The experiments, called Forward Look IA, II and III (CJTFEX 04-2), used Predator and Shadow UAVs, marking the first time an exploitation system had been able to process and display video from two UAVs simultaneously on a 3D image map.

It was also the first time any exploitation system had combined live video and metadata in real time, allowing Air Force personnel to prosecute test targets much faster than usual.

"The advantage of this approach is you can pinpoint a target's location at the same time that you're seeing it in its physical surroundings," said Lt Col Jim Gallagher, USAF C2B.

"It combines accurate geolocation data with a live, real-time view of what the target is doing from two different angles, all without putting personnel in harm's way. Plus you can share it with others immediately over existing networks."

"With this kind of information, warfighters can make better decisions about targets and carry them out before the targets get away. It's a prime example of Air Force initiative in developing answers to today's more complex battle scenarios."

Instantaneous HTML spot reports allowed the users to collaborate with other units. Video data and synchronous metadata for the entire mission were also stored to disk for post mission playback and analysis, thus providing an archived record to the mission.

The VICE system is built on Sarnoff Corporation's Acadia I engine, which allows real-time processing of video at full frame rates on a standard PC. Its capabilities include

- electronic stabilization, to remove camera shake and other unwanted motion from a video for clearer pictures;

- real time mosaicing, to create panoramic views of a scene as a camera pans, or moves, across it;

- automatic MTI (moving target indicator), to graphically show and alert operators to any moving target in the image view;

- 3D video display of up to 8 live video feeds on reference imagery or maps;

- merging of other forms of data with the video.

"Our video processing technology is a robust solution. It's been steadily enhanced over the past 10 years, and field-proven in military actions and emergency situations, among other applications," said Mark Sartor, Sarnoff Senior Business Development Director.

"It accepts standard video inputs and runs on a PC, so it's easily field-deployable and exceptionally cost-effective.

"For the last year, our goal at Sarnoff has been to rapidly transition this essential capability and make it available to the warfighter. It has the potential to provide quicker and more accurate identification of threats and engagement of targets."

Sarnoff