Video Compression Routines

In the past paper technical manuals were the only means of communicating fault isolation, diagnostics, and repair action to soldiers. The need for this information is at the weapon system itself as well as at the maintenance depot. Several research and development projects has employed interactive stored video as a means of providing maintenance information to the soldier. The problem with this approach is the massive data storage requirement that is required. Because of our involvement with the Bradley program we have been able to assess what is available in physical storage device technology as well as the state of video and sound compressing techniques. We found that the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is the recognized leader in this software technology. They have developed methodologies in connection with their weapons work that have direct application to the Army data compression problem. Because of this and because the Government is encouraging the transfer of defense related technology to industry, Nova has arranged for the support of LLNL on this project. LLNL will make available the use of some of their data compression algorithms for which commercial licenses are being developed. LLNL will work with Nova under a funded Cooperative Research and Development Agreement. We will perform a data collection test, assess the technology, assess hardware implications, provide a demonstration and prepare a Phase II plan.