India’s fastest supercomputer set to land in Bangalore soon

By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service

Bangalore: India’s fastest supercomputer will be soon housed in Bangalore. Sources with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and CSIR Centre for Mathematical Modelling and Computer Simulation (CSIR C-MMACS) confirmed to Express on the eve of National Science Day that, the yet-to-be-named high performance computing (HPC) system will be used for genome informatics (gene sequencing), geo-science informatics (earth, ocean and atmosphere) and engineering sciences (aerodynamics of planes, development of smart materials and computer-aided drug design).
The supercomputer, when operational, is expected to deliver a sustained performance in excess of 250 teraflops (T-Flops). “The system would be capable of performing 250 x 10¹² Floating Point Operations (FLOPS) per second – more than 10,000 times faster than a normal computer with dual core processor. The complex problems generally associated with advanced scientific research would all now get a huge boost with the arrival of the supercomputer,” says Prof P Seshu, Head, C-MMACS.
As per the Top-500 list of supercomputers in the world published in November 2011, the biggest system in India is Eka presently with Tata Computational Research Laboratory, Pune. This system installed in 2007 is roughly around 133 T-Flops of sustained performance.
Supercomputers in scientific research can be utilised for modelling earthquakes, ocean currents, quantum chemistry and Astrophysics.  In the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-’17), the central government has decided to pump in funds to tune of Rs 6,000 crore to propel India into the elite supercomputing club.
“CSIR-CMMACS presently has 24 T-Flops system, which is listed among the top in the country. Over the next few years, CSIR plans to upgrade their supercomputing capacity to 10 petaflops (10 x 10¹⁵ ),” says R P Thangavelu, Coordinator, HPC Group, C-MMACS. A state-of-the-art data centre is being planned at the CMMACS facility in Belur, near Old Bangalore Airport.
A visualisation hyperwall is also being established to facilitate compute and data intensive scientific research. “Present high-fidelity computer simulations as well as the vast array of sensors spew out huge data (terabytes to petabytes). Thus, efficient data analytics and visualisation tools immensely aid the researcher to infer knowledge from data,” says Prof Seshu.
Prof Samir K Brahmachari, Director-General CSIR told Express that such a facility would play a crucial role in empowering data intensive scientific discovery in the fourth paradigm of science. “Today all the 40 CSIR labs in India are interconnected using the National Knowledge Network (NKN) which enables all the scientists to access the supercomputing facility remotely. The new system would enhance the capabilities in areas such as genome analysis, weather modelling, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the like,” Prof Bramachari said.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

An updated graphic on futurustic soldier as a system

The original post is the 4th one below. Else this link: http://tarmak007.blogspot.in/2012/02/futuristic-doldier-as-system-undergoes.html

Stink & sewage in Ulsoor Lake sink Army's training pattern | MEG Sappers hunting for another water body | Want the BBMP to clean up the filth

By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service

Bangalore: Indian Army’s woes in Bangalore continue. If the 2 Para Special Forces are waiting for land to set up a safe Drop Zone, the Madras Engineering Group and Centre (MEG&C) has now launched a hunt for a water body to train its men. Reason: Their lone lifeline for ages - the Ulsoor Lake - is filled with sewage, filth and weeds. Aftermath: The sacrosanct Army training schedules have gone for a toss. Solution: The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) must step in swiftly and restore the pride of the lake and Army.
Army sources say that they have taken up the matter with the BBMP officials attached to Environment Cell. “We have been told that the tendering work to clean up the lake needs be initiated. The sewage is coming into the lake from nearby colonies. We did the testing of the water and found the sewage content at alarming rates,” sources said.
It is mandatory for the Army to train its men in a water source for Wet Bridging (Floating Bridge) exercise. For many decades, the Ulsoor Lake has been the lifeline for the Sappers, who also undertake training in water sports activities like rowing, sailing and kayaking, canoeing. Men are also trained in combat engineering operations for lagoon patrolling in the lake.
The MEG Sappers are now looking for an alternative area with water bodies for training their men. “We will have to shift the training area and translocate boats, outboard motors, paddles and weight training equipment. We can’t afford to have our training schedules hit like this,” sources said.
The Army is left with no choice but to wait for the BBMP to act. “We have promised the BBMP officials men and material, but the funding has to come from them. There are many successful lake desilting models available with them and it’s a question of putting the right one for Ulsoor Lake,” sources said.
The BBMP has written to MEG in October 2011 promising to take up the works, including rejuvenation of existing Kadarenahalli Lake by desilting, rain water harvesting facilities and construction of a sewage treatment plant in the vicinity.

WE ARE AT IT: BBMP | M K Shankalinge Gowda, BBMP Commissioner told Express that the very size of Ulsoor Lake makes the mission of keeping in clean a Herculean task. "This lake requires extra efforts and we can arrive at a solution only with joint brainstorming sessions with the Army. Coordination is the key and we are at it," Gowda said.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

A formidable Triveni Sangam scripting desi tech thrillers | DRDO, industry, academia script a new chapter

By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service

Bangalore: Success breeds success and Indian defence R&D's is tasting just that. With hand-holding becoming the common norm in aerospace and defence, the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) too adopted the model of partnerships for various stages of the product life-cycle, while retaining certain core areas as its niche. The 'CAIR Model' hence became a reasonably unique experiment within the government setup and enabled the projection of its footprint on a larger canvass.
This model is a strategic one of collaboration for capacity and not capability. “Capability and capacity building are the two important facets of a technical organization. Usually, the former is the focus of R&D labs like CAIR and academia, while the latter is the focus of industries that thrive on the our innovations. Research often emanates from the portals of academia. World over, the seeds of research that is likely to culminate in a product are often sown in the precincts of university campuses,” say sources.
Interaction between the CAIR and academia brings in a synergy that helps raise the bar for both players. “Design, engineering and manufacturing are traditional core strengths of industry, and partnering with them on the lines of the CAIR Model would facilitate introduction of cutting-edge technologies into product design making them globally competitive,” say sources.
A recent venture by the CAIR is its participation in activities at the newly established Defence Research Innovation Center, at an adjoining campus of IIT, Madras (IITM). This research park is funded by DRDO and aims to bring faculty of IITM, leading industries, and scientists of DRDO towards a common cause of nurturing innovation. “We have successfully partnered with premier private sector industries and public sector undertakings, who have contributed excess of 1000 man years of support to us. This has very contributed to the long-list of successful systems that have been developed and fielded,” sources said.
Students beneficiaries: IIT Madras | For the last 10 years, IIT Mardas is partnering with CAIR on the electronics front. We are developing intelligent hardware and software for image processing, speech, cryptography, Artificial Intelligence, robotics and large-scale data analytics. Our goal is to make the software in India, tailor-made to DRDO's needs. Our students are the biggest beneficiaries of this unique bonding of all. - Prof Kamakoti, Head, Computer Science Dept, IIT Madras.
Win-Win Situation: Mahindra Satyam | We are engaged with CAIR in developing C4I and NCO systems for our Armed Forces. Our association is now close to three years with an aim to reduce the dependency on foreign companies. Its is a matter of pride for us to share our strengths and build core competence in some critical areas. It's a win-win situation for all. – Karthikeyan Natarajan, Senior VP & Global Head, Integrated Engineering Solutions, Mahindra Satyam.
India Shining Story: DRDO | I have been speaking in one tone so that the DRDO, industry and academia come togther to strengthen our R&D. If we keep on importing, we will neever become a self-reliant nation? DRDO has many futuristic programmes and we are willing to hand-hold with Indian industries and educational institutions. We have the brains who can develop smart systems. To me, this is truly the 'India Shining' story. -- V K Saraswat, Director General, DRDO

Copyright@The New Indian Express

 (Series concluded)

What you say about Intelligent India series? Email anantha.ak@gmail.com

At 80, Kalam says he's in love

By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service

Bangalore: APJ is in love! Deep love! This could be one piece of news that might hit you on a Sunday morning in surprise. It's confirmed. There's proof. And, he has admitted it. He even posted a video with his 'love' on his FB page. He penned a poem dipped in passion. The Missile Man is bit by the love bug at 80.
It was on Valentine's Day – a committed Kalam made up his mind and leaked the news to the world. He first posted a photo on FB, standing next to his apple of eye. He was calm. Cool and had some looks of a man in 'love.' Those following him world-over were thrilled, even prompting this Correspondent to quiz him: “Dr Kalam, what's going on through your mind.” No reply came. Nor any 'Like This' message.
But he sprang a surprise by penning a poem two weeks later. This time he chose to go the digital way. When Express sought the lyrics of the poem, Kalam responded at lightning speed. And, some of the lines randomly read: “With a music of honey bee intoxicated; A surprise and a miracle; At no time experienced disappointed; Your soul wants us to blossom; Oh Kalam!”
Sources close to him say that his love really blossomed while he was the First Citizen of India. Wanting anonymity, they said that the former President was seen 'dating' at Mughal Garden, not once, many times. “What mattered to the missile man was the fragrance and charm that reflected the inner beauty and definitely not the external looks. He was very thrilled every time he was at the Mughal Garden,” a close aide of his said.
So what's making him open his heart now? To let the world know what is in his mind. To pen a poem that goes on to read: Smile and always spontaneously smile; Touched my face and body, fully rejuvenated; Make the world smile.
On his FB page (www.facebook.com/OfficialKalam), the 'Like This' fan numbers have crossed the 2-lakh mark on Saturday, probably due to his revelations about his latest 'love' and the life, thereafter. 

There's nothing wrong to fall in love at 80. After all, roses are harmless. Only, keep away from the thorns!

Copyright@The New Sunday Express

Futuristic soldier as a system undergoes skill tests at CAIR

By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service

Bangalore: In tune with Indian Army's massive modernisation plans, defence scientists have gone one step ahead to give birth to a tech-solider as a system. Wrapped in sensors and sporting a combat suit stitched from NBC-clothing (Nuclear, Biological and Chemical), this solider from a la Star War zone is currently undergoing 'skill tests' at the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) lab in Bangalore.
Sources tell Express that the project-X (not yet named), took birth 18 months back at CAIR. “We are sure that in future there will be a requirement from the Army for similar systems when the modernisation plans embrace the foot solider. By then, we will be ready with a system that is tested in-house, proven and fit for the field trials,” sources said.
For the project, the scientists have designed and developed indigenous wearable computers that can be leveraged to process, display, store and disseminate information received from the sensors. Necessary command and control (C2) applications that would be needed for collaboration between members of the combat team are also ready. These applications provide capabilities of locating self on a map using location based services, red-force and blue-force tracking, streaming video from head mounted and robot mounted cameras. Additionally, the CAIR has also identified power packs with suitable form factors.
“In modern combat, there are increasing demands being placed on the human soldiers along various dimensions. For example, in terms of perception, they are expected to be able to operate at night, in dense foliage and in densely built-up urban areas, where human vision may prove to be inadequate and direction of attack may not be perceptible,” say sources.
In terms of coordination, groups of individuals need to carry out complex coordinated tasks, even in the face of uncertainties and hostilities. In terms of logistics, the soldiers are expected to survive and sustain operations for prolonged durations. These demands can be met only by augmenting human capabilities with technology insertions.
For increasing perceptual capabilities, a number of imaging sensors like night vision sensors, infrared sensors, thermal and through-the-wall imaging sensors are provided to the gen-next solider. “Acoustic and vibration sensors can be harnessed to address sensing of direction of fire. This enables the soldier to become a cybernetic entity with extra-human sensing capabilities. The soldier as a system with one such sensors will be be able to receive the incoming data, store, process, display and disseminate it,” say sources.
Wearable computers along with ad-hoc networking capability are thus a critical necessity. The peer-to-peer networking capability allows the individuals to share sensory inputs, information about own and sensed enemy elements, tasks and plans. “This allows collaboration and coordination between individuals, effectively creating a cybernetic super-organism out of the team,” sources said.
The 'Soldier.ver2' is armed with a modular personal weapon which has thermal sight and greater aiming sight, when compared to some modern spit-fire units. With laser-pointers, nano-target correction modes and radio controls, the CAIR scientists are marching ahead in confidence rubbing shoulders with the mean man-machine. For they know, tomorrow is different.

Copyright@The New Sunday Express

Concluding part-XV, tomorrow: CAIR,

industry & academia partnership

Ad-hoc network for futuristic warfare scenario warming up

By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service

Bangalore: For over the last one decade, Bangalore has been the hub of R&D in military communication with the scientists from the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) leading the march on this front. Focus has been on the R&D of wireless ad-hoc networks, which are wireless, decentralized and infrastructure less (unlike cellular networks). Ad-hoc network consists of nodes which are capable of executing computations and data exchanges amongst their peers. Hence, the nodes in an ad-hoc network function very much like a router in a conventional computer network.
Two important ad-hoc networks of use in military scenario are Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks (MANETs) and Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN). The former is characterized by the high mobility of nodes providing data or voice communication amongst nodes, while the latter is a relatively static network with its nodes equipped with sensors whose choice depend on the application.
“MANETs serve to provide voice and data communication amongst roaming entities such as dismounted platoon of soldiers, inter-battlefield tank communications etc. Their role is not limited to application on ground as nodes of a MANET can be located on land, on sea or in the air. Providing such a voice and data communication capability would provide sharing of situational awareness amongst battlefield entities like dismounted soldiers, battlefield tanks and military aircraft,” say sources.
MANET is formed by mobile communicating nodes, interconnected by wireless communication links. It is self-configuring upon changes in topology occurring due to the random movement of communicating nodes. The main features of MANET are: a) routes between nodes may contain multiple hops; b) rapidly deployable due to self-configuring capability; c) dynamic changes in network topology. Among the challenges are: limited wireless transmission range, packet losses due to transmission errors and, operational requirements under energy constraints. Ongoing work in the above area focuses on the development of communication protocols with power awareness.
WSNs serve to provide surveillance capabilities through appropriate sensors located in nodes that are geographically distributed. “This network is characterized by low power, unattended nodes that interact in a cooperative manner to perform their assigned tasks. Introduction of inexpensive, micro-sized devices which serve to act as a node in a WSN has revolutionized the applications of WSN ranging from simple civilian to complex battlefield applications. An important application of WSN is in providing perimeter security for the detection of intrusion by humans and vehicles into a geographical area monitored by a WSN,” say sources.
Scientists say that MANETs and WSNs throw several challenges to those involved in their design. MANETs require complex routing strategy to provide highly reliable communication amongst the nodes. In the case of WSNs the challenge lies in routing under severely constrained energy availability. The R&D efforts of the CAIR are directed towards realization of feasible, reliable, secure MANETs and WSNs.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Part 14, tomorrow: Futuristic Soldier

CABS touches 21 | Spirited scientists await prying plane | Sub-systems for surveillance getting ready

By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service

Bangalore:  The Centre for Air-Borne Systems (CABS) touched 21 silently with a story matching that of the proverbial Phoenix. With a morale virtually reduced to ground-zero following the tragic crash of  their pet prototype plane Airborne Surveillance Platform (ASP) in 1999, today the CABS has made most of its detractors run for cover. Thanks to the decision-makers at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) HQ in Delhi, the CABS got a fresh lease of life in 2004, when they bagged the prestigious Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system project.
With the Indian defence R&D sector often riddled with morale-stripping tales of failed and delayed missions, the CABS workforce smartly chose to lie low, fixing their focus on business hours. In 2007 when its customer (air force) 'finally' made up their minds (operational requirements) as to how intelligent their prying plane should be, the scientists began tweaking technology that would eventually put  India into an elite club.
As this piece goes to print, Team CABS is at a striking distance from embedding smart systems onboard the Embraer-built EMB-145I AEW&C platform. The first plane will make a touchdown in Bangalore in June. When fully loaded, it would detect, identify, and classify threats present in the surveillance area and act as a command and control centre to support air defence operations.
Giving heads-up on the project to Express, CABS Director S Christopher said that all the sub-systems for surveillance are getting ready. “The primary radar, electronic support measure, communication support measure, line-of-sight and SATCOM data links have reached the final stages of development. They are now in the test and integration phase,” Christopher said. He said the lab is gearing up for a formal Raising Day event soon.
Through this programme, the CABS has gifted India critical gen-next technologies. “The core competence is generated in the field of Mark XII SSR systems, tactical software for network-centric operations and in design-development of complex avionics systems. A few of the building block, technologies and patents indigenously-realised can be used for several spin-offs and exports,”says G Elangovan, DRDO Chief Controller (R&D), Avionics.
Facilities established for the AEW&C project like the Planar Near Field Measurement (PNFM), System Test and Integration Rig (STIR), EMI/EMC Test Laboratory, Lightning Test Facility (LTF), Highly Accelerated Life Test (HALT), Highly Accelerated Stress Screening (HASS) chamber and the Flight Test Centre could well aid CABS' future prime prying projects.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Reasoning-based Artificial Intelligence to aid military decision-making

By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service

Bangalore: A critical manifestation of human intelligence is the ability to reason, to be able to decide in the face of choices, the ability to discover patterns. These capabilities have a huge payoff in the military context. Hence, a critical application of artificial intelligence (AI) is in the context of reasoning, which is touched upon in simple terms in this part of the series.
Modern military decision making involves choosing between various emerging choices in the backdrop of a continuous stream of abundant information. This complexity is almost paralyzing to the human being and is also called information overload. Reasoning techniques using AI developed at the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) can be a great support, as they can automate many of these tasks.
Another important area is that of military planning. This involves creating a winning strategy in the game of war. “Creating a winning strategy in a far simpler game like chess has been an enigma. Winning strategies for military are far more complex problems. Planning begins to fail, if one needs to strategise under severe time constraints – something that an intelligent and resourceful adversary can create. This is another area that can be supported using AI techniques developed at CAIR,” say sources.
Effective and actionable intelligence creation is both a military and a national need. This has been seen both during Kargil as well as Mumbai. The key problems have been that intelligence is a multi-domain problem, and the information from sensors and agents is usually raw. “This requires humongous human effort to categorize, collate and synthesize information into actionable intelligence – leading to issues of timeliness. The CAIR has established tools that can significantly automate this task,” says sources.
Another aspect of intelligence is to be able to decipher the social network of an adversarial organization. Social network analysis provides insights about the key role players as well as the chains of command. This information has very significant military usage. The scientists have developed solutions that can analyse social networks, and visually represent them for military decision-making.
Finally, robotic intelligence, the dream of science fiction – is the amalgamation of AI and robotics into cyborgs. The CAIR has pioneered this effort in India, and has created intelligent robots that can perform a class of complex tasks autonomously.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Part 13, tomorrow: Adhoc Sensor Networks

Inspired by nature, scientists develop artificial neural network models

By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service

Bangalore: Want new ideas? Log on to nature! Well, this could be the in-thing Indian defence scientists are wedded to, while exploring the mesmerising possibilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), the focal point of this  series, is developing AI network models that emulate the computing style of intelligence inherent in nature. “Nature’s creations consist of highly complex systems. The human brain’s Neural Network is an example. The brain is able to perform complex tasks by simultaneous computations, based on sophisticated signalling between neurons. Swarm Intelligence is another example of collective intelligence seen in nature, most commonly in bees and termites,” say sources.
While computer science has progressed considerably, accurately mimicking nature and making them exhibit any significant degree of perception or intelligence, still remains beyond our reach. Increase in computation power has not yet helped in intelligent cognition.  Computational intelligence offers the mechanism of ‘learning’ algorithms that arrive at solutions based on ‘experience’, much like a human does.
“The powerful train-by-example paradigm allows the algorithm to learn based on encountered data, obviating the need for complex classification metrics. In this paradigm, labelled training data is provided to the neural network model, which ‘learns’ to give the correct responses, even for those inputs not previously encountered,” say sources.
Data mining toolbox: A good data mining tool must discover patterns in data. These can then be used to make predictions. However, the biggest problem with military data is that it is unstructured. The state-of-the-art toolbox for doing Pattern Recognition and Knowledge Handling developed at the CAIR is said to be effective for intelligence analysis and decision support in Net Centric Operations.
“It can lend cognitive capabilities to a software defined radio and provide speech and speaker recognition engines. It can autonomously sort the vast amount of information received, impossible for human analysts to collate and analyse. It rejects incorrect or spurious inputs, collates usable inputs and creates inferences under the relevant topic heads,” sources said.
Swarm Intelligence Algorithms are another example of AI mimicking nature. Scientists at the CAIR has developed a site selection algorithm based on the simple, distributed nest construction behaviour of termites with no central control or supervision. “The swarm behaviour has been improvised upon to create a geographical site selection tool used to select suitable sites for any kind of requirement off a digital map, typically military deployments. The algorithm examines a designated area for suitability based on the termite behaviour patterns, using pre-fed logic, and displays selected areas on a geo-spatial information system (GIS) display,” sources said. 

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Part 12, tomorrow: Reasoning,

based on Artificial Intelligence

ALH Rudra ready to spit fire | HAL equates it with Black Hawk & Puma | Phase-1 IOC likely in May

  Above sequence of photos are taken during Rudra's ATGM Helina trials. Have you seen these photos, before? Remember to give due credits while sharing!

 By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is all set to unleash Rudra, a beast of a machine from its hangars soon. Rudra (fierce form of Lord Shiva) is the Mk-IV weapon systems integrated (WSI) version of HAL’s star chopper Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and is expected to get the Phase-1 Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) this May. Painted in black, the Rudra is one hell of a machine -- fully-loaded and truly menacing. HAL says get on beyond the looks!
The IOC is split into two parts, with Phase-2 expected later, only to accommodate the users’ choice of an anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). The Defence Research Development Organisation too is tempting the user (Army & IAF) with a desi-ATGM (Helina, the air version of Nag also called as alternate ATGM). “The weapon trials are on and we have completed the Missile, gun and rocket trials at Pokhran, Chandipur and Kalaikunda. We are conducting integrated weapon trails with all sensors coming into play,“ sources said. The Rudra is powered by Shakthi engine.
As per the initial orders, close to 70 Rudras are to be supplied to Indian armed forces. “It has comfortably-exceeded the payload and performance requirements at 6 km height. It has integrated sensors, weapons and electronic warfare suite using an upgraded version of the glass cockpit used in the Mk-III. The cockpit avionics is a state-of-the-art technology when it comes to helicopters. The sensors include stabilised day and night cameras, Infra-Red imaging, as well as laser ranging and designation,” sources said.
The weapons onboard Rudra cover all role aspects including air-to-air and air-to-ground from the stabilised and turreted high-velocity M621 20 mm cannon to long-range 70 mm rockets (8 km) and air-to-air missiles (Mistral-II). The EW suite consists of MAWS (missile approach warning system) laser and radar warning systems and automated with sensors covering all envisaged threats. It has automatic dispensation of countermeasures like chaff and fare dispensing systems.
HAL claims that Rudra is the only attack helicopter in the world which can operate in the higher reaches of the Himalayas with a decent armament load. “The MI-35 is restricted to well below 6000 feet and the newly-acquired Apache will be restricted to below 12,000 feet. This puts the onerous task of defending the Himalayas on Rudra. It is not strictly an attack helicopter in the present day context and perhaps be compared to a proof-of-concept US-Israeli Black Hawk (completed in 2009) and to the recent IAR-330 SOCAT armed upgrade version of Eurocopter’s Puma helicopter,” say HAL sources.
Both Black Hawk and Puma are in the 9 tonne AUW (all-up weight) Class, and have far lesser high-altitude performance compared to Rudra. The Mk-III version of Dhruv holds the record of landing on a helipad at 20,000 feet in Siachen (world’s highest helipad) carrying a load in excess of 600 kg, during peak summers.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Smart processing of images & videos that makes the mission menacing

 By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: Photographs and videos are two vital intelligence inputs that make the mission meaningful and menacing. With the advent of digital imagery, the option to process, enhance and disseminate the imagery intelligence opened up. Today, the trend is fast-pacing towards ubiquitous imaging, grabbing of videos rather than still images, and of creating large image collections.
The call of the hour hence is for specific technologies to process, store and exploit large number of images and videos. A comprehensive image and video processing solution that brings together the various processing capabilities that exist in the civilian space. Hence, the technology gets templated into three parts: a) ability to process the raw images and videos and convert them into higher quality or of lesser size; b) ability to create large collections which can be maintained and queried over military networks. [If repositories are not maintained and searchable, they are not useful in times of need.]; c) (iii) ability to automatically characterize images and videos, so as to allow object and action recognition of military interest for the volumes of images and videos likely to be acquired in the future.
Creation of such facilities requires a lot of technology development, integration and product design. There is an ongoing effort at the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) towards implementing, improvising and integrating the latest image and video processing methods to create a unified image and video application suite in the defence context.
In the area of computer vision, the CAIR has developed a comprehensive library for image and video processing, including techniques for image enhancement, manipulation, registration, geo-coding, multi-sensor image fusion, mosaicing and 3D reconstruction from multiple views. “The scientists have made inroads in areas like depth from stereo images, motion detection, tracking, progressive image and video transmission formats, super resolution-magnification, segmentation and steganography. In content characterization area, object detection and activity analysis, there is ongoing work using color, texture, key points, visual words, video shot segmentation, video synopsis and activity characterization,” sources said.
Prototype applications have been developed for Progressive Image Transmission, Content Based Image Retrieval, Image Fusion (including change detection) and Image-Map Display. In the area of visualization, the CAIR has developed the interactive 3D Terrain Flythrough software.
Currently, the computer vision team  at the CAIR is engaged in a project to develop a number of applications for image and video processing in the net-centric operations (NCO) context. “These applications are designed to address the requirements of smart push and smart pull of images and videos to and from shared repositories across a network. The focus is on enabling preprocessing imagery, meta-data binding to imagery, tag-content-based imagery retrieval and exploitation of retrieved images and videos,” sources said.
AIMS OF NET-CENTRIC OPS
* Noise reductions and enhancement techniques.
* Magnification and super-resolution of images-video frames.
* Mosaicing of images-video frames.
* Fusion of images from different sensors to create composites.
* Processing videos from moving platforms to create stabilized videos with wide field of view and tracking of moving objects.
* Geo-registration and geo-calibration of images and videos to maps.
* 3D calibration and computation of 3D measurements from multiple images of target objects (buildings, bridges and other large objects)
* Automatic video summary generation based on activity periods and key frames to create short digests from long surveillance clips.
* Content-based automatic indexing and retrieval of images-videos.
* Progressive transmission formats for images and videos to cater for truncated transmission over tactical networks due to jamming.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

 Part XI, Tomorrow: Artificial

intelligence inspired by nature

Stay tuned for an update on Rudra!

2 Para Special Forces commandos denied land for para jumps near Bangalore | Govt yet to notify land found ideal by Army as Drop Zone | Paratroopers fly out to Agra for exercise | Govt wants Army to be patient

INVESTIGATION

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: The Special Forces (SF) commandos in Bangalore are left in the lurch. They don't have a place for parachute refresher training – a must-do-dare-devil-exercise – also known as para-jumps. The Indian Army says they have identified an area at Hoskote Kera on the outskirts of Bangalore and written to Karnataka government (read as several times) seeking their permission to notify the 505 acres of land for their special training. The Army feels that the area provides an ideal ground for safe landing, with the soil being smooth and absorbing the impact.
The exercise (either a jump or drop) is performed from a chopper, AN-32 or IL-76. In a free fall jump, a paratrooper comes down at great speeds with severe g-force with the the chute opening at one particular height. In the second option, the chute opens the moment a paratrooper is dropped.
The 2 Para Regiment (Special Forces) was allotted to Bangalore post 26/11, while Chennai and Kolkota got the National Security Guard (NSG) hub. Bangalore also houses the Indian Army's Parachute Regimental Training Centre. In 2010, the 2 Para SF set up their base in Hebbal, with little details known about their  operations.
Documents with Express show that the Army first wrote to the Karnataka government in May 2010, requesting permission for utilising the land at Hokote Kera for four weeks in a year (one week in a quarter). The Army also gave an undertaking in writing that no permanent assets would be built on the land. “In the same letter, the Army wanted the area notified to avoid high-rise buildings and towers coming up in the vicinity, which might endanger the lives of paratroopers,” sources said.
Sources say that the bureaucratic wrangles in the state government shook the Army a bit considering the premier force had to wait a for a long time for an exercise meant to equip its men in the wake of a terrorists' strike. The paratroopers finally were given the nod to performs their jumps between October 27-29 in 2010 with the Bangalore Rural District collector granting permission in a letter dated 20.10.2010.
In 2011, the Army again wrote to the state government for a repeat exercise, but this time (so far) no permission came forth. This forced the paratroopers to be airlifted to Agra so that they didn't miss their schedules. Now, an irked Army is planning to take up the matter with the state government one more time, wanting a permanent solution to their demand.

Let the Army not lose heart: Karnataka Govt
The Karnataka government is in no mood to drag their feet into yet another controversy with a battalion of woes already chasing them. When Express sought the state's version to Army's plea for a safe drop zone (DZ) for its paratroopers in Hoskote Kere, a senior government official wanted the Army not to lose heart. He also felt that had the Army put a well-oiled follow-up mechanism in place, a different story could have unfolded.
“We have never backed out of our responsibilities in supporting our Armed Forces. We keep getting request from the IAF, CRPF, Navy and many more from time to time. We recently allotted land to CRPF in Belgaum. We are ready to help and take decisions above the board when in comes to our defence forces,” the official said.
When brought to the notice that the Army officials were made to run from pillar to post, the official said: “Let them not lose heart and be patient. The said land in Hoskote is a dried tank bed and there are court rulings in notifying them. I am sure that the local people in the area would benefit if an Army unit comes up there. The economy of the region would also improve.”
With none from local Army units wanting to comment, sources in the Army HQ directly dealing with the 2 Para (SF) told Express that the matter has already reached them. “To a paratrooper every jump matters and it is evaluated by instructors. The availability of air support and safe ground areas are two key things. With the unit moving to Bangalore, it was essential that such facility was available to the paratroopers near the base. When the permission was getting delayed in Bangalore, we directed the local units (Bangalore) to do a recce of an area in Thoranagallu (Bellary). But, they found the land not suitable for jump with rough pebbles all over. We don't want our soldiers to bleed during training, but sweat hard,” the official said.
He said para jumps at Hoskote Kere would be a tremendous motivating factor for the local youth and would also project the role of Indian Army in Karnataka. “It would act as deterrence to any evil designs, in addition to reducing the burden on the exchequer in moving the personnel from Bangalore to Agra and back,” the official told Express.

(Copyright@The New Indian Express)

BLOGGERS' NOTE: The blog was down for a day for fixing some back-end concerns -- all part of the regular house-keeping work. Many registered-members emailed saying they too weren't able to access the account and all that is fixed now. The load on the blog has increased in the last three months with too many hi-res images getting onboard, in addition to regular content. A Tarmak007.Ver2 is in the  offing and until then you will have to face these occasional black-outs. Regrets to all regular users for yesterday's shut-down. --Tarmak007

Indigenous Geographical Information System for military applications ready

 By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore:  Geographical Information Systems (GIS) play a crucial role in operation planning, execution and monitoring of progress by Armed Forces by showing all entities of interest in the context of a map. The GIS provides spatial information platform such as digital maps, digital elevation maps and satellite images to visualize the operation scenario. This would  help enable the disposition of enemy deployments and better planning of own forces' deployment.
Most of the GIS applications used by Indian armed forces are based on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software. These COTS GIS come with strict licensing policy and are prone to technology denial.  Their interoperability with other GIS systems for exchange of spatial information is limited. To overcome these challenges and pitfalls of COTS GIS, the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) has undertaken a project to develop home-grown GIS software for military applications, christened as INDIGIS.
“The INDIGIS is a suite of GIS components which are customizable, scalable and data centric. It meets the specific GIS requirements of a collaborative defense environment.  The INDIGIS component suite can be customized to build military GIS applications to facilitate planning, execution, monitoring and support of military operations. It offers a common platform for display, analysis and decision support involving spatio-temporal data for Net Centric Operation (NCO) systems,” sources said.
Indigenous GIS kernel has been developed as a library of software components to cover the following major function. They are: a) processing of geo-spatial data in various formats of interest to Indian military; b) creation and management of a portable military symbol library; c) geo-spatial data exchange, analysis and visualization with various Tactical Command Control Communication and Intelligence (TacC3I) systems; d) analysis and visualization of data from military sensors like GPS, digital compass, Battlefield Surveillance Radar, echo- sounder and unmanned aerial vehicles; f) support for all the usual features of COTS GIS including analysis and visualization of geo-spatial data in 2D and 3D, management of user created spatial data layers (overlays) and simulation modeling and decision support aids for spatial data analysis.
 

INDIGIS FEATURES 

* Spatial data interoperability support for majority of commonly-used map and image  data formats.* Scale space visualization for retrieval and rendering of spatial data (raster and vector).* On the fly projection map data with read-outs.* Seamless integrated visualization and analysis of topographic -hydrographic data.* Map updation and trafficabilitity analysis for cross-country movements.* Integrated tools for military specific requirements like image processing, spatial decision support aids, and modeling tools.* Portable military symbol library that caters for the requirements of the 3 Services.* Support for Linux and Windows Operating Systems. 

Copyright@The New Indian Express

 

Part X, tomorrow: Computer Vision Group

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Testing under way...

The blog is undergoing house-keeping testing and you might face some difficulties in accessing links now and then. Registered members may login with user ID. Try and open post(s) in a new window for faster access. Tarmak007

SAPTHA UPAGRAHA: IRNSS constellation will make India a supreme space power: ISRO | Multi-pronged results assured: Radhakrishnan

By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service

Bangalore: It's Mission Saptha Upagraha and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) says all on track. The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) is a constellation of seven satellites and the ISRO seems to have pooled the best space stars from various work centers for the project. Shrugging out of the current crisis and sticking as one unit chanting the 'Mission Matters-mantra' spelt-out by its chief K Radhakrishnan, the prestigious mission promises to make India an independent space power.
Scheduled for a launch this year, three satellites are expected to be placed in the Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at 32.5°E, 83°E & 131.5°E and two satellites each will be placed in the Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO) with equatorial crossing at 55°E and 111.5°E and at an inclination of 29° to the equator. Two spare satellites are also planned as part of the mission. The IRNSS would provide two services, with the Standard Positioning Service (SPS) open for civilian use and the Restricted Service (RS) -- an encrypted one – for authorized users (military).
The spacecraft configuration has been finalized and the satellites of the constellation are being configured identically with each weighing 1425 kg. First flight model structure has been ready for assembly and integration. Design reviews of major sub-systems of IRNSS satellites like spacecraft structure, thermal control systems, propulsion systems, power system, telemetry tracking and control, deployment mechanisms, pyrotechnic devices, composite elements, check out and integration have been completed. The spacecraft is basically configured with I-1K Bus to be compatible for launch onboard PSLV.
All the payload subsystems and atomic clock units are under various stages of realisation, with the Space Application Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad and the ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), Bangalore playing the lead role. Civil works of Satellite Control Facility at Hassan is in progress. Four 7.2m antennas and one 11m antenna have been installed so far. The civil works for the IRNSS Navigation Centre at Byalalu and the Factory Acceptance Test for IRNSS Network Timing (IRNWT) elements have also been completed.
A detailed design review with participation of ISRO and other Indian agencies are in progress with the hardware, software-related elements being put under the scanner.
ADVANTAGE INDIA: The current global positioning systems (GPS) are provided by non-civilian departments of other countries and are not guaranteed to be available 24x7. In order to remove the dependency on such systems, India hit upon the IRNSS idea, which provides the position, navigation and timing (PNT) services, independent of other global and regional navigation systems. Post-IRNSS launch, India need not dependent upon on other navigation systems. The project sanctioned in June 2006 with a budget of Rs 1420 crore has four core centres, including the ISAC (Bangalore), SAC (Ahmedabad), ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), Bangalore and Master Control Facility (MCF), Hassan.
“The IRNSS project is significant to Department of Space and ISRO and will be vital for India too. It is emerging as an important space application area not only for civil aviation but in many other areas such as mobile telephones, surface transport, intelligent highway system, maritime transport, rail, oil and gas, precision agriculture, fisheries, survey and marine engineering, science, electricity networks and leisure,” ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan told Express.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Gen-next Battlefield Management Systems give combat edge to armed forces

By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service

Bangalore:  Battlefield Management Systems (BMS) act as force-enablers. It gives combat-advantage to our Armed Forces, enabling a state-of-the-art networked theatre in a spit-fire battlefield environment. The recognition of information dominance in future wars will be based on the global success of information dominated military command and control, in influencing the outcome of the battle. “We are at the threshold of a new era; information must no longer be an enabler but a core war fighting capability,” a senior US naval chief had said.
Since the 1980s, Indian defence scientists in general, and specialists at the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) in particular, have been playing the back-room boys' role in enabling the transformation of our armed forces. “Third generation war focuses on using speed and surprise to bypass the enemy's lines and collapse their forces. Essentially, this was the end of linear warfare on a tactical level, with units seeking not simply to meet each other face to face but to out-maneuver each other to gain the greatest battlefield advantage. The impact of C2 capabilities kept increasing with each generation of warfare and became an essential ingredient in the third generation and beyond scenarios,” sources said.
The C2 capabilities needed to address the complexities of third generation warfare and  spearheaded the digitization of the battlefield. Hence, the sensors interfaces, weapons interfaces, and the communication infrastructure migrated to digital technology. These developments have been driven by the adoption of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for supporting the Command and Control chain, or C2 as the military commanders prefer to call it. The units enabling the above are collectively called Battle Management Systems (BMS) or C4I2SR systems. (C4I2SR system means: command, control, communication, computers, information, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.)
The C2 process has been characterized as a series of sequential and interactive steps by a US Air Force strategist Col John Boyd, who termed it the Observe-Orient-Decide-Act (OODA) loop. The central tenet of modern BMS is the OODA loop (see image). While this was conceptualized in the context of military operations, its relevance to modern management techniques has been well established. “An entity that can process this cycle quickly, observing and reacting to unfolding events more rapidly than an opponent, can thereby get inside the opponent's decision cycle and gain advantage,” sources said.
In the last two decades, the CAIR has been playing a pivotal role in the design and development of various C2 systems for the Indian Armed Forces. These systems provide better situational awareness, enable and accelerate the planning and decision-making process, assist in establishing fire supremacy in the battle area, and enable better co-ordination among the military commanders.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

 

Part 9, Tomorrow: Geographical Information System (GIS)