Description:
OBJECTIVE: Develop a technique or system to rapidly develop earthen background terrain model representation of actual world locations for use in electro-optical and infrared scene rendering applications. DESCRIPTION: This SBIR seeks innovative approaches to decrease complexity and time associated with creating terrain models for Multispectral Terrain Signature Models and Simulations to a week or less. Current state of the art is to develop physics-based imagery relying on accurate, high-fidelity scenes characterized by their topography, terrain components (bushes, trees, roads, etc.) and the EO/IR characteristic of each. Scene sizes of 0.5 km X 0.5 km up to 10 km X 10 km are typically needed for such applications. Historically extensive labor and brute force usage of computer computational throughput has been leveraged to address terrain model developments and objectives. These attempts have been met with limited success and still require extensive amounts of labor and unique processes to complete hence there is need for an innovative approach to automating or semi-automating the processes. Computer computational throughput enhancements have been tried without much success for achieving our objectives. Examples of technical areas for consideration are level of detail method, anti-aliasing for computation rendering, clutter classification of real-world imagery, DTED extrapolation and /or surface model management. The goal for this task is to design, develop and demonstrate an innovative technique or techniques for rapidly developing real world background scenes compatible with and suitable for use in Army scene rendering codes for UAS, and missile simulations. PHASE I: Design, develop and demonstrate a system process for creating earthen background terrain databases used by physic-based EO/IR scene rendering tools for integration into missile flight simulations. Metrics to quantify time improvements, end product accuracy and fidelity will be chosen or developed by the contractor. An actual world location will be selected to encompass many different natural and man-made background elements: trees, bushes, roads, buildings, etc. Attention to automate or semi-automate stage development of the current manual process is suggested to relieve bottleneck issues currently experienced. PHASE II: Develop a prototype demonstration system for rendering earthen background scenes compatible with existing scene rendering system tools for missile flight simulations. The software architecture and system operational requirements will be clearly stated and compatible with existing Army tool suites. Comparisons of the new scene development technology will be evaluated against current development technologies for scene generations speed, complexity, definition, accuracy. Scene development time reduction shall be determine and documented. Example: Scenes shall be developed for one real world location that encompasses many different natural and man-made background components such as trees, bushes, roads, buildings and so on at varying levels of fidelity. Metrics identified in Phase I will be used again to assess speed, accuracy, and fidelity improvements from background generation. Classified proposals are not accepted under the DoD SBIR Program. In the event that this effort will involve classified work in Phase II, companies invited to submit a proposal must have or be able to obtain the proper facility and personnel clearances in order to perform Phase II work. For more information on facility and personnel clearance procedures and requirements, please visit the Defense Security Service Web site at: http://www.dss.mil/index.html. International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) control is required. PHASE III: Earthen background scenes of real world locations are used in many simulations from missile development to intelligence gathering. Our goal is to generate EO/IR scenes capabilities for a wide variety of environmental conditions and geographical domains. This technology is targeted at scene rendering software integrated into flight simulations such as: Joint Air to Ground Missile (JAGM), Small Organic Precision Munition (SOPM) / Switchblade, Javelin, and Small Diameter Bomb (SDB). Additional applications could be planning and rehearsal for soldiers, UAS devices to determine the best approach routes, time of day for mission execution, hazard identification or other limitations for mission success. Additional commercialization opportunities are: land use monitoring for natural resources by NASA, disaster preparedness and boarder monitoring for Department of Homeland Security. Adding rapidly high fidelity scene generating capabilities to these organization"s tools set for predictive models will improve their engagement modeling to support a better use of resources.
