Vehicle Structure Recovery from a Moving Aerial Platform (VSRMAP)

The Vehicle Structure Recovery from a Moving Aerial Platform (VSRMAP) system gives unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) the ability to generate real-time 3D models of an urban battlefield, including static features and moving and articulated vehicle-sized ground targets. Models are created using a single passive electro-optical video camera. VSRMAP builds on other systems that generate real-time models of static battlefield features and track moving ground targets, which are already under development at 21st Century Technologies. VSRMAP completes the battlefield modeling solution by providing full 3D models of the ground targets. Based on prior work, we believe that model-based approaches will be required to accurately model moving vehicle-sized objects. VSRMAP Phase I explores both traditional and model-based approaches to 3D reconstruction, and quantifies their performance to validate or refute this belief and identify the most promising approaches for Phase II development. In both classes of approach, VSRMAP will leverage byproducts of our static battlefield modeling and tracking systems to provide superior 3D target reconstruction. VSRMAP provides novel opportunities for pre-mission planning and training, situational awareness, and strikes on targets of opportunity. By modeling moving and articulated ground targets, it represents a significant advance in the military applicability of 3D modeling systems.