Salience-Based Compression Enhances Two-Way Communication Between Soldiers and Operating Bases

MENLO PARK, Calif., Feb. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SRI Sarnoff's TerraSight™ video and information processing now includes a salience-based compression (SBC) module, allowing dismounted soldiers to view and communicate mission-critical information on handheld devices. TerraSight integrates streaming video and data for situational understanding and real-time decision-making from surveillance and early warning air and ground sensors.

The SBC module reduces overall bandwidth requirements to 50 Kbps (kilobits per second) and below, enabling the distribution of relevant, full-motion video and data over existing, bandwidth-limited wireless communication networks. SBC makes it possible for soldiers on the ground to leverage key accurate data and information sent from forward operating bases. Soldiers can now select relevant areas of interest and update data for real-time two-way communication. The SBC module chooses targets based on motion, key infrared (IR) signatures, and operator selection.

"With TerraSight's enhanced SBC module, dismounted soldiers now have access to mission-critical data when they're in the field," said Mark Clifton, vice president, Products & Services Division at SRI Sarnoff. "Soldiers can view and select pertinent video that is georegistered to a 3D map on their mobile devices. This gives them the tools to make critical decisions regardless of their environment or available bandwidth."

TerraSight provides precise, context-rich information for sensor control, data storage, vision processing and 3D visualization. Since SBC can further compress pixels around a selected area, soldiers are now able to focus on a specific area of interest in the video or data sent to them. Using TerraSight with SBC, dismounted soldiers can access a list of cameras to control orientation and zoom, enabling them to better understand and execute within their tactical environment. SBC utilizes standard video codecs such as H.264, requiring no customization on handheld devices.

About SRI International

Silicon Valley-based SRI International, a nonprofit research and development organization, performs sponsored R&D for governments, businesses, and foundations. SRI brings its innovations to the market- place through technology licensing, new products, and spin-off ventures. SRI is known for world-changing innovations in computing, health and pharmaceuticals, chemistry and materials, sensing, energy, education, national defense, and more.

SOURCE SRI International

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