High Clutter Virtual Objects for Modeling and Simulation

PROJECTED CMMC LEVEL REQUIREMENT
Level 2 (Self)
TECHNOLOGY AREAS
None
MODERNIZATION PRIORITIES
Advanced Computing and Software
KEYWORDS
Development Testing (DT); Digital System Model (DSM); Electro-Optical (EO); Infrared (IR); Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR); IR Countermeasures (IRCM); Infrared (IR); Midwave IR (MWIR); Missile Warning Systems (MWS);SceneGraph (OSG); Operational Testing (OT); Virtual Planet Builder (VPB)
OBJECTIVE
Develop a modeling and simulation (M&S) application for generating high-fidelity, thermally-attributed virtual electro-optic and infrared (EO/IR) object models specifically weather-explicit 3D clouds and/or debris fields for integration into real-time scene generation systems.
DESCRIPTION
Developmental and Operational Testing (DT/OT) of Missile Warning Systems (MWS), Infrared Countermeasures (IRCM), and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems are currently limited to in-flight tests or the use of recorded flight video in digital system models (DSM). These methods do not adequately replicate the complexity of battlefield, industrial, and urban environments, especially under high-clutter, thermally dynamic conditions.
To enhance system survivability and test realism, validated synthetic 3D scene models are required to represent high-fidelity thermal environments unachievable through traditional Test & Evaluation (T&E) methods. These models enable more effective assessment of performance and operational effectiveness across a range of mission scenarios.
The Navy's EO/IR Direct Inject (EOIRDI) initiative employs the Synchronized Kilohertz Injection Projection (SKIP) scene generation system to support hardware-in-the-loop engagements.
SKIP is capable of operating across multiple formats:
2k x 2k at 60 Hz
512 x 512 at 500 Hz
320 x 320 at 1kHz
To fully utilize SKIP's capabilities, synthetic test engagements must be developed to match specific system-under-test (SUT) frame rates and resolution formats, incorporating unique geographic locations and weather conditions.
This topic seeks a M&S application for generating high-fidelity, thermally-attributed virtual EO/IR object models specifically weather-explicit 3D clouds and/or debris fields for integration into real-time scene generation systems.
The tool must enable validated six degrees of freedom (6-DOF) physics-based simulations to support live, virtual, and constructive (LVC)-based survivability assessments of modern threat engagement systems in cluttered battlefield environments involving air-to-air missiles (AAM) and surface-to-air (SAM) threats.
The solution must support scene generation at real-time frame rates (60 Hz, 500 Hz, 1 kHz) using the EO/IR rendering framework built onSceneGraph (OSG) and Virtual Planet Builder (VPB). Models must include optical, thermal, and physical attributes such as spectral absorption, emissivity, and reflectivity across the MWIR band (3.0 5.0 microns), with scalability to 0.2 20.0 microns. The system will enable creation, rendering, and validation of thermally accurate clutter (clouds/debris) varying by temperature, atmospheric composition, and precipitation to support enhanced DT/OT of threat detection and survivability systems.
PHASE I
Perform an analysis to design a comprehensive 3D cloud and/or debris field model demonstrating the development strategy and defining the M&S requirements for software plugins using the OSG 3D virtual framework environment for integration into DoW scene generation systems. Explore the technical method for model engineering, system integration, verification and validation testing. Write a final report for prototype plans in phase II.
The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.
PHASE II
Development of 3D Cloud and/or debris field models for integration into DoW scene generation using the OSG framework. The radiometrically accurate 3D models are initially for use with a Navy Scene Generator system. Each model will be delivered with metadata from its generation that is needed to be fully incorporated into the Scene Generator both geometrically and radiometrically.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS
Continue 3D Cloud model development with the addition of new cloud, debris field, and other hot entity model types for addition of high clutter objects to threat engagement scenarios for high fidelity T&E of aircraft installed MWS and FLIR systems. All new 3D model types of data need include calibration meta data.
High clutter 3D cloud and debris field models have the potential for fire fighters and pilot training for building virtual training environments.
REFERENCES
Berk, A. et al. "Next Generation MODTRAN for Improved Atmospheric Correction of Spectral Imagery., Final Report." Spectral Sciences, Inc., 4 Fourth Avenue Burlington, MA 01803-3304, 29 January 2016. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/AD1018413.pdf
Shroll, R., R.L. Sundberg, N. Goldstein, S. Richtsmeier, R. Kennett L. Jeong, W. Pereira, T. Cooley B. Noyes H. Scott, F. Iannarilli, S. Jones, "Detecting Rocket Plume Radiance through Cloud Layers from Space-Based Infrared Imaging Platforms," MSS MD-SEA Symposium 22-25 October (2012).
Crow, D. R.; Hawes, F.; Braunstein, M.; Coker, C. F. and Smith, Jr., T. "Scalable Hardbody and Plume Optical Signatures (FLITES)." Thermosense XXVI, Proc. of SPIE, 5408, August 2004, pp. 1-8. DOI:10.1117/12.548993
Triantafillou, S. A. "Cloud Scene Simulation Model (CSSM)." AFRL Scientific Report No. AFRL-VS-TR-2002-1561, 2000.. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA402757.pdf