RAVEN

RAVEN (the Realtime AudioVisual/Analog Video ENgine) is a custom-built workstation computer, designed and built by Ethan. It is used by simulators to make realtime modifications to video feeds from the camera system installed in W027 and the Hawking III.

History

RAVEN is loosely based on a plan devised during the Blue Dawn 2017 mission to construct a "Video Generator" system. Though the original plan specified a standard PC running OPOS1 and capable of outputting one video signal, a system which would have required simulator involvement using the video switch and temporary locking of habitat video switches, the plan for a more advanced, scalable system was devised in response to plans for the 2017 Halloween Mission. Though the 2016 Halloween mission made limited use of NETSPRAWL, the 2017 Halloween mission was planned to control multiple video feeds simultaneously and seamlessly, prompting the development of RAVEN. The system was assembled and tested at Ethan's house and delivered to 440 on the day of the mission.

Technical Specifications

While some techncial details of the RAVEN system are kept secret in the interests of preserving mission integrity, its basic architecture consists of a scalable array of video output devices, known as Generator Nodes (GNs) connected to an internal network, as well as a Kronos-powered Management Node, which provides realtime monitoring and control functionality for the system's operator, and can take the form of an internal component or a laptop connected via an Ethernet cable. The system is also capable of scaling to multiple chassis if properly configured. The system can also be expanded using a hard drive. Realtime processing of video is possible using the optional DIP (Digital Inline Processing) expansion, which can be installed on any GN (typically GN1) and allows any camera feed to be digitized, processed, and output over the standard GN output.

Development Codenames

RAVEN had numerous codenames throughout its development as well as after, both tongue-in-cheek and serious. Operators are encouraged to come up with more and add them below.

• ACE - the Advanced Camera Editor
• "The Ministry of Truth" - A reference to George Orwell's Nineteen-Eighty-Four. Refers to the system's capability to falsify or disable video feeds.
• "The Fazbear Machine" - in reference to the system's conceptual similarity to the security-camera focused gameplay of the Five Nights at Freddy's series of video games, set at a fictional restaurant named "Freddy Fazbear's Pizza".