Project: Adaptive System for Image communications in Global Hybrid TETRA networks
Our objective is to develop, test and integrate a disruptive approach to mission-critical visual communications for TETRA and integrated hybrid networks. A-SIGHT provides users optimized Visual Situational Awareness, and improves decision-making and crisis management. _x000D__x000D_TETRA networks are used for mission-critical communications by public and private entities in over 120 countries in Europe and worldwide. Developed for voice, stakeholders now request data applications, and photo / video communications trigger most interest. A challenging option at data rates down to 3 kbps, such capabilities are virtually non-existent now._x000D__x000D_Upcoming TEDS (TETRA Enhanced Data Service) increases rates up to 150 kbps, and is planned deployed first in Norway 2014, initially in vehicular terminals. TEDS has variable, unknown capacity, sufficient for basic still photos, but is an inconvenient basis for traditional video with fixed rates. _x000D__x000D_TETRA/TEDS coverage depends on base station locations, and users may need satcom like Inmarsat BGAN and IsatPhone Pro, for secure coverage. BGAN has existed a decade, with somewhat better data rates than TEDS, but SatPhone data rates at 2 kbps are lower than TETRA. While there are similarities there are also differences, including pricing and operational. Still, similarities allow us to start A-SIGHT developments from our current SatCom basis. _x000D__x000D_APPROACH_x000D_Visual observations today are usually represented by digital images. In the past analog film, paintings, drawings and symbols were used. In the future it may be different. While camera sensors improve, making high-resolution images conveniently available over narrowband communications networks reCOs a fundamental challenge. _x000D__x000D_Current photo and video compression was developed for preserving photographic quality. While we take advantage of compression technology, this is not the core solution. Our challenge, different from traditional image communications, is to transfer most relevant and useful visual information for the situation in question. _x000D__x000D_TECHNICAL_x000D_We propose a two-step, interactive and adaptive push-pull concept, where field SW client initially compresses and sends preview images to a central server. Via Web Interface, remote users can select Segments-/Regions-Of-Interest (ROI), and request transfer of more data as needed._x000D_Traditional compressing, zipping and sending some photos in non-real time is replaced with sending field photos in real-time, and letting remote analysts interactively zoom in on image-regions and video-segment if, as and when relevant. _x000D__x000D_For VIDEO CLIPS, we will create and send a still-image “storyboard”, where viewers can select video segments in resolution, quality and frames/sec as needed. _x000D__x000D_VIDEO STREAMING is optimized for unknown channels with interactive adaptive video coding, optimizing quality versus bandwidth, or letting user control based on relevance. Overall capacity needs is adjusted by changing frames/sec, compression and resolution. Streams can also be segmented into clips, and use storyboards to save more capacity, e.g. for long-duration streaming. _x000D__x000D_With the storyboard and preview photo, we reduce capacity in the order of 100-1000 times, compared to sending images in originally captured quality, but still offer full quality for specific regions of interest. Transfer speeds increase correspondingly. Related network resource management is shifted to a central location making it possible to prioritize network resources between multiple observers input. _x000D_We support geo-tagged images for integration into GIS (Geographical Information Systems) and a common operational picture. The ESRI ArcGIS and MapServer will be used for this purpose. _x000D__x000D_GOALS:_x000D_We target an operative pilot, and will demonstrate an integrated SW solutions that can automatically hand over and adapt to TETRA, Satellite and 2G/3G/4G-networks. Both technical validation and user trials will be conducted. A particular uses will be the Norwegian Directorate for Emergency Communications, the first to deploy TEDS. We also work with TETRA providers Motorola, EADS Cassidian (as TWISP-P), and Damm (common clients). _x000D__x000D_IMPACT _x000D_With the novel visual communications capabilities it will be important to integrated visual capabilities into real operations and emergency management SW tools. This will develop the market demand, and secure that solutions are user-focused and not only based on technical capabilities. T-SOFT and Quasar/TIEMS helps secure this element. _x000D__x000D_The relevant global safety and security markets are confirmed to be significant and global. The accumulated global market of A-SIGHT is estimated to 800 Million € by 2020. In addition the integrated satellite market for the same solution adds value to the development. _x000D__x000D_Letters of interest are provided by Motorola (TETRA provider), Inmarsat (satellite operator) and United Nations (UNOSAT), and Teaming agreement with Telespazio and Collaboration agreement with EADS Cassidian. _x000D__x000D__x000D_
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Acronym
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A-SIGHT
(Reference Number: 8302)
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Duration
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01/09/2013 - 29/02/2016
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Project Topic
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TETRA radio networks are used worldwide for mission critical communications. Limited radio network capacity challenges photo/video transfer. Interaction with satcom and cellular users is needed. A-SIGHT provides optimal visual data across TETRA and related hybrid networks.
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Network
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Eurostars
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Call
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Eurostars Cut-Off 10
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Project partner
