COMPOSIT - Compositing Overlays for Maps and Operational Symbologies in Real-time

ABSTRACT: Our Phase I results clearly demonstrated that The Design Knowledge Company"s (TDKC) technical approach meets all the Air Force"s requirements for this SBIR program. During Phase I we showed how our approach to overlaying maps and tactical information onto Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) feeds is feasible, cost-effective, and importantly an approach offer significant commercial potential. Moreover, we demonstrated how additional features can be developed that provides much-needed, advanced situational awareness for UAV pilots, camera operators and analysts. During Phase II we will: (1) continue our research and development from Phase II; (2) refine our image registration algorithms and test on a variety of video data sets; (3) optimize our software and port code to graphics processing unit (GPU) hardware to demonstrate real time performance; (4) work with UAV prime contractors, AF personnel, and other UAV stakeholders to refine requirements and identify integration/testing needs; (5) work with potential end users to test the usability of our proposal user interface and overlay techniques; (6) initiate our efforts to commercial and transfer the technology to other programs and domains, and (7) prepare a detailed Phase II demonstration, briefing, and final report. BENEFIT: COMPOSIT directly reduces workload for AF UAV operators and support staff. In addition, to providing real-time map overlay capability; COMPOSIT includes critical situational awareness features to aid navigation, video measurement tools for intelligence operations, and automated camera/views management. COMPOSIT offer significant to DOD agencies but also civilian units that use unmanned aerial assets to support border patrol, first responder, and humanitarian relief missions.