Engineering, evaluating, testing, and operating complex sensor systems in various environments, terrains, buildings, and underwater can be a time-intensive task. Results are prone to iterative adjustment after installation because of unforeseen issues. Testing sensor systems, comparing them to design requirements, and undergoing certification and accreditation can also be difficult. Sensors are usually part of a larger system, including communications, physical barriers, delay mechanisms, monitoring forces, and response forces, so understanding system performance can be even more complex. Sensor systems may need to be evaluated for sites that will be modified or cannot be easily accessed.
Because of these and related issues, Sandia applied Umbra to develop analysis and tools for sensor layout, analysis, and operation. These tools have been used to successfully and rapidly address critical issues while efficiently using time and money.
The Operations ViewshedTM (OpShedTM) tool saves time and money, increases certainty of sensor layout in complex environments, and shadows operational sensor systems to ensure robust operation. Combining this with LVC technology, live operators can walk through simulated or real environments to evaluate potential simulated (constructive) sensors before purchase or installation. Live and constructive sensors can be used simultaneously to detect live or constructive targets. Combining this with Dante, many variations can be explored as a tool to optimize design and perform sensitivity analysis. See more information about OpShed.
Any sensor can be modeled and have its performance adjusted based on environment variables. Sandia has a number of existing sensors, including pixilated cameras, seismic, radar, and simple switches (doors, windows, etc.). Other sensor models are easily developed with fidelity sufficient to answer questions from manufacturer’s specifications or existing test data. Models can optionally be developed or validated based on existing sensor data from Sandia’s extensive physical security program and testbed. Sensors can be characterized there or with LVC test range capabilities.