We are working on the automatic evaluation of signals from imaging sensors

The Video Exploitation Systems department works on the automatic exploitation of signals from imaging sensors (mainly visual-optical and infrared) in complex, often non-cooperative scenarios.

Our research and development focuses on the exploitation of image and video data from moving platforms. Typical sensors in reconnaissance and surveillance operate as integrated components in either stationary, mobile land-based or spaceborne/drone (UAV) systems. The department also works on uses for sensor networks. Camera networks are increasingly found in critical infrastructure (e.g. railway stations, airports, industrial plants, military field camps), high crime areas in cities, and other places where they help to enhance situational awareness. Some of our products revolve around quality assurance in industrial production processes. Our main approaches comprise machine learning and other AI methods, modelbased algorithms, estimation theory and aspects of data fusion.

Some of the systems we have developed fulfill the highest industry and NATO standards for operational software products. Our ABUL (Automatic Image Exploitation for UAVs) system, for example, is in use by the German armed forces in their Castor field camp in Mali, in Afghanistan and in military facilities in Germany. Swiss facilities also use it for surveillance, reconnaissance and border control. Another development that is on its way to real-world implementation employs our NEST (Network Enabled Surveillance and Tracking) and the ivisX (Integrated Video Investigation Suite) systems. In Mannheim, we are debuting real-time intelligent video exploitation software for police operations, a first in Germany and indeed in Europe. The goal is to automatically detect physical assaults and to generate hints for a human decision maker.