Asymmetric threats are driving a need for early reconnaissance in the environments where military vehicles operate: when it comes to preventing people and materials from coming to harm, or minimising the extent of damage, every second counts. In addition to the wide variety of sensors that are used in these applications, imaging optronics provide the most important basis for reconnaissance and, as a result, represent a method of protection. The camera systems that are integrated for the purpose of assisting the driver, providing support for operating the weapon station, and enhancing situational awareness are all elements used in passive protection technology. To date, however, every camera has always been assigned its own specific role – and these separate camera views have become counterintuitive to the aim of improving protection, as information is not directly available and cannot be incorporated into the decision-making process. This approach thus prevents the commander from creating a parallel link to the driver camera image or the weapon station view.
In practical situations, access to the views of other camera roles is essential: as an example, making a decision to issue an order to fire requires the commander's workstation to show the weapon station view without the need for him or her to request information verbally from riflemen on each occasion.
Making all views available to the commander paves the way for faster decision-making processes. What is more, other workstations with displays in the vehicle stand to benefit from video streaming, as the driver is given more options for deciding the direction in which to steer the vehicle. Connected infrared views in particular can offer a useful tool during the night or in foggy conditions.
All this illustrates that the status quo of autonomous camera views is no longer satisfactory – and it has now become essential to create a network of views instead.
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Central interface gathers information
At the heart of the VOS is the Observer: a vehicle computer based on the ATM CENTURION i7 that bundles all the video signals in a central interface and processes them instantly. It then distributes the video views to the connected workstation displays via the vehicle network: for this purpose, it features comprehensive interface coverage and a variable memory configuration, affords the user the freedom to select whichever operating system is required, and has a digital video converter, a gigabit switch and upgradable architecture. A PAL2LAN converter makes it easier for the Observer to convert the camera signals from analogue to digital, and reduces the complexity of the system as a whole.
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The ATM features multiple integrated VistaMaster displays for the driver, the commander or, additionally, the crew; these are configured according to how they are being used. Various options are available for both the size of the display and the range of functions it offers: a straightforward VistaMaster rear-view display is all a crew needs, whereas a multifunctional VistaMaster panel PC acting as a central operating station in the vehicle is available for commanders. The driver's display has the potential to show additional vehicle-related data.
The display differs according to the roles of the people observing it, with the driver shown an instantaneous image on the display he or she uses as a driver assistance system, and all the other workstations receiving a digitised image. Thanks to blending, the digitisation technology can also provide an enhanced view by superimposing infrared and real images over one another, revealing more details.
The VOS helps improve crew reaction times and provide an optimised overview of the situation. In principle, it is possible to connect additional sensors such as jammers or radar, or other systems, to the Observer and have their data distributed centrally within the vehicle. The overall result is a user-oriented, standardised operating concept.
Visit ATM ComputerSysteme GmbH at the 23rd International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO, taking place in Kielce, Poland, between 1st and 4th September 2015. You can find ATM at booth E-29, and our staff representing us at the exhibition will be there to personally answer any questions you may have concerning the VOS.
In practical situations, access to the views of other camera roles is essential: as an example, making a decision to issue an order to fire requires the commander's workstation to show the weapon station view without the need for him or her to request information verbally from riflemen on each occasion.
Making all views available to the commander paves the way for faster decision-making processes. What is more, other workstations with displays in the vehicle stand to benefit from video streaming, as the driver is given more options for deciding the direction in which to steer the vehicle. Connected infrared views in particular can offer a useful tool during the night or in foggy conditions.
All this illustrates that the status quo of autonomous camera views is no longer satisfactory – and it has now become essential to create a network of views instead.
The Vehicle Observation System
With its Vehicle Observation System (VOS), ATM ComputerSysteme GmbH (ATM) has developed a modular system concept that can be adapted to suit customers' specific needs. Whether they are being used for surveillance, logistics or combat, to name some examples, vehicles require a VOS and camera system configuration that is suited to both their purpose and the conditions in which they are operating. Logistics trucks and infantry fighting vehicles need different types of cameras – so while a simple system containing a reversing camera would be enough for the logistics vehicle, camera systems for combat vehicles need to not only provide all-round visibility, but also detect a range of electromagnetic spectra. For example, the driver must be able to use the IR mode on the reversing camera in order to reverse at high speed in an environment obscured by heavy fire.Central interface gathers information
At the heart of the VOS is the Observer: a vehicle computer based on the ATM CENTURION i7 that bundles all the video signals in a central interface and processes them instantly. It then distributes the video views to the connected workstation displays via the vehicle network: for this purpose, it features comprehensive interface coverage and a variable memory configuration, affords the user the freedom to select whichever operating system is required, and has a digital video converter, a gigabit switch and upgradable architecture. A PAL2LAN converter makes it easier for the Observer to convert the camera signals from analogue to digital, and reduces the complexity of the system as a whole.
The ATM features multiple integrated VistaMaster displays for the driver, the commander or, additionally, the crew; these are configured according to how they are being used. Various options are available for both the size of the display and the range of functions it offers: a straightforward VistaMaster rear-view display is all a crew needs, whereas a multifunctional VistaMaster panel PC acting as a central operating station in the vehicle is available for commanders. The driver's display has the potential to show additional vehicle-related data.
The display differs according to the roles of the people observing it, with the driver shown an instantaneous image on the display he or she uses as a driver assistance system, and all the other workstations receiving a digitised image. Thanks to blending, the digitisation technology can also provide an enhanced view by superimposing infrared and real images over one another, revealing more details.
The VOS helps improve crew reaction times and provide an optimised overview of the situation. In principle, it is possible to connect additional sensors such as jammers or radar, or other systems, to the Observer and have their data distributed centrally within the vehicle. The overall result is a user-oriented, standardised operating concept.
Visit ATM ComputerSysteme GmbH at the 23rd International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO, taking place in Kielce, Poland, between 1st and 4th September 2015. You can find ATM at booth E-29, and our staff representing us at the exhibition will be there to personally answer any questions you may have concerning the VOS.
ATM ComputerSysteme GmbH