Augmented reality simulation and training technology roadmap is goal of Army request for information
Posted by John Keller
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md., 14 March 2010. U.S. Army researchers are asking industry for information to help craft a seven-year technology roadmap for augmented-realitysimulation and training technology for infantry soldiers.
Experts at the Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., released a request for information (RFI) Friday called Augmented Reality (AR) Systems Technology Roadmap Survey (solicitation number RDECOM-STTC-RFI) to collect information on augmented reality capabilities for dismounted soldiers.
Augmented reality refers to a live direct or indirect view of a physical real-world environment in which elements are augmented by virtual computer-generated imagery. It is distinct from virtual reality, which refers to a wholly computer-simulated immersive environment.
The RFI invites companies, universities, and agencies interested in pursuing future research and development opportunities with the U.S. Army to contribute information that would help identify research and development trends in augmented reality and related technologies.
Today's mixed- and augmented-reality systems generally use large flat screens, chromo-key (blue/green) screens, CAVE environments, and other projection-based techniques.
Instead, the Army is looking for a new approach that would substitute inexpensive man-wearable systems that could be used at home bases and while deployed, for today's large stand alone simulators.
To do this, Army officials want to explore methods of presenting 2D and 3D virtual objects that represent targets, fire and effects, friendly forces, opposing forces, civilians on the battlefield, and vehicles to the foot soldier. The Army wants users to be able to interact with virtual targets, personnel, and vehicles as though real.
Ultimately, the Army wants man wearable augmented reality capability for training individual tasks within the next one or two years; man wearable capability to train for individual and squad level collective tasks within the next three to five years; and man-wearable augmented reality capability for individual and squad level tasks, including situational awareness, communications, and map data after five years.
Of particular interest are multi-sensor fusion for position tracking; real-time mapping and rendering; augmented reality environment modeling, mapping, and database management; augmented reality interfaces, instrumentation & infrastructure; and head-mounted displays.
Organizations interested in participating should respond no later than 15 April with descriptions of company background, capabilities, areas of expertise, recent research and prototypes, and published papers concerning augmented reality.
Send submissions to Frank Dean at the Army RDECOM's Simulation & Technology Center, by e-mail at [email protected], or by post to Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM), Simulation & Training Technology Center (STTC), ATTN: Mr. Frank Dean, 12423 Research Parkway Orlando, FL 32826-3274. Phone Frank Dean with questions or concerns at 407-384-3877.
More information is online at https://www.fbo.gov/notices/2fd2cfe12f5d505472bcb31146ecf149.
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