Matrix Video Software Traces Bullets in Flight

I came across an interesting application of video software technology that is based on concepts straight out of the Matrix(Studio technology as opposed to movie concepts well both actually).

Its a software application that can trace bullets in the air and determine their origination.  Picture a robot or cyborg with a video camera that happens by a bullet or other projectile whizzing by.

Who developed the Software?

Nova Sensors Inc developed this tool for the US Air Force. 

So What Factor?

Obviously it has military applications.  It also has many other potential applications.

Based on the video capture, the sofware can determine the source of the projectile, enabling a very rapid response.  It can be used in applications similar to the application of motion sensors, but in this case its very high speed motion and its a smart detection capabiltiy that does more than just trigger an alarm.

Many modern defense and artillery systems have the ability to track very large projectiles back to their source and respond.  This has the ability to track individual bullets.  During a riot or dangerous situation where bullets are flying from a source that is not discernable to the human eye, this video camera and the software application could rapidly identify a source. 

In situations like the riots in New Orleans this type of utility could have proven very useful.  Providing police officers with solid information of where the real sources of violence and danger were and possibly elliminating the potential of a police officer returning fire against an innocent bystander, which unfortnately did happen in New Orleans when a bystander was within the vicinity of sniper fire directed at police officers.

In other cases evacuations at a hospital were halted due to incoming sniper fire that could not be traced by police officers.  A tool of this nature could help direct police accurately to the dangerous source and help them to protect and serve.

Video Example of tracking Software

Here’s a short little video showing the technology tracing bullets. The software basically lites up a bullet like a tracer round would normally light up the sky. 

Soldiers often use tracer rounds at night so that they can in part see where the bullets are going and adjust their aim to find a target in the dark.

This is a pretty basic video, but anything that allows a military even a police force to trace a bullet back to its source is something that eventually can enable them to zero in on the threat and take action without having to risk sending someone out in the open, possibly in the field of fire.