Command Center

The ARS Command Center was a proof-of-concept prototype developed for the AUVSI trade show that demonstrates how live video from a manned or unmanned aircraft can be orthorectified in real time and displayed in a familiar top-down, north-up mapping interface.  Our team of software, mechanical, and electrical engineers designed and fabricated a custom solution which featured high quality clear anodized aluminum extrusions, a brushed metal enclosure, and arcade-style spinners on all four corners for zooming in and out.

Multiple terabytes of high-resolution imagery provided continent-wide detailed imagery for use by the system, and multiple simulated sensors were demonstrated simultaneously.

The following photos provide some insight into what goes on behind the scenes -- how we approach complex projects such as this one. (Click on any of the photos to view a larger version.)

The command center consisted of three high resolution 50" plasma screens -- a horizontal display with an infrared touchscreen overlay on a custom-built stand and 2 vertical displays capable of displaying a single extra-wide view, or two different views of the area being manipulated.	The base is constructed of heavy-duty 80-20 extruded aluminum with plexiglass inserts and illuminated by halogen lights. 4 heavy-duty high-resolution optical encoders provide a user interface that allows multiple participants to zoom in or out of the map.
A long day working on the table is coming to an end at our workshop in Boulder.	Four 19" rackmounted 2U servers and a multi-terabyte RAID sytem provide the computational horsepower and imagery for the system.
Engineers loading the software and testing it.	Final preparations being made at the trade show.

In Action and drawing crowds!