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The OPC invites you to attend a presentation by Donald Prevost, INO and their Ottawa area clients Rob Hilkes, eSight Corporation, and Ali Mahmoud, Searidge Technologies Inc. Everyone is welcome.

Donald Prevost, INO's Vision Program Manager, will introduce INO and his Vision program.

Presentation by eSight:  “evSpex”: an Innovative New Assistive Technology Device for the Visually Impaired
Key enabling technologies have evolved to the point where it is now possible to create a new type of assistive technology device for the visually impaired.  These are:  High resolution, high speed, CMOS image sensors, bright colorful microdisplays, and high MIPS/Watt portable computing platforms.  eSight is combining these technologies with innovative image processing software to create “evSpex”, a wearable display system that will enable people who are visually impaired to perform many activities that until now, their disability prevented them from doing.

Presentation by Searidge: The Use of Intelligent Vision and Digital Camera Sensors for the Purpose of Airport Surface Detection
Providing surveillance information for ground control purposes requires accurate data in order to ensure a successful deployment.  Traditionally, multilateration (MLAT) and radar have been the systems of choice for ground control, and the language used to provide specification information revolves around these systems, making it difficult for new sensors to meet the specifications set out by regulatory bodies.  More recently, video and imaging technology have been introduced as alternatives to MLAT and radar for ground control.  Aside from providing a level of performance similar to that of MLAT and radar, imaging-based technology can be deployed with added features such as video which enable future applications such as Site/Vision Independent Operations (NEXGEN Towers).

BIO: Rob Hilkes, President of eSight Corporation
Mr. Hilkes has been with eSight for two years.  A twenty two year veteran of technology, Rob is familiar with all aspects of the development and delivery of complex electronics systems.  He has previously held various senior marketing, product management, and business development roles in Tundra, MOSIAD, Semiconductor Insights, Gennum and other area high-technology firms.  Rob’s passion has always been a customer driven view of technology:  He works closely with customers to understand market gaps, and leads development teams to deliver practical technology solutions that address those needs.

BIO: Ali Mahmoud, Searidge Technologies
Ali Mahmoud has been with Searidge Technologies for over 5 years.  He is directly involved in the development and deployment of IntelliDAR™ to multiple international airports.  Ali’s extensive knowledge in the air traffic control operations and procedures has allow him to provide valuable inputs in using new imaging and video analytics technology to address critical safety and through-put issues within the aviation industry.

eSight is combining breakthrough advances in digital video capture and display with our proprietary image processing algorithms.  We are developing wearable low-vision aids to greatly improve the quality of life for those with acute vision impairments that neither surgery nor traditional eyeglasses can correct.  Founded in 2007, eSight is privately held and based in Ottawa, Canada.

Searidge Technologies Inc. is a provider of mission critical technology solutions and services in support of Air Traffic Control and Airport Operation markets. Searidge combines a unique blend of experience working with Air Navigation Service (ANS) providers, with expertise in imaging and optical technologies, to design and develop solutions that address current industry challenges and directly impact the safety and expediency of traffic throughout the airport surface.

Searidge is the market leader in the deployment of stand-alone system using camera sensors and video analytics in an air traffic control tower for the purpose of airport surface surveillance and control.  Through the use of its enabling-technology platform, IntelliDAR™, Searidge provides other best-of-breed solutions to its customers including augmentation of A-SMGCS, gate and stand management, and weather observation applications.

Founded in 2001, Searidge Technologies Inc. is a privately held company with customers throughout North America, Europe and the Middle East.

INO is home to the largest concentration of skills in optics/photonics technology development and serves clients of all sizes from all parts of Canada and around the world. With its highly specialized units centered on client needs, INO works hand in hand with you, to provide the interdisciplinary expertise and added value you need. This work process allows for quick innovative solutions.  What makes the real difference at INO are the complete, integrated, end-to-end services we offer, including consulting; design; module, product, process and system development; prototyping, preproduction, and short runs.