Submission of proposals
U.S. Army Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation Command (STRICOM)
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| U.S. Army Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation Command (STRICOM)
A00-165 TITLE: Innovative Synthetic Natural Environment Database Design Methodology and Tool TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems, Human Systems OBJECTIVE: To research, design, prototype and demonstrate an innovative database design methodology and tool that can support Army's future modeling and simulation Synthetic Natural Environment (SNE) Database requirements efficiently. The proposed solutions shall focus on providing technical solutions that address STRICOM's Science & Technology Objective (STO) program requirements. DESCRIPTION: The Synthetic Natural Environment (SNE) database is the foundation of all modeling and simulation applications. Interoperability between heterogeneous, multi-domain simulation systems in a distributed environment is one of the most challenging topics of the Army's M&S research and development efforts. The thrusts to support Simulation Based Acquisition (SBA) have added more challenges to the interoperability requirements. In order to support the Simulation Based Acquisition (SBA) initiative, it is essential to provide a high quality SNE database that can address the requirements of ACR, RDA and TEMO domain of users. New SNE database design methodology will be required to answer this multi-domain, multi-resolution interoperability challenge. SNE Databases used today for M&S application are adapted to work with specific function, such as visual simulation, and/or semi-automated forces (SAF). It is necessary to convert databases between different applications. Further, methodologies to generate these databases are limited in their ability to incorporate diverse sources of data. The U.S. Army STRICOM seeks an innovative database design that can address multi-domain and multi-resolution with diverse data sources. The proposed methodologies shall be able to integrate and correlate multiple sources of data, e.g. NIMA products, multi-spectrum imagery, text information, and metadata, in separate files or other databases. In addition, the database should handle in an efficient manner the objects that exist on, above, and below the earth's surface. These objects may be very stable, semi-stable, and/or dynamic in nature. And the objects may interrelate. The design must allow the user to input, update, maintain, and use the information in a natural fashion in near real time. And it needs to incorporate capabilities for verification and validation of data content and relationships in the context of its own data. If significant inconsistencies appear in the data, the methodology should flag them so the user has a chance to resolve them. And the database should have a natural, user-friendly human-computer interface that makes it easy to use. Most of all, the database design shall support Synthetic Environment Data Interchange and Representation Specification (SEDRIS) as the native method for data interchange. PHASE I: Investigate database designs and human-machine interface designs to efficiently handle SNE database requirements. Identify those database designs and human-machine interface designs that show the most promise in terms of system performance, ease of population, ease of change, ease of maintenance, and ease of use. Also, investigate methodologies to identify, locate, access, filter, fuse, reason about, and present information in response to queries on the data in this database and other data sources. Identify those methodologies that show the most promise in terms of completeness, accuracy, efficiency, and utility. PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate a prototype database and human-machine interface that implements the best designs identified in Phase I. Assess the usefulness of the prototype database and human-machine interface in terms of system performance, ease of population, ease of change, ease of maintenance, and ease of use. Also, develop and demonstrate a prototype SNE database generation capability that implements the methodologies identified in Phase I. Assess its usefulness in terms of completeness, accuracy, efficiency, and utility. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: In addition to military applications, the design methodology and tool described above are necessary to revolutionize civilian modeling and simulation functions, such as the entertainment and education applications. OPERATING AND SUPPORT COST (OSCR) REDUCTION: This Synthetic Natural Environment Database Design Methodology and Tool will reduce the operating and support cost that can address the requirements of ACR, RDA and TEMO domain of M&S users. New SNE database design methodology will be required to answer this multi-domain, multi-resolution interoperability challenge. REFERENCES: 1. Synthetic Environment Data Representation & Interchange Specification (SEDRIS) Background (http://www.sedris.org/abt_trpl.htm) 2. STRICOM Synthetic Environment & Technology Management Division (ES) (http://www.stricom.army.mil/STRICOM/E-DIR/ES/ )
A00-166 TITLE: Advanced Technology for Real-Time Image Generation TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems, Human Systems DOD ACQUISITION PROGRAM SUPPORTING THIS PROGRAM: Project Manager for Combined Arms Tactical Trainer OBJECTIVE: To identify technology advances required to enable the use of lower cost PC graphics as the real time image generation for military virtual simulation; to develop tools and integrate the required capabilities using PC image generators. DESCRIPTION: The entertainment industry has driven the development of sophisticated, powerful graphics for image generation However, the commercial graphics market has not developed key features which are essential for real time military visual simulation. These include: rigorous scene management to ensure deterministic image update rates; screen fill optimization; state change independence; texture precision sufficient to properly render high resolution, narrow field of view magnified imagery for simulated sighting devices; and military sensor effects such as automatic gain and level control; hot spot and target tracking; and programmable, sensor-peculiar effects such as ac coupling, noise, and line dropout. Further, commerically available PC graphic systems do not package well for multi-channel military virtual simulation applications, do not allow flexible load leveling across channel boundaries, and lack important video control techniques such as head tracking, channel independent sync offset, video reversal, image mirroring, non-linear image mapping, and variable resolution area of interest imagery. Commerical systems additionally lack other features which must be integrated for military simulation, such as pixel rate fog and sufficient levels of translucency to allow proper simulation of military obscurants. Commercial PC graphics addtionally lack other capacity related features such as subpixel z calculation accuracy; adequately sized texture memory, texture paging bandwidth; and sufficient dynamic range for rendering of luminance levels for image intensification device simulation. PHASE I: Proof of principal demonstration of cost effective, multiple channel, PC based image generation system to address one or more of the issues described above. The demonstration should provide a real-time simulation for sensors, or rotary wing or ground vehicles, with basic capabilities for military simulation. Include a market survey and recommendations for solution of remaining problem areas with application of evolving technology. PHASE II: Perform the full integration of a PC based image generation capability for a complex military simulation application (sensor/rotary wing/ground vehicle). This phase will address the implementation of capabilities required for real time image generation for a military training system, including channel synchronization, fixed frame rate capability, scene management tools, mission function capabilities, and video control techniques. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Commercial sales for PC based image generation systems for the military and commercial simulation market and simulation based acqusition for operational military systems. OPERATING AND SUPPORT COST (OSCR) REDUCTION: Image generation systems for current military virtual simulation cost from $30,000 to $300,000 per channel (viewport) depending on feature set and update rate. The proposed system would cost $10,000 to $25,000 per channel (viewport), depending on feature set and update rate. The proposed system is a candidate for the "technology insertion through spares" program for a wide variety of military programs which have image generation systems ending their supportable service life, since the acquisition cost of the proposed PC based image generation system compares with the operating and maintenance cost of the image generation current system. REFERENCES: 1. http://www.stricom.army.mil/PRODUCTS/PC_BASED_TECH/ 2. "Preliminary Testing of Low Cost Visualization Systems Using Public Domain Benchmarks", by Rodney Rogers, Gary Green and Brian Goldiez; 1 Feb 1998, Institute for Simulation and Training, prepared for contract number N61338-97-K-0010 3. "A Characterization of Low Cost Simulation Image Generation Systems", by Curt Lisle and Michelle Sartor; Sep 1997, Institute for Simulation and Training (IST-CR-98-02). 4. "Comparison of Military and Commercial Specifications for Visual Systems", by Gary Green and Brian Goldiez; 29 Aug 1997, Institute for Simulation and Training, prepared for contract number N61339-97-K-0010 KEYWORDS: simulation, PC, graphics A00-167 TITLE: Analysis and Design Tools for Live Instrumentation Infrastructures and Processes TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems DOD ACQUISITION PROGRAM SUPPORTING THIS PROGRAM: Project Manager – Instrumentation, Targets, and Threat Simulator OBJECTIVE: Research, design, prototype, and demonstrate a novel approach in the area of collaborative, distributed data modeling and simulation environment, capable of supporting the design and analysis of live instrumentation infrastructures and processes. DESCRIPTION: United States Army Simulation, Training and Instrumentation Command (STRICOM) develops, acquires, fields and supports simulations and instrumentation for test and evaluation (T&E) and training ranges. While these range simulations and instrumentation consist of a quite diverse set of technologies, one core capability is the error free transmission of multimedia data traffic to include voice, video, audio, telemetry and the allocation of bandwidth required for this capability. T&E live ranges requires large amount of data in the gigabit range, to be collected, analyzed, distributed and processed in near real-time for test control and "after review action" to support various range operations. Live training simulation requires real-time casualty assessments, in either centralized or decentralized, requiring accurate data analysis and processing. These transmissions are raw data and reports to and from live training of thousands of instrumented soldiers and vehicles. In both scenarios, live testing and training mandate accurate, error free transmission of the data with equally strenuous effort applied to the near real time analysis and final reports. STRICOM is fielding state-of- the-art communications systems at White Sands Missile Range, and Yuma Proving Ground, based on Synchronous Optical Network (SONET), and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) technology. Future acquisition of similar systems is envisioned and planned at Aberdeen Test Center, the Combat Training Center, White Sands Missile Range, Yuma Proving Grounds and home stations worldwide to meet growing demand in our data network traffic requirements. The Project Manager for Instrumentation, Target and Threats Simulators (PM ITTS), and the Project Manager for Training Devices (PM TRADE) seek innovative and creative modeling capability to support the concept, design, acquisition, fielding and support of multi-million dollar high speed communication networks conformed to the open system interconnection (OSI) architecture, and supporting various protocols and equipment vendors. It is envisioned that this effort will lead a larger effort to establish a modeling and simulation environment that will support simulation based acquisition of these range systems. Therefore, these approaches need to be expandable to the entire array of technologies present in accomplishing T&E and training complex functions. Commercially available research and development network simulation tools like OPNET Modeler may be used in this effort. The project offices desire linking the design effort to Enterprise Resource Planning products such as those from Iona, Baan, SAP, and PeopleSoft. This will demonstrate the complex management structures requiring an advanced integrating infrastructure to support increased competitiveness and decreased time-to-market for such complex products as communications systems. PHASE I. Develop, model and simulate an integrated and distributed high speed data network architecture based on current range configurations and requirements, and capable of supporting the design, analysis of live instrumentation infrastructure and processes and compliant with Government architecture requirements and Open System Interconnection (OSI) standards. PHASE II: Taking the results of Phase I, prototype, test and demonstrate the applicability of the conceptual simulation and modeling approach at one of the Army's premier live training centers, including player instrumentation, mobile and fixed communications, knowledge base management, and knowledge utilization. The same methodology would also be applied to one of the Army's premier live test ranges. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The proposed development will have application to many commercial markets, including the design of systems for mobile and fixed communications, education distribution and management, emergency management, enterprise management, entertainment, inventory visibility and management, knowledge engineering, navigational, project management, range instrumentation, and transportation. It will be extended in capability and used for system engineering and configuration management during development, fielding and subsequent modification of the Army's test range and training center live instrumentation complexes throughout the early 21st Century. References: 1. Operational Requirements Document, "White Sands Missile Range Test Support Network", US Army Test and Evaluation Command, 1 October 1992 2. Operational Requirements Document, "National Training Center - Objective Instrumentation System", US Army Training and Doctrine Command, 13 May 1995. 3. The Honorable Jacques S. Gansler, Under Secretary of Defense Acquisition and Technology, "Modeling and Simulation: Designing Affordable Weapon Systems for the 21st Century", Defense Modeling and Simulation Office (June 2, 1998) 4. The Joint Simulation Based Acquisition Task Force, "Executive Summary A Road Map for Simulation Based Acquisition", the Acquisition Council of the Department of Defense Executive Counsel for Modeling and Simulation (4 December 1998). 5. Listing, Simulation Based Acquisition Contacts, Related Internet Sites. 6 ANSI T1.106-1998 Specifications for Optical Parameters. 7. ANSI T1.102-1993 Specification for Electrical Parameters 8. ANSI T1.105-1991 Specifications for Multiplexing Methods to Map Existing Digital Signals (e.g., DS1) into SONET Payloads Signals. 9. ANSI T1.105-1991 Specifications for Criteria for Optical Line Automatic Protection Switching. 10. ANSI T1.105-1991 Specification for Overhead Channels to support Standard Operation, Administration and Maintenance, and Provisioning (OAM&P) 11. OSI reference model 12. ATM forum 13. MIL3 web's site for OPNET: www.Mil3.com/products/library. KEYWORDS: acquisition, affordability, analysis, communications, complex systems, computing, design, information technology, instrumentation, knowledge management, modeling, simulation, software, systems engineering, and tactical engagement systems, OSI, ATM, SONET A00-168 TITLE: Automated Interoperability Evaluation Systems TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems DOD ACQUISITION PROGRAM SUPPORTING THIS PROGRAM: Project Manager for Combined Arms Tactical Trainer OBJECTIVE: To research, design, prototype and demonstrate a non-invasive, PC-based software tool capable of evaluating levels of interoperability between heterogeneous distributed simulation systems to assist in planning and operation of test/training events. DESCRIPTION: Disparate simulations use different terrain databases, data models, architectures, man-machine interfaces, and simulation protocols to satisfy varying training related requirements. A software tool that predicts and describes the level of interoperability that exists between simulations will be tremendously useful in planning/executing training and testing events. The evaluation of how simulations may be used together to satisfy specific test/training and/or research objectives will save a significant amount of time and money. What is needed is a set of test matrices, organized by area of simulation capability, which can provide an objective, measurable level of interoperability between simulations. The levels of interoperability are as defined by the Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization (SISO). For instance, each simulation, communication model, and/or simulation management system would enter system data into a matrix for input into the tool. The tool would then provide an objective evaluation of unique data that could be shared, passed, and understood by the appropriate individuals participants. Such evaluations will provide a blueprint of the weak links that exist between simulations and the standards by which interoperability is evaluated, e.g., the High Level Architecture (HLA). This comparison will define the issues that need to be confronted to provide for fully correlated interoperability in modeling and simulation, in test/training and many other fields. PHASE I: Develop and demonstrate a prototype test application capable of measuring the level of interoperability that exists between simulations in the areas of terrain databases, Computer Generated Forces (CGF) interactions, simulation protocols, data models, and architectures for a Federation. PHASE II: Taking the results of Phase I, evolve the prototype into a full test suite that objectively evaluates the interoperability of simulations under controlled conditions. Develop autonomous software testing capability to identify the level of interoperability for any category of simulation capability according to the SISO. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The automated software testing capability has application to many commercial markets, to determine potential connectivity between heterogeneous systems to expand their use. These include the design of systems for mobile and fixed communications, computer based gaming, distributed learning, emergency management, entertainment, inventory visibility and management, knowledge engineering, project management, range instrumentation, and transportation. REFERENCES: PM CATT Interoperability Interface Connection Description (ICD), www.stricom.army.mil, October 1999 KEYWORDS: architecture, automated, computer generated forces, data model, high level architecture, interoperability, model, simulation, simulation protocol, software, terrain database, test environment A00-169 TITLE: Next Generation Distributed Simulation Technology -- Capability to Scale Up Networking of Simulations TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems DOD ACQUISITION PROGRAM SUPPORTING THIS PROGRAM: Program Manager, Warfighter Simulation Objective: Develop and demonstrate next generation distributed simulation technology to transfer 100,000 entities from a constructive (e.g., wargaming) or a virtual (e.g., man-in-the-loop) simulation to live operational systems in the field (e.g. National Training Center (NTC), Combat Maneuver Training Center (CMTC), Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC)) while maintaining data transfer rates that support realistic training and mission rehearsal. Description: Currently, there are performance risks with both Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) and High Level Architecture (HLA) for supporting the next generation distributed simulations. Based upon extrapolating information from current experiments and published data: 1) entities associated with a brigade require 4960 DIS Protocol Data Units (PDUs) per second or 5.9Mbps transfer rate and a T2 line. A simulation or exercise for a core with 100,000 entities is 20 times the size of a "brigade only" simulation or exercise. This means a T4 line is now required and is a significant increase in expense. 2) an HLA experiment has determined that a 200 entity exercise (with no voice channels) requires 1Mbps transfer rate or a T1 line. This means a 100,000 entity exercise will require 1000 times more Mbps or 1000Mbps. The current max line available is a T4 line with 274.76Mbps and this cannot support 1000Mbps. Even with the newly available 1 Gigabyte or 1000Mbps Ethernet, the ability utilize 100 % of that capability is historically not possible. Today, data transfer rates in tightly coupled simulations such as high performance aircraft have a maximum acceptable latency of 100 miliseconds between any two hosts. Also, today's HLA requirement is for many-to-many transmission of object attributes at rates in excess of one update per object per second. There has been no demonstration to date that shows 100,000 entities can be distributed to multiple systems with acceptable data transfer rates. The need for this tecnology is now. For example, one new system acquisition, Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Tactical Proficiency Trainer (IEWTPT) is expected to join a constructive simulation (e.g., Warfighter Simulation (WARSIM)/WARSIM Intelligence Module (WIM)) with brigade and above numbers of entities to ninety operational embedded training simulations operating with intel systems at NTC, CMTC, and JRTC. In summary, new approaches are needed to support increased amounts of network traffic and real time response times that will support any brigade and above exercises utilizating simulations to provide a synthetic battlefield and that also directly interface with operational equipment. Phase I: The performer of the Phase I effort will develop and provide a proof of principal demonstration of next generation distributed simulation technology. The research shall focus on the area of algorithms for the management of emerging high performance networks. The research will evolve new techniques for information flow and control. While protocols and standards are available for lower performance data flow, the emergence of high performance networks presents new capabilities that can only be harnessed if new protocols are developed first for native stream communications and deployed over Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) infrastructures and integrated as transparent in all-optical core network fabrics. The contractor shall investigate all of the routing services and network and signaling issues, but pay particular attention to reliable, low-latency modes for network performance and assured communication of 100,000 constructive or virtual entities to a live system while maintaining data transfer rates support realistic training and mission rehearsal. Phase II: Phase II will implement the concepts developed in Phase I and produce a prototype of the next generation distributed systems technology for networking a constructive or virtual simulation to multiple live systems. This will demonstrate the ability to scale up the transfer of information using the new distributed generation technology concepts. Phase III Dual Use Applications: Distributed systems are used in commerce, industrial automation, and information services. These systems are among the largest and most complex systems in existence. The development of the next generation distributed systems technology developed under phase I and phase II are applicable to these system domains as well as the simulation domain. References: Distributed Systems -- Doug Lea http://gee.cs.oswego.edu/dl/html/encyc.html "Analysis of a Real-Time HLA Distributed Mission Training Federation" -- Robert E. Murray, Steve L. Monson, The Boeing Company (I/ITSEC 99)
in the Large Multicast Environment -- M. Pullen, George Mason University; M. Myjak, The Virtual Group; C. Bouwens, SAIC
Nagesh Kakarlamudi, George Mason University http://netlab.gmu.edu/RTI/papers/98F-SIW-067a.html Design for High DIS PDU Traffic Rates -- Jim Keenan, Lockheed Martin (I/ITSEC 99) Keywords: simulation, distributed systems, operational embedded training systems Download 1.22 Mb. Share with your friends:
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