The CIGI Standing Study Group (SSG) has been at work for several years modifying and enhancing the original concepts of a common image generator interface. The result is the development and release of version 3.3 of CIGI. The interface has matured to the point where a product nomination was approved and the SSG met as a Product Development Group (PDG) at the 2011 Fall SIW. 

The purpose of CIGI is to provide interoperability across real-time Image Generator (IG) and Host computational system providers by using a common method of communicatons. The product will provide a common  communications protocol that will enable each disparate visualization tool to quickly interface with other subsystems by providing a set of commonly used subsystem-to-subsystem interactions. The product will also provide for vendor specific communications when there is no commonly available communication mechanism. The product can be used for any visual situational awareness activity be it a real-time Out-The-Window or sensor simulation, a briefing or debriefing station, an instructor operator station, a Scenario planning tool, etc.

It is envisioned to work in concert with the Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) and High Level Architecture (HLA) standards to leverage and benefit from previous investments in these two interfaces.