The PreVAIL system is an artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) toolkit that enables state-of-the-art space-based tracking capabilities through the use of novel neural networks and an automated target detection and recognition (ATD/ATR) system based on predictive traffic analysis.
The PreVAIL system employs a sensor-agnostic algorithm to monitor targets using both commercial and military equipment. It maintains target surveillance even when equipment coverage is interrupted, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of integrated global intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (GI-ISR) missions.
Why is the PreVAIL system important?
The PreVAIL system can accurately predict a vehicle's position, orientation, and appearance before a sensor acquires a target;
The PreVAIL system algorithm can reveal subtle anomalous vehicle behavior across multiple sensors, time, and location.
Image analysts can locate targets in a scene more quickly and reduce false alarms, thereby speeding up the target engagement process;
The PreVAIL system achieves greater flexibility by utilizing commercial and speculative surveillance equipment;
The PreVAIL system's "sensor agnostic" feature saves time and allows for optimized use of ISR devices.
How does the PreVAIL system work?
1. Prediction:
The PreVAIL system algorithm uses machine learning and road networks to predict the appearance and orientation of target vehicles in future imaging.
2. Testing:
The PreVAIL system integrates traffic data and driving characteristics, enabling it to determine the most likely search area at a given point in time.
3.
The PreVAIL system requires only a very small amount of historical detection and vehicle type information to accurately predict future vehicle locations.
background
Alongside the establishment of the AFRL Transformational Capabilities Office, the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory also created an Explore group. This group will conduct extensive market scanning based on strategic needs signals to identify emerging transformative technologies and inform future investments. The Explore group's pilot activities awarded seven feasibility projects across three identified challenge areas, including Aerial Re-arming and Logistics, Rapid Delivery of Personnel Recovery Kit, and Vehicle Tracking using Commercial Satellite Imagery. All contract awarding work concluded in fiscal year 2022, and the Explore group evaluated feasibility and related analytical studies to identify potential further investments.
The feasibility study concluded that the PreVAIL system was the optimal project to be awarded the Phase 2 contract, as it has a close strategic link to current needs signals and work. Project leader Dr. Andrew Stokes advanced this work and secured two related Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts, which will enhance the ongoing software work under the PreVAIL system. These two components together constitute a comprehensive investment project entitled "Tactical Advantage Space-Based Tracking." The goal of this portfolio is to create a cloud-based software application that combines comprehensive satellite missions and access with AI-supported automated target identification to process, utilize, and disseminate data, tracking multiple targets by combining space-based sensor data with data from other sources.
Project Roadmap
Phase 1: Complete the proof-of-concept for the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory Exploration (Group) (Q2 2022)
Phase Two: Advanced Algorithm Development and Basic User Interface/User Experience (UI/UX) (Q3 2022 – Q3 2024)
The third phase involves the integration of the PreVAIL system prototype with enhanced UI/UX and Initial Operational Capability (IOC) architecture (to be determined).
In the fourth phase, as a production project, prototype demonstrations and IOCs will be conducted during drills (to be determined).
