Case Study: Interactive Multisensor Analysis Training (IMAT)
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DAS supports the development and
deployment of the Interactive Multisensor Analysis
Training system (IMAT) for the US Navy, used at Navy schoolhouse
and training centers, and aboard Naval submarines, surface ships, and aircraft.
IMAT is under development at the
Naval Surface
Warfare Center, Carderock Division, NAVSEA in West Bethesda, MD.
Hardware platforms include high end Silicon Graphics (SGI) Octane and Indigo
workstations and Hewlett Packard (HP) Visualize workstations, as well as IBM
compatible PCs (PCIMAT). This training system utilizes interactive 3D
visualization of ocean bathymetry, detailed submarine models, and passive and
active sonar coverage and vulnerability.
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IMAT combines three-dimensional graphics, animations, audio, and scientific
visualization methods to illustrate complex physical interactions in the context
of mission-relevant scenarios. IMAT is currently used to support
classroom-based training in all U.S. Navy communities (air, surface, and
subsurface) and is in the process of being modified for tactical
use.
IMAT has proven itself as an
excellent training tool in the classroom. By bringing the models and databases
into the classroom, an instructor can dynamically demonstrate the interactions
between threat, environment, and sensor. Unlike existing computer based
trainers the instructor and curriculum designer are not limited to the lessons
initially envisioned by the system developers. For example, as geographic areas
of interest evolve, the IMAT lessonware can easily be modified to examine a new
region of interest without any changes to IMAT software. Because models and
worldwide databases are incorporated directly into IMAT, changes in the threat
characteristics and sensor capabilities can easily be reflected in the
courseware; either in the classroom by the instructor, or by a curriculum
designer at the schoolhouse. This generational capability of the IMAT system,
including full model and database integration, provides an advantage to
follow-on course implementations by requiring significantly less effort than the
initial course development.
The same generational philosophy
used in the classroom system is now
IMAT Screenshot
being applied to the tactical system. In
fact, the same models, databases, and visualization software will be found in
both systems. IMAT is adding new capabilities to facilitate in-situ training
and analysis. This includes:
- Sonar Search Planning (both passive
and active)
- Tactical
Visualizations (threat and ownship vulnerability, tracking)
- Tactical Tools (advanced TMA,
probability of detection and clearing specific areas)
- Mission Rehearsal and Reconstruction
(scenario development)
- Operator Training (as in classroom and augmented with in-situ
data)
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The tactical
system will also be designed to address the needs for all levels of operation
from the Battlegroup ASWC to the specific sensor operator. The architecture
will support scaling of systems to these extreme levels. This mainly involves
graphics capabilities and the size of the attached signal processing network
needed to provide timely model results.
Each tactical system (regardless of
level) will provide a mechanism for transferring low-bandwidth data between IMAT
systems. This will allow an efficient means of capturing needed data (in model
input files) that can be applied to model runs and visualizations on a system at
another location. This will save network bandwidth and allow operators at
various levels to view the same results. This is a critical component of the
tactical system. The output of the models or displays would also be available
for transfer between IMAT systems that reside on the same high bandwidth network
within the host platform.
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