Advanced Scene Generation Techniques
Summary:
CG², Inc. (Huntsville, AL), adapted a scene generation system to the needs of missile defense testing scenarios, creating a PC-based, hardware in the loop (HWIL) technique that is both fast and high-fidelity, using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components. It has applications in simulators for firefighting, police training, and medical education, severe weather alert systems, and security applications.
Technology Description:
CG² has developed a way to synchronize and incorporate kinematic, physical, radiometric, and visual data in a network of PCs that can quickly generate real-time scene simulation for various scenarios. The company is beginning to integrate components of its SBIR work (currently extended to August 2007). The innovation lies in combining sensor data beyond the visual such as infrared (IR) data and predictive equations concerning the physics of the scenario (such as trajectory, acceleration, etc.). Because the simulator data input is PC-based, the cost is lowered significantly, and a complex missile engagement scenario can be conducted many times over without custom-building dedicated systems at great expense.
MDA Origins:
CG² developed hardware and software under a 2004 MDA SBIR Phase II to meet the need for a high-frame-rate, high-fidelity, PC-based missile seeker simulator. The SBIR used a Quantum 3D Independence® Image Generator (IG) solution to perform real-time scene generation to test the performance of missile defense sensors and systems across a range of engagement scenarios. Simulation is particularly important in ballistic missile defense systems due to the complexity and cost of testing full-scale scenarios.
Spinoff Applications:
The image generation solutions offered by CG² can be used for training commercial vehicle drivers (trucks, buses), in flight simulators for pilot training, air traffic control simulation and training, ship's bridge simulation and training, and other areas where visual models are useful. Anticipated uses for integration of the infrared and multimodal sensor scheme into this system include medical imaging, fire prevention and detection, auto collision avoidance systems, and security systems. Other applications include severe weather warning systems (based on analysis of radar data), scene generation for motion pictures, police surveillance, and video gaming. The technology is also suited to tomography, for constructing 3-D images of anatomy for medical education.
Commercialization:
CG² currently offers two major products related to image generation technology, Quantum 3D's Independence® 2500, and 2500ER, the latter of which is more military in its applications. The 2500ER product includes the HWIL sensor simulation component, which allows for testing as a prototype or product undergoes development.
Company Profile:
CG² is a subsidiary of Quantum 3D, Inc. Founded in 1995, CG² built its business around providing affordable, high-performance, high-fidelity simulation solutions within demanding time and budget constraints. CG² provides state-of-the-art services to the visualization and simulation communities for integrating real-time training systems across multiple platforms, and are experts in Federal integration standards, such as DIS and CIGI. Its staff is dedicated to researching innovative and cost-effective methods to bring new training capabilities to the War-Fighter.
CG² merged with a larger company, Quantum3D, Inc. in 2002, which brought to the smaller company the advantage of leveraging Quantum3D products and manufacturing capabilities. CG² has the ability to supply new technology "cradle-to-grave" by developing concepts, prototypes, production units, and life-cycle support.
Contact Information:
Mr. Todd Nordland
CG2, Inc., a Quantum3D Company
1525 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 325
Huntsville, AL 35806
(408) 361-9927
fax: (408) 361-9980
email: tnordland@quantum3d.com
web: www.cg2.com
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