Chess Dynamics has successfully validated its AI-powered Vision4ce Deep Embedded Feature Tracking (DEFT) system during the recent WINTERMUTE 3 trials in collaboration with the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).
This rigorous and high-intensity evaluation challenged the system with a dynamic mix of targets including helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, maritime vessels and ground vehicles, all operating concurrently within highly cluttered and visually complex environments.
The trial’s demanding conditions, ranging from varied visibility to low contrast, provided a rare opportunity to assess and confirm the robustness, adaptability and precision of DEFT across both infrared and daylight imaging spectrums.
Integrated within the Hawkeye Multi Sensor (Hawkeye MS) platform, the Vision4ce tracking software exhibited consistent performance, delivering stable closed-loop tracking even against erratic target motion, fluctuating lighting conditions and shifting target profiles. The AI algorithm demonstrated the ability to dynamically adjust to changes in size, orientation and movement patterns, maintaining reliable target locks in real time. DEFT’s advanced classification capabilities also enabled it to distinguish between multiple vessel types, a crucial functionality for automated maritime operations and compliance with international navigation protocols.
Steve Hogg, Director of Image Processing at Chess Dynamics, said, “These trials validated our Vision4ce technology’s exceptional performance in real-world conditions and confirmed we are very close to achieving ‘point and shoot’ capability with high-quality data on auto mode, requiring minimal operator training.
“The DEFT tracking system’s ability to maintain accurate target identification and tracking in such challenging multi-target scenarios demonstrates our market-leading position in AI-driven surveillance solutions. This performance validation builds crucial credibility beyond our internal testing and proves our technology is ready to meet the evolving demands of modern defence applications.”
A DSTL Spokesperson commented, “We were delighted to be able to try out Chess’s object detection and tracking system at WINTERMUTE 3 trial which provided a challenging set of multiple fast crossing and weaving boats. The joypad controller interface is very natural and intuitive to use, and we were impressed with the rock-solid tracking once a boat was selected.”
Throughout the week-long trials, which included daily system redeployment and calibration, the Hawkeye MS platform maintained exceptional reliability and mechanical integrity. Its precision actuators and high-torque motors effectively compensated for environmental disturbances such as wind, ensuring accurate target tracking and sensor positioning.
Key outcomes from the trial included outstanding infrared imagery with low noise and clearly defined thermal signatures, robust tracking across all weather conditions and a user-friendly interface that significantly reduced operator workload through intuitive controls and dependable automation once a target was acquired.
The DEFT system’s performance not only confirmed its technical maturity but also enabled Chess Dynamics to capture valuable feedback from military operators, identify edge cases and rapidly evolve the AI model through a streamlined development process. This real-world validation underscores DEFT’s value as a next-generation solution in real-time video and image processing for electro-optic systems, offering enhanced autonomous capability while simplifying operator engagement and reducing training overhead.
