ATE-resident multimedia compression for training and test implementation

This paper discusses novel multimedia (video and audio) techniques for accomplishing equipment test and diagnosis in the depot and tactical environment of the soldier technician. This approach can enhance diagnostic capability in ways that cannot be matched through any other currently deployed technology. The paper begins by describing the test environment and the requirements of the soldier technician necessitating the use of multimedia techniques. Examples of multimedia use in ATE are cited that include providing the technician with dynamic visual clues pertaining to system assembly, disassembly, and operation in live motion, and using high quality audio to assist the technician in detecting and discerning sound clues pertaining to faulty system operation. A description of current video compression and audio technologies is provided. Efforts currently underway to implement multimedia in current ATE systems are also described. This paper concludes with a discussion of future directions and trends in this area.