Real-Time Panoramic Sensing for Enhanced Air Vehicles

Circle Optics proposes a Phase 1 project for NASA to explore adapting the Circle Optics technology for low parallax, low distortion, panoramic, multi-camera capture devices that provide real-time 360° imagery, to air vehicle sensing. During Phase 1, Circle Optics would work with NASA, the Air Force (Agility Prime) and others in this developing industry to better understand system specifications, including for SWaP-C, resolution, FOV, and spectral content. Circle Optics would also develop more mature optical designs for the Medusa architecture to optimize it for air vehicle sensing. Finally, Circle Optics would produce a Phase II proposal that describes the development of an actual testable prototype optimized imaging system and its’ performance.

Circle Optics will enhance situational awareness to enable intelligent vehicle systems that will allow the development of piloted vehicles augmented with autonomous capabilities and autonomous unmanned air vehicles

Presently have 150+ customers requesting for beta product of next imaging system, 20 offered letters of interest across over four target markets (entertainment, mapping, industry, defense). Winner of multiple accelerators and imaging competitions. Over $1.9M from Venture Capital, angel investments, and grants.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.