AnsuR Technologies

ASIGN is an innovative Image Communications Solution, providing the most efficient transfer of high quality photos.

Please contact AnsuR for further details than given here.

ASIGN = Adaptive System Image-communications in Global Networks

Introduction
ASIGN is motivated by the fact that high quality images to and from remote locations in near real time are essential in many situations and operations. For a number of purposes such a proof of location, combined visual and geospatial processing, mapping of images to maps and satellite images and general interest and need as well as off-line archiving and retrieval, it is beneficial to include geospatial information in the image file.

The purpose of ASIGN is to provide a cost- and real-time effective method of global image communication, visual and geo-spatial information processing and image distribution to selected receivers anywhere on the earth. Satellite communications forms an essential basis for achieving the global aspect, sea, air and land, and for achieving independence from any local or lack of local infrastructure as well as a means of achieving consistent performance globally. ASIGN can be used in field operations globally that needs near real-time image coordination such as Emergency Communications and other surveillance operations.

Although ASIGN is an acronym for “Adaptive System for Image communication in Global Networks”, it can also be thought of as a first indicator of a trigger process that later results in a series of events, thus being “A SIGN”.

• ASIGN supports state of the art digital photography with the full flexibility to choose high quality optics for the situation in question. It also allows smaller lightweight pocket camera use.
• ASIGN embeds position information (GPS) including the direction of view into the digital image file.
• ASIGN is optimized for cost and real time efficient global satellite transfer over BGAN, as well as supporting GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/3G communications. Other communication channels on request.
• ASIGN consists of a SW client communicating with a server over satellite or mobile networks.
• ASIGN allows photographers to move freely, using Wi-Fi access from camera to the local computer

Background and Problem Solved
Image communications with spatial information can be used for operations in the field that needs near real-time coordination such as Emergency Communications and surveillance. During situations like emergencies and surveillance, journalism and various documentation and operational situations, it may be desirable to transfer high quality images with (or without) geo-spatial (GPS) information embedded, from high quality cameras. Visual image communications is often of paramount importance in emergency situations.

In some cases powerful tele-optics and digital SLR camera would be the best tool, while during other situations smaller pocket-sized and ruggedized cameras would be the most suitable tools. Photographers would like to roam freely and use the camera without any limitations; thus in order to provide near real-time transfer a wireless connection is provided from the camera to a telecommunications infrastructure.

In order to provide a global network where the system would work in emergencies, independent of other infrastructure and unknown scenarios globally a satellite connection is preferable. The Inmarsat BGAN system offers small satellite access terminals with high bit-rate capacity, terminals that are in size comparable to SLR optics in weight (approx 1 kg).

BGAN provides the Global Network required by ASIGN, although other modem technologies (GPRS/EDGE/UMTS) are supported.

 View PDF explanation of ASIGN (Adobe Acrobat Reader required)

View flow chart diagram of ASIGN

View screenshot of ASIGN