Visibility volumes for interactive path optimization

Abstract

We describe a real-time system that supports design of optimal flight paths over terrains. These paths either maximize view coverage or minimize vehicle exposure to ground. A volume-rendered display of multi-viewpoint visibility and a haptic interface assists the user in selecting, assessing, and refining the computed flight path. We design a three-dimensional scalar field representing the visibility of a point above the terrain, describe an efficient algorithm to compute the visibility field, and develop visual and haptic schemes to interact with the visibility field. Given the origin and destination, the desired flight path is computed using an efficient simulation of an articulated rope under the influence of the visibility gradient. The simulation framework also accepts user input, via the haptic interface, thereby allowing manual refinement of the flight path.

A terrain risk assessment method for military surveillance applications for mobile assets

“…Caplan and Kennedy (2010) utilizes a multi-layered matrix framework on crime data to predict future crimes in city neighborhoods in order to assist the police force allocate its limited resources more efficiently. Srikanth, Mathias, Natarajan, Naidu, and Poston (2008) employs 3D rendering of simulated terrain, along with a haptic interface to capture environmental constraints, in order to find aircraft paths that provide optimal visibility. Howard and Seraji (2002) uses real-time terrain assessment combined with fuzzy navigation algorithms to help autonomous mobile robots choose the safest and most trafficable path on the ground.…”