System for robotic control of imaging data having a steerable gimbal mounted spectral sensor and methods

A method of sensing imaging data, the method including the steps of:

• detecting imaging data via use of a spectral sensor mounted to a steerable gimbal to conduct wide area spatial and spectral searches;
• and
• using the resulting feedback information to dynamically tune down to ever more increasing levels of spectral and spatial detail to locate and analyze objects of interest.

A method of increasing available flight time per ay for aerial imaging of data, the method including the steps of:

• using off-nadir spectral imaging by undertaking flight operations y steering new slant look angles which enable maximum pointing of a spectral sensor away from the sun to effectively acquire a steady and consistently illuminated spectral scene to thereby enabling earlier missions and later missions.

A method of sensing imaging data, the method comprising the steps of:

• using ground self illuminating objects to serve as terrestrial and solar spectrum reference points for calibrating spectral data for a spectral sensor.

A method of sensing imaging data, the method comprising the steps of:

• using neural net, heuristic processing, or artificial intelligence techniques to analyze large scale data trends;
• and extracting information from a gimbal mounted spectral sensor across the resulting broadband spectral range available from the extended combination of spectral data acquired by the spectral sensor.

A method of sensing imaging data, the method comprising the steps of:

• auto-tracking plurality of spectral sensors through use of video or thermal-object-based shape algorithms to lock on higher contrast targets to thereby enable the spectral sensors to piggyback from the tracking advantage of the locked sensors to maintain higher spectral dwell time via a parallel co-boresight arrangement and thereby increase sampling capability, reducing errors, and permitting more efficient tracking.

A method of sensing data, the method comprising the steps of;

• installing a spectral sensor within a conventional television or thermal style pod housing for purposes of concealing the true mission capabilities and nature of the instrument as a spectral collection mechanism.

A method of sensing imaging data, the method comprising the steps of:

• digitally transmitting raw and processed spectral data as acquired by a spectral sensor mounted to a steerable gimbal while at the target or forward operating site;
• and
• processing the data at the site or on a post mission basis for output back to an aircraft, satellite, ground vehicle, maritime vehicle or ground station for additional analysis, processing review, or action based upon information contained within the spectral data stream.