Annual Report of the Operations Research Center and Department of Systems Engineering for Academic Year 2003
Abstract
We recommend placing three small cameras spaced 120 degrees apart near the top of the DAMTA "can." This configuration provides the best possible view, provides adequate coverage of the horizon, and optimizes the placement of sensors and electronics at the top of the platform. Having completed the MODA Matrix and the sensitivity analysis, the team recommends the MVC 3200 C Pinhole Camera as the best camera for the DAMTA application. The final design provides several benefits: 1) it flush mounts the cameras with the outside of the DAMTA "can" minimizing damage to the cameras, 2) it allows sufficient room in the top of the DAMTA "can" for other standard sensor electronics and puts the cameras within four inches of the top of the DAMTA, and thus over 6 feet off the ground, for excellent visibility, 3) it provides a total panorama of approximately 180 degrees, which is half of the horizon and minimizes the effects of precipitation on the camera optics as pinhole cameras have no lens, and 4) it relieves the requirements for a separate modular imagery sensor" piece and instead incorporates the cameras into the existing "can". The benefits to integrating imagery within the DAMTA platform are that imagery: 1) can have a profound affect on accurately forecasting weather by visualizing, verifying raw weather data and enhancing the commander's knowledge about the tactical situation, 2) can increase situational awareness for commanders and staffs within specific environments, 3) can increase the trust they have in weather reports, 4) will show the impacts of weather, terrain and the environment on operations, and 5) will reduce loss of life during tactical operations by minimizing mission failures (mission failure avoidance), and providing the opportunity to plan and execute missions better than with only raw weather data.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA418703
Entities
Organizations
- United States Military Academy