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SLATE

Scanning Laser Automatic Threat Extraction

Overview

Surveillance systems can quickly overwhelm the humans monitoring them. It is a task requiring sustained focus with multiple sources of information to concentrate on. With SLATE we’ve attempted to take the load off the user by making threats detectable by the machine. 

Approach

Our sensor has been designed to provide precision location tracking. Using a Scanning Laser Rangefinder (SLR), SLATE can produce either a 2D cross-section or a 3D model of the target area. Within this data set, objects can be identified and located precisely. SLATE can pinpoint a target’s location to within 1 centimetre, as well as provide information about the size and shape of a target, and how fast that target is moving. Furthermore, the sensor knows its environment and periodically checks for changes. For example, it could identify a suspect package left behind in a busy public area. As SLATE uses Infrared laser technology rather than images from cameras, it is not affected by camouflage or low light levels. 

Solution

We’ve designed SLATE to work within the SAPIENT system and provide a complementary view of the world to the other sensors within the system. In June 2016, we spent a week at QinetiQ’s Throckmorton Trials and Industrial Site demonstrating the effectiveness of SLATE within the SAPIENT system. The demonstration primarily focused on the identification of vehicles, such as whether an object was a car, truck, or motorbike. It also looked at behavioural changes in vehicles, such as one making a sudden U-turn. 

We were incredibly pleased with the outcome of the demonstration, as SLATE was proven to be a highly capable surveillance tool as part of SAPIENT. This was despite working during one of the hottest weeks of the year, with temperatures regularly exceeding 25 degrees centigrade. 

Conclusion

Automatic threat detection 
The system identifies objects such as cars and looks for behavioural changes like sudden U-turns. 

Low light operation 
SLATE uses Infrared laser technology, so it is not affected by low light levels. 

Pin-point accuracy 
Can locate target location to within 1 centimetre.