Interoperable architecture for joint real/virtual training in emergency management using the MPEG-V standard

• Published in: Computer standards and interfaces 2015-09, Vol.41, p.39-55
• Main Authors: Ardila, Laura, Pérez-Llopis, Israel, Esteve, Manuel, Palau, Carlos E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Architecture; Command and control; Command and control systems; Emergency management; Interconnection; MPEG-V standard; Optimization; Resource management; Training; Virtual; Virtual reality
• ISSN: 0920-5489; 1872-7018
• DOI: 10.1016/j.csi.2015.02.007

Operatives' training is crucial in emergency management. Traditional exercises to improve procedures interoperability and harmonization between agencies are complex and expensive. Research on command and control systems specifically designed for emergency management and on virtual reality use leads towards enhancing real world applications' capabilities, facilitating management and optimizing resource usage. This paper proposes a new architecture for a training system based on the interconnection between real and virtual worlds extending the MPEG-V standard; allowing real and virtual units' simultaneous and real-time training using commercial off-the-shelf equipment, and including a novel subsystem for video management from both real and virtual sources. •An architecture for joint real/virtual training in emergency management is proposed.•Deployment of a middleware using MPEG-V where different applications interoperate.•Deployment and integration of a subsystem for video management•The proposed system improves the ways of actuation and response in crisis events.•The system has a satisfactory performance and that the use of resources is adequate.