Deep Analytics LLC, in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory, has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant of $74,891 by AFWERX to develop enhanced object detection technologies under challenging high contrast lighting conditions. This initiative aims to tackle a critical issue faced by the Department of the Air Force (DAF) and bolster the national defense capabilities of the United States.
Deep Analytics LLC will begin its project on May 13th, 2024, and aims to deliver innovative solutions that enhance object detection technologies in the most difficult lighting scenarios. The approach would be a drop-in to existing USAF systems, eliminating the need for new hardware like HDR cameras.
“One of the biggest challenges in developing AI enabled camera systems is the transition from the lab to the field,” explained Gregory Hewitt, Deep Analytics’ Cofounder. “With this new work we’ll be developing a new approach that integrates the camera state and an evaluation of the scene and target lighting right into the neural network training process.”
The Air Force Research Laboratory, through AFWERX, has refined the SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) processes to expedite the transition from proposal submission to award issuance, broaden the range of potential applicants, and reduce bureaucratic procedures. Since introducing the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018, the DAF has broadened its support for diverse innovations that strengthen the United States’ defense capabilities.
