Advances in specialized processor capabilities, such as Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), have contributed to the ability to efficiently process high density terrain. Using these technologies, the Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC), System Simulation and Development Directorate (SSDD), Soldier Protection Laboratory (SPL) developed a physics-based sensor-terrain interaction model that accurately predicted and synthesized radio frequency (RF) coverage in dense foliage for the Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment (AEWE) conducted at Ft. Benning in August 2013. Since that time, the development team has built upon the initial capability to include unique user features such as intuitive comparisons of the mathematically optimal placement for baseline and experimental sensor sets and the ability to respond on-the-fly to changes in the underlying terrain. This paper describes the capabilities of the Automated Sensor Placement Engine (ASPE) and potential operational applications, such as Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB) and mission planning and rehearsal. It also describes the technical design of the tool and underlying models as well as its transparent middleware approach to integrating with existing toolsets and visualization options. During the past year, the SPL team has successfully integrated ASPE into a range of Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) environments, including networked tactical sensors, command and control (C2) nodes, constructive simulations such as OneSAF, and web-based interfaces such as Ozone Widget Framework (OWF). Integration leveraged the use of both tactical and simulation interoperability standards, including the Security Equipment Integration Working Group (SEIWG) Interface Control Document (ICD) series and Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS). The paper will discuss lessons learned and document repeatable processes developed while integrating these multi-architecture environments.
Sensor Placement Optimization in LVC Environments for Training, Analysis, and Operational Applications
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