(U) Radiant CRYSTAL

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)

Overview: (U)
(U) Radiant CRYSTAL Phase I enhancements focused on expanding the range of signals that can be collected and automating the collection system.  These enhancements were completed in late October 1996, with an operational demonstration scheduled in November 1996 at naval Security Group Activity (NAVSECGRUACT) Rota, Spain.

(U) In FY97, more functional capabilities were added and a final demonstration of the prototype was performed.

Description: (U)
(U) Radiant TIN comprises the following separate efforts:

- (U) Imagery Compression- Through a process called "decomposition," Radiant TIN software (running on existing tactical data processors where possible) transforms the pixels of a digital image into polynomial equations describing straight lines, curves, and shades of gray in the image.  These equations, in the form of a binary file, may be transmitted among tactical units as E-mail, using existing communications systems.  The size of the binary file and, therefore, the speed of transmission of an image over a given communications circuit, is decided by the operator during the decomposition process- compression ratios in excess of 100:1 are feasible in many situations.  At the receive location, a process called "recomposition" is used to recreate a synthetic version of the original image.

- (U) Automatic Change Detection- Radiant TIN algorithms have the potential to automatically detect the differences between two images of the same scene.  Because the process relies on a mathematical rather than a pixel-by-pixel comparison, it is not necessary to rectify and mensurate the two images prior to comparing them.

- (U) Automatic Target Recognition- Radiant TIN algorithms offer the potential to automatically detect the presence of objects of tactical interest (e.g., tanks, artillery, aircraft, etc.) in an image.  The process searches for a match between mathematical descriptions of objects of tactical interest, stored in a reference file, and objects found in the image.  

(U) The Radiant TIN compression algorithm has been integrated into the Battle Group Information Exchange System (BGIXS) II by Command Submarine Atlantic (COMSUBLANT) as a replacement for CLUSTER KANE.  Ultimately, it is anticipated that this project will transition to the JMCIS Program Office.  As modules are developed they will be integrated into JMCIS.

User Impact: (U)
(U) None.

Programmatics: (U)
(U) Operational.

Related Initiatives: (U)
(U) None.

Related Requirements: (U)
(U) None.

Related Categories: (U)
(U) Navy TENCAP

Road Map Placements: (U)
(U) ISR.

Lead Office: (U)
(U) Navy.

Date of Information: (U)
04 September 1997

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)