SUNNYVALE, Calif. , Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Using VUE software solutions unveiled today by Silicon Graphics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SGIC), Air Force researchers are fusing together visual information to better equip decision-makers to assess growing volumes of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) data.
At the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in Mesa, Ariz. , experts in the Human Effectiveness Directorate, from Arizona and Ohio , have built working models of visualization concepts designed to transform "information overload" into actionable insights. Researchers say their goal is to use visual information to develop tools and techniques that will enable leaders to make more informed decisions.
For this, they turned to Silicon Graphics(R) FusionVUE(TM) software, part of the company's new VUE suite of visualization software that change the way people create, distribute and use visual information.
With the ability to integrate any kind of visual information in any combination from any source, FusionVUE software has enabled AFRL to produce working models of three groundbreaking new concepts:
-- Knowledge Glyphs. In one knowledge glyph application, an interactive 3D environment simulates a battlespace centered around unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Throughout the environment are icons -- or glyphs -- that represent aircraft. Drawing from multiple data sources and platforms, AFRL is demonstrating the ability to feed vital information to each glyph, such as the status of an aircraft, its current crew, and its maintenance logs. That knowledge -- which might come from disparate databases located nearby or around the world -- creates a unique, real- time VUE of the battlespace. Interactively accessing this diverse data is expected to improve decision-making: For instance, leaders could efficiently manage the repair of a disabled vehicle in the field, dispatch a nearby refueling tanker, and scramble support troops to protect repair crews while they work. -- Remote monitoring. Gaining a holistic perspective of ISR data in traditional Command and Control (C2) centers can be difficult, since each piece of visual information is fed to an individual workstation. In its research lab, AFRL has created a C2 research environment with current mission software and 14 workstations. Using FusionVUE software, AFRL is able to VUE all of these sources in a single interactive 3D VUEspace environment displayed via a Sony 4K projection system. Each window in the VUEspace is live, interactive and real time. A decision-maker can select a particular source, VUE it in greater detail, and manipulate and interact with its contents. Researchers say the application may allow commanders to more effectively monitor and respond to conditions as they occur. -- 'Dial-a-room.' FusionVUE software also enables researchers to reconfigure data ingests on the fly, so the lab's workstations can access different applications and visual information as needs change. Known to researchers as "dial-a-room," the environment allows team members to manage dozens of data ingest sources with a limited number of workstations. Researchers dynamically select which visual information will be displayed within FusionVUE, based on current needs. Dial-a-room keeps lab operators from having to physically relocate workstations to accommodate different uses, such as switching from a Knowledge Glyph environment to a traditional command-and-control center. This saves time and allows AFRL to make maximum use of its resources and has potential applications for future C2 concepts."FusionVUE software empowers AFRL to dynamically integrate the diverse information they need in real-time -- accelerating visual analysis and helping them make better decisions," said Robert Pette , vice president, visualization, Silicon Graphics. "With FusionVUE, users can visually analyze enormous amounts of information in a highly intuitive and interactive environment -- making information overload a thing of the past. We're excited about the important work undertaken at AFRL, and we look forward to collaborating with them more in the future."
AFRL designed and implemented the FusionVUE infrastructure in close collaboration with SGI Professional Services. "We worked hand in hand with the AFRL team to take ideas like Knowledge Glyphs from a concept described on a presentation slide to the working model in use today," said Barbara Stinnett , senior vice president and chief customer officer, Worldwide Services and Solutions Group, Silicon Graphics. "Our Professional Services experts have helped AFRL extend its training and research environment with a proven solution that enables people to interact with any and all information in any context -- and in a way that's most appropriate for their needs."
Implementation Details: -- AFRL began working with the proven technology behind FusionVUE software in early 2007. Silicon Graphics worked closely with AFRL to extend the capabilities of FusionVUE. As of today the lab has scaled its use of FusionVUE to include 26 diverse information sources. -- The environment is powered by three Silicon Graphics(R) Virtu(TM) visualization systems, a Sony 4K projection system, and a high-definition video wall. -- Silicon Graphics engineers integrated the solution with L-3 Communications, a prime contractor in command, control and communications, ISR, government services, and aircraft modernization and maintenance. More on VUE: -- VUE software solutions combine visual information from any source application or platform, fuse it into an intuitive three-dimensional viewing experience, and securely deliver that experience to anyone - on whatever device they choose. -- VUE is based on patented Silicon Graphics visualization technologies, proven for more than 20 years in the world's most mission critical environments. -- For more information on Silicon Graphics VUE solutions and the entire Silicon Graphics visualization product line, visit: http://www.sgi.com/vue. Additional Information: -- Silicon Graphics Ushers in New Age of Visualization with VUE (Press release, Oct. 28, 2008) -- Silicon Graphics Launches Visual Solution for Complex Event Processing (Press release, Oct. 28, 2008) -- Solution Brief: VUE in Defense and Security RSS Feeds: -- My Yahoo -- Google -- Bloglines -- XMLSGI | Innovation for Results(TM)
SGI (NASDAQ: SGIC) is a leader in high-performance computing. SGI delivers a broad range of high-performance server, storage and visualization solutions along with industry-leading professional services and support that enable its customers to overcome the challenges of complex data-intensive workflows and accelerate breakthrough discoveries, innovation and information transformation. SGI helps customers solve significant challenges whether it's enhancing the quality of life through drug research, designing and manufacturing safer and more efficient cars and airplanes, studying global climate change, providing technologies for homeland security and defense, or helping enterprises manage large data. With offices worldwide, the company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif. , and can be found on the Web at sgi.com.
Note: SGI corporate phone numbers in Sunnyvale, CA are changing to reflect the local area code. The new main number for SGI corporate headquarters is 408-524-1980.
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TECHNORATI TAGS: visualization, SGI, Silicon Graphics, hpc, Virtu, VUE MEDIA CONTACT Marla Robinson [email protected] 256.773.2371 SGI PR HOTLINE 408-524-2810SOURCE Silicon Graphics, Inc.
