Farther than the eye (and radar) can see
Computer technology that can identify objects undetectable by the human eye-a well-camouflaged enemy weapons site or a child lost in dense woods, for example-is becoming reality. Glenn Healey, director of UCI's Computer Vision Laboratory and a professor in the School of Engineering, is developing software capable of processing images from "hyperspectral" cameras that measure hundreds of samples of color information. By analyzing the unprecedented color data captured by these cameras, the computer can identify objects not discernible to the human eye-or even through radar-such as a tank partially hidden by trees or a downed pilot. The technology has potentially significant benefits for the military as well as rescue teams looking for people in hard-to-search terrain. It could even be used to help mining operations detect natural resources or to help police track vehicles under surveillance that have been tagged with stickers bearing unique spectral properties. "You can find things from a higher altitude, or find obscured objects, provided there is a little bit left uncovered," Healey said.
Contact: Annette McCluskey, (949) 824-6455, [email protected]
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