Digital video imagery and wireless communications for land-based reconnaissance missions

Abstract

Information superiority is a critical element of warfare. The commander who makes good decisions and executes these decisions at a superior tempo in the face of uncertainty and constrained time, most often leads his forces to victory. The research presented in this thesis seeks to provide superior information to the Commander in a visual form. This thesis explores, analyzes, and performs a proof-of-concept implementation for a real-time digital video reconnaissance system from forward locations to the rear using wireless communication. This thesis defines the requirements behind the implementation of the system and identifies a prototype suite of equipment. It investigates emergent Commercial-Off-the-Shelf components to identify the equipment that satisfies the system requirements and takes full advantage of current technological advances. Design selection is based on an evaluation of each component against criteria of minimum requirements and selects the most compatible device. It performs an analysis of the prototype by evaluating system throughput used to transmit audio and real-time video imagery. Results of this analysis suggest implementation of the prototype is feasible and that it satisfies the information gathering process