Vessel Detection
Description
The system uses AI-enhanced technologies and analytics to improve maritime detection and tracking in areas with significant trade and recreational water vessel activity. The system increases situational awareness and responsiveness to potential threats, assisting human operators in identifying and classifying vessels of interest. Agents can define a search area with specific criteria, which is transmitted to sensors. Detected images are analyzed by AI algorithms that filter, detect, and categorize objects into Items of Interest (IoI) or other objects. IoIs are shared across detection systems and tracked seamlessly across multiple sensors, while non-relevant objects are excluded. This approach enhances efficiency in detecting and addressing IoIs, particularly during high-traffic periods, by providing alerts and tracking information to human operators.
Detailed example
Alerts and tracks of detected Items of Interest (IOI)s to human operator workstations.
AI / analytics pattern
Computer Vision: AI that processes and interprets visual data (e.g., images and videos).
Automation level / stage
c) Deployed – The use case is being actively authorized or utilized to support the functions or mission of an agency.
Expected benefit
Current surveillance technology does not have machine assisted classification of targets on screen, making it harder for human operators to decipher legitimate from illegitimate traffic in times of high volumes of legitimate traffic. Project intends to support human operator identification and classification of potential illicit vessels. Benefits would be more efficient detection and resolution of IOIs, especially during times of high-volume traffic.
Audit / financial statement impact
The computer vision application scans a large grid within the viewshed of the high-definition camera. It then attempts to detect small vessels detecting entering and exiting small waterways in and around the area the camera is deployed. System is calibrated to detect to identify inbound and outbound traffic. When it detects a vessel it sends and image to the cloud for user review and determination if any follow-up action is required. The AI output does not serve as a principal basis for decisions or actions related to the definition of High-Impact AI.
Controls / human review
ATO: No; PIA: Not published
Data needed
CBP images of open water ways for vessels.