KEYWORDS: Video, Cameras, LCDs, Visualization, Personal digital assistants, Projection systems, Computer architecture, Commercial off the shelf technology, Computing systems, Software
Command and Control (C2) environments require several key decision-makers to visualize, interpret, and analyze
voluminous static and dynamic information of varying complexity originating from multiple sources. The challenges in
providing a paramount display solution for today's mission planning relies heavily on building a large, high resolution,
and collaborative display system which foster better information management, and heightened situational awareness.
The Advanced Visualizations and Interactive Displays (AVID) team at the Air Force Research Laboratory Information
Directorate addresses the needs of the present C2 environment, and has designed, developed, and deployed versions of
the Interactive DataWall (IDW). The IDW is a contiguous large display solution equipped with multiple methods for
application interaction, and the ability to receive numerous sources of data in real time. Fostering a collaborative
environment, the IDW architecture enables multiple users to engage simultaneously with the display via camera-tracked
laser pointer interaction, in combination with personal digital assistants (PDA). Decision-makers share the large-screen
display area together by sending their applications to the IDW, originating locally or remotely. Simultaneous and
multiple cursor support are fully functional without requiring any special modifications to the operators' existing
applications.
Current Command and Control (C2) situations have necessitated not only the requirement for a larger and higher resolution display system, but also a propitious interactive solution that will enable warfighters to execute their mission critical tasks effectively. They are constantly faced with making key decisions utilizing massive amounts of data and information, which is not only dynamic, but originating from various sources including military applications, sensors, databases, live satellite input, and video feeds. In addition, the portability and usability of such a system are both at a
premium. The decision maker's role must not to be impaired by the mechanics of utilizing the tool, but one that will facilitate better information management and an improved situational awareness to fulfill his/her mission. The Advanced Displays and Intelligent Interfaces (ADII) team at the Air Force Research Laboratory's Information Directorate (AFRL/IF) recognizes the challenges that our warfighters encounter, and based on their evaluations and feedback, has designed, implemented, deployed, and transitioned several evolutionary versions of the Interactive DataWall (IDW). The
IDW is a collaborative, contiguous, large display solution equipped with multi-modal methods of interaction, and the ability to receive multiple sources of data in real time.
Command and control in today's battlefield environment requires efficient and effective control of massive amounts of constantly changing information from a variety of databases and real-time sensors. Using advanced information technology for presentation and interactive control enables more extensive data fusion and correlation to present an accurate picture of the battlespace to commanders and their staffs. The Interactive DataWall being developed by the Advanced Displays and Intelligent Interfaces (ADII) technology team of the Air Force Research Laboratory's Information Directorate (AFRL/IF) is a strong contender for solving the information management problems facing the 21st century military commander. It provides an ultra high-resolution large screen display with multi-modal, wireless interaction. Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology has been combined with specialized hardware and software developed in-house to provide a unique capability for multimedia data display and control. The technology once isolated to a laboratory environment has been packaged into deployable systems that have been successfully transitioned to support the warfighter in the field.
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