Environmental Sensor Simulation System

The objectives of this research are to design and develop a software prototype of a realistic ocean simulation system primarily to support development of environmental sensors through more precise evaluation of sensor design alternatives. This simulation system, the Environmental Sensor Simulation System (ESSS), must accurately represent the ocean''s spatial, azimuthal and temporal dependencies. In the first phase of research, AHA developed a preliminary design for the ESSS, and built a functioning prototype of the ocean temperature portion. In the second phase, AHA will finalize that design and develop a complete functioning prototype. AHA's design incorporates functional, operational and infrastructure components in a complex system, using state-of-the-art software design methodologies. Functional components, relying on Navy-standard and research-level models and databases, produce models of bathymetry, temperature, salinity, currents, wind, and bottom sediment. Where appropriate, environmental parameters are modeled with temporal variability, including diurnal and short-term fluctuations. Derived acoustic components (transmission loss, reverberation, ambient noise, etc.) are also included. Operational components, connected using a modified model-view-controller (MVC) paradigm, provide interface to users and other sensors or simulations. Infrastructure components control time and space variables within the simulation environment. The software will be cross-platform compatible and deployable as a standalone or web-enabled system.