Funding by DOD for TerraGear related challenge

   [apologies for formatting]
http://www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/sbir/solicitations/sbir041/af041.htm

AF04-064 TITLE: Algorithms for Run-Time Terrain Deformation

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems

OBJECTIVE:  Develop algorithms and prototype minimum hardware and system requirements for implementation of run-time deformation of terrain based on elevation of topographic features in real-time visual simulations.

DESCRIPTION:  Current image generator architectures force topographic features to conform to an underlying terrain model.  This IG technique is backwards in terms of training value, because the three-dimensional position accuracy of topographic features is of greater interest to pilots versus the general accuracy of a featureless terrain skin.  A superior IG architecture should necessarily deform terrain in accordance with the elevation values of topographic features.  The ideal architecture would perform deformation at run-time.  The run-time deformation of terrain controlled by the z elevation of topographic features should dramatically reduce the cost and time to produce terrain databases for training and simulation.  The cost of generating terrain databases is steadily becoming a larger percentage of the total cost of procuring training devices.  This technique could help alleviate the cost growth problem of terrain databases, as well as help reduce the time it takes to generate databases for mission rehearsal purposes.

PHASE I:   Identify existing and develop new algorithms/techniques to perform the real-time terrain deformation function.  It will establish the minimum hardware and system requirements for implementation of each algorithm/technique.  Finally, the associated performance strengths, weaknesses, risks and performance/cost tradeoffs associated with each algorithm/technique will be evaluated.

PHASE II:   Select and prototype one or more of the most promising candidate algorithms/techniques to work with commercial IG hardware.

DUAL USE COMMERCIALIZATION:  The following are a few of many potential
Dual Use applications of this technology:
1. Mission planning visualization.
2. Embedded, counter-measure resistant,
   stealth navigation for UAV's, RPV's and piloted vehicles.
3. Virtual landscaping.
4. Visualization for large scale, cultural construction projects.

REFERENCES:  1. Hakl, Henri.  "Diamond Terrain Algorithm: CLOD for Height Fields," University of Stellenbosch, 2001.
2. Röttger, Stephan, et al.  "Real-Time Generation of Continuous Levels of Detail for Height Fields," University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 1998.
3. Duchaineau, Mark, et al.  "ROAMing Terrain: Real-time Optimally Adapting Meshes," IEEE Visualization '97 Proceedings, 1997.
4. Lindstrom, Peter, and Pascucci, Valerio (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory).  "Visualization of Large Terrains Made Easy," Proceedings of IEEE Visualization 2001, October 2001, pp. 363-370, 574.
5. Zhao, Youbing, et al.  "A Fast Algorithm For Large Scale Terrain Walkthrough," International Conference on CAD & Graphics 2001, China.

KEYWORDS: Training Simulation, Visual Simulation, Image Generation