Digital Systems Engineering, Inc. (DSE) and Digital Design Corporation (DDC) have teamed to create a line of “smart monitors” supporting the US Army Driver’s Vision Enhancer – Family of Systems (DVE-FOS) Program. Based on the LCD display requirements of DVE-FOS, DSE and DDC have contributed core technologies to design and implement the DVE Rugged Advanced Processing Tactical Overlay Recorder (RAPTOR) Series which exceeds the program’s Display Control Module (DCM) specifications.
Currently, monitors installed in DVE-FOS systems are not equipped with a Digital Video Recorder (DVR). The DVE RAPTOR offers a ruggedized digital video recorder and image processing platform to upgrade the DVE-FOS system. The DVE RAPTOR can be mounted inside of any tactical wheeled vehicle; it is backwards compatible (electrically, mechanically, and user interface) with current legacy DVE installations, yet offers the latest video capabilities in image processing, graphic and symbology overlay, and digital video recording.
Through its design and display technology, the DVE RAPTOR gives users more control over situational awareness. This allows users unprecedented advantages in image analysis and processing in applications such as target acquisition, surveillance, information gathering or debriefing, intelligence recording and live capture scenarios. The DVE RAPTOR’s video imaging technology provides real-time recording and/or processing of high frame-rate 16-bit hi-resolution imagery in ruggedized applications. The DVR provides multiple independent channels, a variety of conventional VCR and “Tivo” type controls, and accommodates a wide range of input and output formats.
Another key feature of the rugged DVE RAPTOR display includes integrated Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) technology (MIL-STD-3009 Class B compliant), with a near zero color shift when used during night-time operations. This allows the DVE RAPTOR to maintain a full color picture – 24 hours a day, and the display will not bloom out Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) when at maximum brightness.
Other video image processing functions targeted at DVE-FOS include:
Local Area Processing (LAP)
Advanced RS-170 Scan Conversion
Image scaling and electronic zoom
Electronic image stabilization
Cascaded function data processing chains
Data compression and storage
Graphic overlay
Custom user interfaces
Sharpening filters
Noise reduction filters
Picture-in-Picture (PiP)
Picture-by-Picture (PbP)
The US Army’s DVE-FOS (Driver’s Vision Enhancer – Family of Systems) is a program anticipated to supply Combat Vehicles (CVs) and Tactical Wheeled Vehicles (TWVs) with new infrared-based systems. Currently, prime contractors are positioning themsleves with the DVE RAPTOR to win the DVE-FOS contract. Mounted within and outside the vehicle, the DVE-FOS system gives users greater situational awareness through the use of Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) technologies.