Novel Methods of Interacting with Overhead Imagery for Broard-Area Search

We will develop a novel system for interacting with overhead imagery that allows image analysts to use more of their bodies, and to maintain eye contact, during image manipulation and analysis. We will build upon an existing spatially-aware, embodied human-computer interface systemOblong Industries"G-Speakintegrating it with current IMINT tools. G-Speak is the state-of-the-art platform on which to build a successful solution for overhead image analysis. G-Speak already employs a gesture interface, but has not been integrated with image technology. Technical objectives to achieve integration include first defining and developing body gestures to perform image analysis tasks in G-Speak. This includes obtaining direct feedback from image analysts. We will then integrate G-Speak with external image exploitation packages ESRI and/or ENVI, ERDAS, VITEC). Finally, we will demonstrate capabilities of the proof-of-concept system by completing a traditional image analysis workflow: a human-led search for Elements of Interest in overhead imagery. Demonstration will show the system effectively allows analysts to use intuitive body gestures to perform image analysis tasks, thus recruiting greater body involvement, and prevents breaks in visual contact.