Analytical Manifold Modeling for Dynamic Planning and Execution

The Air Force is soliciting innovative information technology for visualization, and manipulation of real-time multimedia data from complex battle field environments In response, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes an innovative software packagethat relies on image-based, analytical manifold modeling (AMM) and a rendering algorithm that will allow unifying raster and vector image representation. The novel AMM technology is based on POC's proprietary algorithm, based on catastrophe theory whichcan derive three-dimensional (3-D) object models from two-dimensional (2-D) image projections. However, POC proposes to extend AMM's 3-D representation by adding another physical coordinate that differs from the regular geometrical coordinates in theimage plane. This enhancement will permit POC's AMM algorithm to represent visual objects and terrain imagery as an analytic polynomial model. Also, it can create geometrically correct representations of the 3-D model when it is applied to imagemodeling. In Phase I, POC will: 1) develop the AMM algorithm for image-based modeling and rendering and 2) demonstrate the feasibility of the concept. In Phase II, it will demonstrate verifiable prototype software and refine and complete a mathematicalmodel for verification in a close-to-real environment. Commercialization activities initiated in Phase I will be pursued further in Phases II and III.This technology will contribute to computer simulation and visualization, Internet-based virtual realityprograms, computer games, and data mining. It can also be used for video conferencing, multimedia applications, and medical imaging.