SBIR-STTR Award

This effort will propose the development of the techniques utilizing the stereo vision technology for creation of a 3D image combined with a 3D rendering of the target tracks and their associated ballistic objects. The main objective of the Phase I effort is to investigate and validate an integrated architecture to observe moving objects and visualize 3-D stereo images based on the data from two or more image sensors. The project will design and integrate a novel and real-time stereo-image matching technique, an efficient 3D scene reconstruction scheme, and an advanced visualization approach. The reconstructed 3D image will be embedded in a 3D graphical space that renders depictions of a target track and its associated ballistic objects. This Gestalt view combined with the user's capability for highly interactive interfacing with this visualization space will greatly improve interpretation processes for hard-to-discriminate targets

In our knowledge-based society collaboration environments are a key Knowledge Management trend. In implementing this trend, the critical step is to capture the collaboration that surrounds visual information used in decision-making. The Phase II project will develop distributed data visualization techniques to support collaborative decision-making. Specifically, it will implement a library of client-user intelligent visualization components that link together displays of information exploitation results (e.g., threats and their predicated behaviors) with a type of “look-ahead” interactive visualization of impacted assets, available sensors and weapons. In its first instantiation, the system will contribute to the development of discrimination and weapon engagement mockup of Battle Management Crew Station system. The technological novelty is in the distributed aspect of visualization and in the incorporation of a mechanism for the synergistic organization of distributed visual components to support dynamic and linked depictions (e.g., “next-step” and “what-if”) in order to rapidly guide the crew to the optimal and shortest threat engagement course of action.

Keywords:
Human-Computer-Interface, Advanced Visualization,