Sentient showcases latest developments in Automated Moving Target Detection and Tracking for EO/IR Sensors

Melbourne, Australia – 11 June 2010 – Sentient showcases Kestrel, a real-time vision system for EO/IR sensors, for the first time at Eurosatory in Paris.

Kestrel automatically detects and tracks moving targets on the land or sea below an aircraft such as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). It analyses EO/IR imagery and alerts ISR operators to easily missed, small moving objects (dismounts and assets) in well-camouflaged, mountainous and urban terrains. Available also as maritime version, Kestrel locates stationary or moving objects on rough sea surface conditions (up to Sea State 5).

Dr. Paul Boxer, Managing Director of Sentient, states that due to Kestrel’s ability to locate very small, slow moving objects in difficult environments, it helps operators detect dismounts walking, camouflaged objects moving in and out of shadows or small vessels at sea from considerable distances. “The human eye has its limitations. ISR Operators typically can only detect relatively large or obvious objects. Kestrel can reliably locate objects less than 2 pixels in size, assisting operators in their tasks. As a result the UAV can fly higher, or the same sensor can be used with wider fields of view.” With a proven detection performance down to a sub pixel level in optimum conditions, Kestrel is able to maintain wide area surveillance. It operates well from a range of platforms and altitudes in both mountainous and urban terrains. The software can either be installed as a plug in to the existing Ground Station feed, or installed into the payload of the UAV.

Kestrel is currently deployed in theatre by the Australian Department of Defence. Kestrel demonstrations, which are open to customers, media and partners, will take place on the Sentient stand U82 in Hall 5. Download Aticle.

Northrop Grumman Corporation reports successful tests of Kestrel Vision System. Read full article on ASDNews website.

Victorian Premier, Hon. John Brumby MHR (pictured middle), visited the Sentient Vision Systems exhibition at the Avalon Airshow and is seen here talking with the program manager for the Kestrel UAV Vision System, Dr Tom Loveard (right). Mr Brumby showed a keen interest in the Victorian-developed technology and had an extended chat with Dr Loveard, despite the efforts of the media guy (left) who tried in vain to get him to move on.

Sentient Managing Director, Dr Paul Boxer, presented at the UAV Symposium at the Avalon Airshow. The subject of the presentation, "Kestrel - A new ISR paradigm", drew a lot of attention and insightful comment. The presentation recieved many more questions than the "death-by-powerpoint" presentations of the major primes.

Sentient Vision Systems has been awarded a contract by the Australian Department of Defence to further develop the Kestrel UAV Vision System. The Kestrel system produces Ground Target Indication in high resolution imagery. Up to 5 MegaPixel imagery can be processed on-board a UAV in real-time. The new contract will see the technology enhanced to include Ground Change Detection on successive overflights and Air-to-Air Sense and Avoid capabilities. The existing Maritime Target Indication prototype will also be upgraded to operate in higher Sea States.

The Australian Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, announced the fast-tracked development at the Avalon Airshow on 10 March. Read Media Release

Sentient demonstrated the prototype maritime target detection system to key Defence industry entities. The maritime system demonstrates the feasibility of the holy grail of UAV surveillance, the ability to autonomously detect and track vessels on the ocean surface.

Sentient will be exhibiting the iSentry system at the 2008 ITS World Congress in New York in November.

Sentient successfully demonstrates Kestrel, the Sentient UAV Vision system as the final milestone of the 2-year long Round 10 CTD program.

Defence Department's DMO (Defence Materiel Organisation) released article on Sentient in "On-Target" Magazine.

Sentient achieves new performance level in Kestrel project. Learn about our impressively fast UAV Vision system and read the latest Kestrel UAV Vision System Overview Document.

Sentient commences involvement in BAMS/AIR7000 project.

Sentient researcher Dr Tom Loveard wins the AIDN (Vic) Young Achiever Award 2006.

Sentient launches iSentry at the ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) World Congress London.

Sentient commences work on Sentient UAV Vision System CTD for Defence.