PC-Based Real-Time Infrared/Millimeter Wave Scene Generator

In order to eliminate costly redesign and re-development of digital and HWIL simulations for IR sensors, the U.S Army has recognized the need for a commonality between IR Scene generators for these domains. To date, no single SG technology exists to allow both scene stimulation of digital simulation and HWIL simulation at the required speeds, resolution, and dynamic viewpoint. Also due to the rising cost of mainframe computers, special purpose graphics cards and associated maintenance, a novel PC-based SG design is desired to leverage the low cost and always performance increasing PC and video graphics card market. The objective of the Phase I effort was to research a novel and modularized personal computer (PC) - based infrared (IR) target, countermeasure, and background high resolution imaging SG whose underlying algorithms are applicable to both digital and real-time hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulations. During the Phase I effort, CG2 identified requirements and components to meet the needs of both real-time HWIL laboratories as well as all digital simulations. It is anticipated that the results of this SBIR effort will help create a lower cost solution for Infrared and millimeter wave scene generation solution. This new approach can also be applied to other areas requiring realtime delivery of images generated for testing or evaluation.