Future Watch: Automated Area Surveillance from Rockwell Collins

Rockwell Collins Patrol Persistent Surveillance System delivers reliable, flexible and cost-effective real-time imaging, acoustic and seismic overwatch for fixed and irregular locations.

Today, the responsibility of providing surveillance for a fixed facility or a remote field base is more challenging than ever. Traditional foot patrols are often too dangerous and fixed cameras are ill fitted for remote locations.

A safer, more capable solution has been demonstrated by Rockwell Collins’ new-generation Patrol Persistent Surveillance System (PPSS).

As Rockwell Collins’ Manager, Government Systems Sales, Australia, Sonny Foster explained, “The automated surveillance capabilities of the PPSS gives a single operator the ability to monitor an entire parameter 24/365 in any weather,” he said.

The PPSS is made up of a meshed network of wireless, low-cost ground acoustic sensors and video cameras. Once positioned, each battery-operated Unattended Ground Sensor (UGS) will autonomously monitor for sound and vibration along the set parameter line.

“Sensors and cameras can be easily added to meet the needs of an irregular area,” Foster said. “The network automatically recognises the new sensors, so there is no need for manual system reconfiguration.”

As a security precaution, should an intruder remove a UGS unit it will send an alert, while its built-in GPS will allow the operator to track its movement.

THE TREES HAVE EYES

One of the key differentiators found in the Rockwell Collins PPSS is the integration of day/night cameras and laser range finders mounted on pan/tilt heads.

When a UGS picks up movement, it has very sophisticated algorithms that are clever enough to tell the difference between people walking and animals,” Foster said. “Should it determine the threat is real, the unit instantly sends a signal to the operator and to the nearest camera directing it to slew towards that target.

“The operator can then zoom in on the target with a higher-resolution camera for instant identification and verification,” he said. “This capability enables a quicker response to the immediate threat and greatly reduces instances of false alerts.

“With the available long-range capability, the camera can cover up to 100-square kilometres, giving the operator an excellent view of the situation,” he added. “The operator also has the benefit of using the system’s information fusion display to record the video and integrate it with maps and other critical data regarding the intruder’s activities.”

FLEXIBILITY IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE SURVEILANCE TOOL

While the Patrol Persistent Surveillance System is undeniably capable, Foster said that one of its key benefits is its flexibility.

“With budgets as tight as they are, our customers really appreciate that this one system can be reconfigured to monitor individual entry ways or entire parameter areas just by adding additional sensors and cameras,” Foster said. “The PPSS is a completely scalable and flexible solution delivering cost-effective perimeter surveillance at any location.”

That cost-effectiveness and flexibility are two more reasons why the Australian Defence Force recently selected the Rockwell Collins PPSS.