Application of a Hybrid OVD/CIG System to Tactical Map Problems

Today's combat commander is faced with a two-sided problem. First, since the modern battlefield is characterized by mobility, lethality and speed, the commander and his staff must digest more tactical information and make decisions faster than ever before. Second, the current manpower problems may mean that less qualified personnel will have to operate today's highly sophisticated C³I equipment. Therefore, future tactical systems must be designed to (1) aid the combat commander by presenting precise and timely information in the most user-efficient manner possible and (2) require a minimum of training in their operation.

In general, tactical maps show a requirement for two distinct types of information. The first type is background images, such as terrain, that are generally fixed but highly detailed. The second type is information that changes rapidly, such as order of battle or an interactive “scratchpad” overlay. The Boeing sponsored program uses computer image generating (CIG) techniques to display both types of information. The background images are generated off-line and stored on an optical video disc (OVD) for random retrieval when required. Rapidly changing data are generated in real time and electronically overlayed on the background information.

CIG techniques allow display of only the information germane to the problem at hand so that screen clutter is reduced. It also allows the generation of special effects such as zoom magnification, low altitude horizontal points of view, and specially coded features. An example of a specially coded feature is a background display in which the terrain slopes that are too steep for armour to climb are color coded. These special effects will allow unique user interactions, one of which is simulating a low level reconnaissance “flight” by shifting the low altitude horizontal field of view to consecutive viewpoints.

Control of the display is done in a user oriented manner using a touch sensitive screen on the CRT and a special purpose keyboard. Computer synthesized speech provides optional prompting and supplementary instructions. Menu selections on the CRT and special purpose keyboard are designed to lead the user along the available paths to the desired information.