Enhanced Image Capture and Transfer Capability

An essential task performed by Special Operations Forces (SOF) is the acquisition and distribution of intelligence information from remote locations. The value of this information for applications such as target identification can be greatly enhanced ifit is augmented by the use of imagery. Digital images captured by SOF personnel at remote locations must be transmitted via satellite link to decision makers using tactical radio voice channels. This presents a problem to SOF users: these comms channelsare both quite slow (normally 2400bps) and unreliable, while quality digital image files can easily be several hundred kilobytes in size; this results in very long transmission times, which can have a severe impact on mission effectiveness. In order tostreamline this process as well as reduce the equipment footprint required for image acquisition, preparation, and transmission, Trident proposes the development of an integrated Tactical Imagery Communications Unit (TICU). This self-contained device willacquire images directly from digital still or video cameras, compress these images, and transmit them over tactical links. Trident will assess a number of approaches for implementation of this system and develop an innovative architecture for a low power,miniature device. The Tactical Imagery Communications Unit would provide a valuable tool for transmission of imagery from remote locations by easing the workload of SOF personnel, reducing their equipment requirements, and significantly speeding thetransit time of imagery. A tool of this type would also have utility in any number of situations requiring image capture, compression, and transmission.