SIVET-SE

SIVET is a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) embedded training system capable of simulating video from a wide range of electro-optical devices.

Installed alongside existing sensor, tracking and control systems, SIVET provides the ability for users to train using the same equipment and interfaces that they would use in real world operations, within a simulated environment, providing continuous training at lower costs.

SIVET Features:

• Real time visual and Infra Red (IR) EO video simulator available on a range of commercially available single board computers (SBC) and capable of interfacing using a via of standard hardware interfaces including VME, Ethernet and serial
• Standard interfaces to EO tracking systems to enable closed loop target tracking, including providing feedback from the synthetic world (e.g. range finding)
• Scenario generation tools for creating realistic engagement situations, incorporating terrain elevation and imagery, multiple moving objects, a dynamic ocean model, environmental and other special effects
• A library of visual and IR typical engagement scenarios
• A library of 3D models for immediate use in land, ocean or air scenarios with the video simulator
• Instructor interface tools to enable planning, real time control and observation of training sessions
• Trainee evaluation tools to provide performance assessment and after action review
• Ballistic simulation for a number of different weapon systems

In-Situ Training:

By integrating into existing systems seamlessly, SIVET allows the system to be switched between operational to training modes with minimal effort. In training mode, key mechanical systems, such as sensor servos or weapons systems, can be disabled to satisfy safety concerns and reduce wear and tear on mechanical components.

High Performance Graphics:

The SIVET system is comprised of a Scene Simulator application, operating under Windows XP Embedded on a single board computer that provides high performance graphics and application processing capabilities. An image of the SIVET SE computer, incorporating Intel and Nvidia chipsets, is shown on the left.

All software components, including the Scene Simulator, scene data and operating system, are stored on the single board flash drive, eliminating the need for additional storage devices.

Real World Scenarios:

The virtual environment generated by the Scene Simulator provides a representation of sensor video which approximates actual TV and or infra-red sensor video. Within this virtual environment real world training scenarios can be presented to the trainee operator, with representations of moving objects of interest interacting with terrain and ocean.

Training scenarios are generated by combining terrain elevation, terrain imagery, 3D static and dynamic models with scripted motion, using a SIVET specific scene generation tool. A wide range of static and dynamic 3D models are available for inclusion in each scenario, with the capability to add additional models as required. Scenarios can be downloaded to the SIVET graphics system via Ethernet, USB or VME interfaces.

Multiple training scenarios can be generated and stored on the graphics hardware at the same time. Instructors can choose which scenario to execute for a given training session.

Elements of each scenario can also be modified during a training session to provide additional scenario variation. For example, a scenario with a given set of moving models can be further customized by disabling any number of moving models, thereby creating a derivative version of the standard scenario.

Weapons fire can be simulated and trajectory information can be used to asses target neutralization. Statistics for each training session can be downloaded by the instructor for trainee evaluation.

A remotely accessed (by instructor) or on-screen (by expert) configuration menu is available to modify Scene Simulator properties during operation.

Automatic Tracking System Support: For those systems with Automatic Video Tracking (AVT) systems installed alongside the sensor systems, the simulated sensor video can be routed to the user's video display via the AVT. The example system shown on the left is our ADEPT60 AVT system. When automatically tracking a selected target, motion control information can be fed back to SIVET, providing the same capabilities offered by the sensor servo systems.

A configurable motion model provides the capability to evaluate closed loop AVT of various targets by various dynamic sensor platforms. Real-time simulated video is passed to the AVT and the resultant target-to-boresight errors are passed to the Scene Simulator to control the orientation of the sensor. If the sensor platform is moving then the position of the sensor will also alter.

Simulation Capabilities:

SIVET supports key sensor functionality such as dynamic field-of-view and full freedom of motion provided by sensor servo systems. Simulation of visual or infra-red sensor imagery is supported in individual scenarios.

For marine applications a dynamic sea model provides the ability to visually simulate wave motion with a variable number of sea states.

A generic sea texture is applied to the sea surface for added realism. Instructors can select wind speed and direction to alter the characteristics of the wave motion, so altering the wave height and direction of motion.

SIVET provides a collection of 3D dynamic models representing a range of commonly used vehicles such as ships, tanks, aircraft and missiles. The Scene Simulator moves these models around the scene by interpreting a set of track files describing the path taken by each vehicle. Model motion can be restricted so that terrain vehicles follow the shape of terrain and marine vehicles follow the motion of the dynamic sea model, generating the appropriate wakes. A simulated sky model is available for discrete times of day. A per pixel calculated fog model provides realism to the training scenarios.

A range of different symbology can be overlaid on the simulated video to provide additional user feedback. These include a radial radar simulation showing relative target positions, a bore sight cross hair, height above terrain and current position. For live fire systems, ballistic simulation for a range of different weapons systems is supported. The instructor can modify the ballistic simulation parameters, such as wind speed and direction, during training sessions.

Trajectory information is calculated for every round fired and used to assess damage to simulated threats. The visual simulation of muzzle flash and hit splash is also provided. The ballistic simulation can be modified by the instructor during a training scenario to provide more scenario variation.

Scenario Generation:

Scenarios are generated using a SIVET specific Scene Builder application that can by executed on a Windows XP workstation. This flexible tool can import 3D models, terrain imagery and elevation data in a range of standard file formats, and combine them together to build a dynamic scenario that can be used with the Scene Simulator. A wide range of existing 3D static and dynamic models are provided.

Specifications:

• Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) sensor simulation system
• Scene Simulator runs under Windows XP Embedded
• Accelerated graphics support via OpenGL
• Provides update rates of 50Hz (for NTSC/RS170) or 60Hz (for PAL/CCIR)
• Textured visual and infra-red scenes supported
• Flexible ballistic model for multiple weapon systems
  • Multiple configuration variables
  • Modifiable during training sessions
• Supports composite RS170 or Y/C video output
• Support for 2 USB external devices
• Proprietary communication protocol via
  • VME interface
    • connects to AVT and other VME based systems
  • Ethernet connection
    • Supports 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
  • Serial connection
  • Remote keyboard and mouse control supported
• Picture-in-picture support for second channel
  • Not supported at full update rates
• Range of optional symbology
  • Radial radar simulation of relative target location
  • Own-ship position (Cartesian coordinates)
  • Synthetic laser rangefinder
  • Height above terrain or absolute height
  • Bore sight marker