Circle Optics Awarded $1,750,000 To Revolutionize Situational Awareness Through Enhanced Imaging
Panoramic Imaging Increases Capability with UAV & Drone Technology
ROCHESTER, N.Y., March 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Circle Optics, innovators with patented technology enabling real-time, high-resolution multi-camera systems that provide panoramic video without the distortion and errors inherent in other systems, has been awarded a $1,000,000 (USD) National Science Foundation (NSF) Phase II award for “Fast Panoramic Image Capture for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles” (UAV). The award comes as a follow on to a NSF Phase I award of $256,000 (USD) to develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) system for Virtual Reality (VR), which was supported during Circle Optics’ participation in two Upstate New York accelerators, Luminate NY and GENIUS NY. During Phase II, Circle Optics will further develop its novel camera systems to bring emerging imaging capabilities to UAVs and drones. These optimized camera systems will enhance the situational awareness of aircraft for improved navigation and collision avoidance.
“Circle Optics, with the synergistic support of this NSF Phase II award and the GENIUS NY program, will enable imaging from drones to be an immersive experience—to see the environment from new vantage points and in new ways,” said Andy Kurtz, Circle Optics, Principal Investigator.
Circle Optics also was awarded an United States Airforce AFWERX grant of $750,000 (USD). The grant is to develop preliminary opto-mechanical designs and a multi-telescopic camera channel breadboard to demonstrate the potential for high-resolution, panoramic, swath-scan imaging of the earth. This capability will increase both speed and accuracy of simultaneous capture of adjacent areas.
“We live in an ever-changing world. Technologies need to evolve to keep up with these changes. Circle Optics is working to develop the next generation of technology to enable more persistent imaging to identify and respond to situations on the ground as they unfold,” said Zakariya Niazi, Circle Optics CEO.
For more information, please visit Circle Optics or connect on LinkedIn or Twitter.
About Circle Optics
Founded in 2017, Circle Optics has developed patented technology that enables the ability to capture the entire world in stitch-less, instant 360-degree imaging. This unique capability is revolutionizing aerospace and unmanned flight, and enhancing immersive experiences globally. We are just beginning to learn the applications of this new technology and are eager to learn how the wider field of view will enhance other technologies.
Media Contact
Jennifer Sertl
Director of Marketing, Circle Optics
[email protected]
(585) 704-5202
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