Multiuser Portable Virtual Reality Training Simulator for Submarines

With the escalating pace of tactical submarine operations as well as the increasing strategic deployment of naval assets to distant locations, opportunities for the use of central simulation facilities has been reduced. In order to maintain appropriate training levels at remote locations, the U.S. Navy is seeking a portable training tool to enable data and imagery from land-based simulations to be relayed via long haul fiber networks to crew station console mockups employing both augmented reality and conventional display screens. In response to this need, MetroLaser, Inc. proposes to develop the Remote Access Multiuser Portable Augmented Reality Training Simulation (RAMPARTS) system. RAMPARTS is a highly flexible simulation client and augmented reality system incorporating voice over internet protocol, high-speed low-latency video transmission coupled with interaction tools to allow for remote operation of distant simulation servers. RAMPARTS will employ passive infrared (IR) to provide optical-position determination to determine operator viewpoint position and orientation. This tracking will be used with GPU programming to produce a registered superposition image on the HMD AR system. A two tier approach will be implemented allowing for the use of both AR and conventional simulators. The Phase II prototype will demonstrate transcontinental operation over T-1 bandwidth (3 Mbps).