High-performance computer image generation: a marriage of computer graphics and image processing

Robert L. Ferguson

doi:10.1117/12.20939

1 October 1990 High-performance computer image generation: a marriage of computer graphics and image processing

Robert L. Ferguson

Proceedings Volume 1289, Cockpit Displays and Visual Simulation; (1990) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.20939
Event: 1990 Technical Symposium on Optics, Electro-Optics, and Sensors, 1990, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

The scene content and fidelity of Computer Image Generators (CIG) has increased dramatically in recent years. Photographic source data is now being used in today's real-time visual simulators, and the expectation is that it will be used to a much greater extent in the next generation ofvisuals. Photographic source will be used to extract traditional CIG cultural features such as roads, rivers, and fields, expressed geometrically as polygons and radiometrically as photo textures. In addition, overhead aerial and satellite photography will be applied to the terrain surface as photo texture, resulting in the need for multigigabyte on-line image data bases. At the same time, highly accurate representations of the terrain and the 3-D features on the terrain surface will be supported by these advanced systems. Data bases will be extremely dense, with near-continuous scene density for both 2-D (photographic) and 3-D (polygonal) features. The emerging requirement for mission rehearsal capabilities in a visual simulator will continue to increase the needed data base fidelity, while imposing a severe time constraint on data base construction. The Rapidly Reconfigurable Data Base (RRDB) Project, funded by PM-TRADE under the USAF/ASD Project 2851, proposes to develop a data base generation system capable of constructing a data base in 72 hours; the Special Operations Forces have specified an Aircrew Training System with a 48-hour data base turnaround requirement. This paper will discuss how traditional CIG architectures and companion data base generation systems have been impacted by the addition of photo-based visual technology, and the emergence of mission rehearsal applications.

Citation Download Citation

Robert L. Ferguson "High-performance computer image generation: a marriage of computer graphics and image processing", Proc. SPIE 1289, Cockpit Displays and Visual Simulation, (1 October 1990); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.20939

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available