to work with each other to achieve goals that might otherwise be unattainable.

Thermal imagers are effective tools for detecting aggressive actions and enhancing physical security in both tactical and peacetime environments. However, from an operator's perspective, these devices are rarely used on a continuous basis because of inconvenience and a requirement to have the operator be the detector'' while using the imager as a sensor. This paper describes an area sensor and assessment system designed to reduce operator fatigue and improve the effectiveness of costly thermal imagers. Several prototypes have been installed and operated at sites worldwide. The device uses a thermal imager as the primary sensor but also incorporates a laser rangefinder, automatic area precision scanning, robust scan-to-scan scene change detection, a deliberate-motion detection features. The system setup, control, and alarm assessment functions of the operator console are described. The digital processing is discussed and performance measures are given. 2 refs., 7 figs.